So, are you interested in whitening your teeth?
Chances are, if you're reading this blog, you're interested in improving the color of your teeth. You're not alone, Britons spent nearly $3.8 billion on dental services last year and there's little sign of them stopping. But cHow do you decide which method is best for you, given that there are so many options on the market?, from over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products to prescription whitening gels from your dentist? With the rise of social media marketing through influencers and celebrities and the improvement in the quality of the technology we use, such as our phones or high-definition televisions, the public's demand for a whiter, more perfect smile continues to grow.
“"The British spent almost 3.8 billion euros on dental services last year"”
But is it safe?
Many of my patients often ask me if teeth whitening is safe, and I always give them the same answer: yes, if prescribed, dispensed and administered safely and legally by the dentist or by dental hygienists (under the prescription of a dentist).
Before 2012, teeth whitening was not regulated. The treatment could be carried out by unqualified beauticians in shopping centres and even some hair salons offered the service. This was a time when teeth whitening had a bad reputation as it caused extreme sensitivity and, in some cases, irreversible damage to the structure of the teeth and gum tissue. Since then, a requirement of EU legislation from 2012 is that a dentist carries out an examination to determine whether a patient is suitable, ensuring that there are no risk factors or diseases.
Let's take a look at the types of staining your teeth can suffer from.
Tooth staining can be classified into two different types:
1) External factors (extrinsic)
- Food
- beverages
- Smoking
- Poor oral hygiene
- Mouthwash containing high concentrations of chlorhexidine
Internal (intrinsic) factors
- The aging process
- Fluorosis (excessive exposure to fluoride in the first 8 years of life)
- White spots (hypo-mineralization of enamel due to premature or low birth weight, chronic infections, or high temperature)
- Tetracycline staining (from antibiotics)
- Trauma (following a fracture or injury)
- Genetic factors
How are teeth whitened?
Teeth whitening can be achieved through physical removal of extrinsic stains or chemical removal of intrinsic stains.
The most effective measure for physically removing extrinsic stains is to have them professionally removed by scheduling an appointment with your dentist. Currently, most dental hygienists use air polishing systems which gently and effectively removes stains from teeth using a mixture of water, compressed air, and a fine powder (usually calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate) delivered through a nozzle. This is an excellent treatment option for patients who suffer from sensitivity due to the lack of direct contact with the teeth.
Physical removal with OTC products is effective for very light stains, using products such as whitening toothpastes that contain detergents, abrasives and enzymes. However, these types of products can only contain up to 0.1% of hydrogen peroxide (HP) in the EU, which produces insignificant, unpredictable and time-consuming results when used alone.
But I really just want to go to Ross from Friend's white 😁.
If you are looking for that one Hollywood smile or if you have more complex intrinsic stains, all you need to do is schedule an appointment with your dentist or dental hygienist to safely and professionally whiten your teeth.
There are many different systems on the market, but established that tray-based whitening systems are the most effective compared to those using blue LED lights. The concentration of teeth whitening gels prescribed by the dentist should contain or release up to 6% HP or 16% carbamide peroxide (CP). Since HP is only active for 30-60 minutes and is applied during the day, it would take several days to achieve the same result as using CP, which is active for about 4 hours, therefore carbamide peroxide is more effective for home whitening.
Given that professional teeth whitening systems are much more expensive than OTC products, it is important opt for a system that guarantees long-lasting whitening results and low sensitivity, so that you can effectively complete the course of treatment and achieve the results you are looking for.
Say Cheeese! (A mozzarella smile, not a cheddar one 😀)
In conclusion, although OTC products only remove extrinsic stains, they are an excellent complement to professional whitening systems prescribed by your dentist, but please make sure that you are using the right products.use a whitening toothpaste that is gentle and not abrasive for your teeth. Combining this with regular visits to the dentist to remove tougher stains (and, of course, bacteria!) you will be able to achieve and maintain that perfect “instagrammable” white smile. It is no longer taboo to whiten your teeth and, let’s be honest, a beautiful smile will never go out of style!
Source: enlightensmiles.com
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