Dr. Vilas Patel talks about the differences between teeth whitening and teeth cleaning and how to know which one might be right for you.
With the rise of non-invasive dentistry, the focus has shifted somewhat from routine dentistry, and now more and more patients are coming into our offices looking for a treatment that will make their smile look more aesthetically pleasing. And surprisingly for some, there are some very simple steps that can be taken to get the smile you want. Teeth cleaning vs. teeth whitening, which is best for you?
The most common question we get right now is definitely “what can I do to improve the appearance of my teeth?” and there are two particularly simple ways – teeth whitening and teeth cleaning.
What is the difference between a dental cleaning and teeth whitening?
A teeth cleaning is designed to get rid of external stains that accumulate on our teeth due to things like stains from food or smoking. For example, if it's just external stains that have accumulated over the years, then a good cleaning will easily get rid of these stains. But,If the stain is more ingrained in the tooth, then teeth whitening is the best option. The main difference between teeth whitening and teeth cleaning is that the former cleans the tooth surface of extrinsic stains, and the latter cleans extrinsic and intrinsic stains, while whitening the teeth at the same time.
“Teeth whitening does not damage enamel”
As we all age, the things we eat and the things we smoke slowly start to discolor our teeth, and general cleaning may not get rid of these types of stains. In this case, a teeth whitening treatment may be a good option to get that whiteness back in your smile.
Does teeth whitening damage enamel?
It's a common misconception, but in reality, Teeth whitening does not damage the enamel, nor are there any long-term effects of tooth whitening. Of course, you should first get a dental checkup to make sure everything is healthy before you begin. But once it has been confirmed that your gums and teeth are healthy, then teeth whitening is a simple and straightforward procedure to go through.
It generally starts with some in-office work, which then leads to an overnight whitening at home for two weeks. And this not only gets rid of the external stains on your teeth, but it also changes the color of your teeth back to how they were when you were younger. The way it works is that the carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide gel opens up the tubules inside the tooth and gets rid of the internal stains of the tooth, whereas toothpaste will only get rid of the stains on the surface of the tooth, it won't penetrate any deeper. So for this reason, teeth whitening tends to be seen as a much more effective option.
Nicola had been concerned about the uneven appearance of her teeth for many years and felt that they made her look older than she actually was. She decided that she wanted a straighter, whiter smile without looking too fake. As Nicola’s teeth were quite worn, we used reconstruction techniques over several months to rebuild her back teeth so that we had space for the final porcelain veneers on her front teeth. In this way, we gave Nicola a beautiful and natural smile, but one that would also ensure good chewing function and last over time. Total treatment time: 9-12 months.
How old do I have to be to whiten my teeth?
Anyone, regardless of age, can benefit from whitening. Of course, in general, adult patients, 18 years and older in most cases, are the ones who request teeth whitening procedures and there is no age limit for this procedure, and teeth whitening begins to improve the whiteness of the teeth immediately.
What if I want to straighten my teeth first?
It is not uncommon for patients to also want to change the position of their teeth when they begin to consider teeth whitening. For example, if a patient's teeth are crooked, crowded, or if they had braces when they were younger but now their teeth have started to move back, then orthodontic procedures are a good way to start getting the smile they want.
“Not all treatments have to be extensive or expensive.”
This could mean looking into options like fixed braces or Invisalign, which is a more discreet choice. If you opt for fixed braces, then they will be on your teeth at all times, while Invisalign is removable. Although their mechanisms are slightly different, they both serve the same purpose. Both are designed to make your teeth beautiful and straight for life.
Other options include composite bonding. For example, let's say a patient doesn't want braces and only needs minor modifications to achieve the desired result, then composite bonding would be the most viable solution. And the way it works is that material is added to an existing tooth to change the shape or color of a tooth.
How do I know which method would work best for me?
It really all depends on your individual circumstances and the methods you are open to pursuing to achieve the smile you want. Dental exams will give you a clear answer as to what might work for you. For example, if a patient has a space between their teeth, then their options for closing that space may range from orthodontic treatments such as braces, to composite bonding, to veneers or crowns.
And ultimately, the decision we make is based on examining your teeth and, of course, a consultation with you to decide what works best for you at that particular time. We will consider factors such as the health of your teeth, your age, the costs involved, and what you want to achieve.
There are plenty of treatment options available for anyone who wants to improve the appearance of their teeth. Dentistry has changed a lot in recent years, so not all treatments need to be extensive or expensive. It could be a very simple treatment that can be done in one day, or if it's a more advanced case, then the treatment might be a little more involved. But ultimately, we're there to help patients feel comfortable with their teeth and to help them achieve the results they want.
Source: enlightensmiles.com
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