Teeth whitening, as the name suggests, is a method of getting rid of the stains from the surface of the teeth, thereby making them look whiter. Teeth whitening has been around for quite some time now. As a result, new and advanced methods of teeth whitening have been developed. Most people consider having a bright smile as a sign of self-confidence. Hence, a lot of importance is being given to teeth whitening nowadays.
Common causes of teeth staining
Drinking beverages:Â Drinking beverages and aerated drinks often discolor the teeth. The artificial coloring ingredients in them are a significant cause of teeth staining.Â
Eating colored foods:Â Â If foods containing artificial colors get stuck in between the teeth, it could result in severe staining.Â
Chewing tobacco: Chewing tobacco severely affects the color of a person’s teeth. The stains caused by chewing tobacco are tough to get rid of.
Improper brushing and flossing:Â Â Improper brushing techniques could leave a lot of microbes on the teeth. When they remain on the teeth for a long time, they could form plaque and tartar.
Teeth whitening techniques
Conventional teeth whitening: It is the most widely used method of teeth whitening and the simplest one as well. It would take just one visit to the dentist’s office for the procedure to be completed. Initially, the dentist would thoroughly clean the teeth to remove any debris or food particles. Next, the whitening gel will be applied to the teeth and spread evenly. It would take a few minutes for the gel to remove the stains from the surface of the teeth. The procedure can be repeated several times, depending on the discoloration of the teeth and the level of whitening required.
Whitening using plastic trays: This process makes use of customized plastic trays for whitening. Initially, the dentist would take a precise mold of the teeth after carrying out the screening process. The mold will be used as a reference to fabricate the plastic trays in a dental laboratory. During the next visit, the trays would be ready, and the dentist will check them for fit and comfort. The dentist would give you a special whitening cream to use with the trays, which you’ll have to wear twice a day for 30 minutes. The advantage with this method is that the whitening is more effective as the gel will be in constant contact with the teeth, and the saliva wouldn’t interfere with it.
Laser teeth whitening:Â This method of whitening makes use of a special whitening gel that is photosensitive. The process is very similar to that of conventional teeth whitening. However, the whitening gel will be activated with the help of a laser of a specific wavelength. The gel, when activated, produces a foam, which gets rid of the stains from the teeth surface. It is the best option for people who have a particularly busy schedule as the process takes very little time and produces excellent results as well.
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