Before jumping into the facts of teeth whitening, the first thing you should know is that it isn’t natural to have perfectly white teeth. Most people’s teeth are different shades and tints, and this can be down to many factors.
Preventing teeth discolouration is almost impossible for the majority of us and you could say that we’re fighting a losing battle. If you’re an avid drinker of tea, coffee, or red wine for instance, then you’ll know how hard it is to steer clear of these well-known stain-inducing beverages.
Other things like the aging process or the drug tetracycline, are also responsible for discolouring teeth.
The problem is that white teeth are perceived to be healthy. And while this is, in reality, also a myth, there’s no denying that a beautiful white smile can boost a person’s confidence.
For this reason, Teeth whitening is more popular than ever – in fact, it’s one of our most frequently requested cosmetic procedures. Most people know the basics of how teeth whitening works but there are several interesting facts about this cosmetic procedure that you should also know. So without further ado, let’s dive in and check them out.
Teeth whitening does not damage your teeth
When teeth whitening is carried out by your dentist, it’s incredibly safe. Unlike abrasive whitening toothpaste, it won’t damage the tooth enamel.
The ingredients in the whitening gel work to temporarily open the pores of your teeth and lift out the stains from within.
After the whitening treatment, your teeth naturally remineralise and re-hydrate themselves.
It’s OK to experience tooth sensitivity after whitening teeth
Many individuals have sensitive teeth. Some of the reasons for this include genetics, thin enamel, and fine cracks, and this is something that your dentist can take into account before whitening your teeth.
Despite this, some sensitivity after the teeth whitening process is fairly common.
The active chemicals in the whitening gel can cause temporary dehydration to the teeth which, in turn, reduces their ability to insulate the nerve from temperature changes. In most cases, this issue disappears within a couple of days after the procedure.
Your dentist may recommend a post-whitening fluoride treatment to restore hydration and nourish the teeth.
You may require more than one session to remove teeth stains
If this is your first time of teeth whitening then be prepared for the fact that one session may not be sufficient to remove years or even decades of stains.
In reality, it could take several days or even months to achieve the gleaming white teeth you were hoping for. Try and remain patient during this time – once your teeth are free from stains, maintaining whiteness will be much easier.
The best time to whiten your teeth is at bedtime
When teeth are whitened they are at their most vulnerable to staining. Why? Because the teeth pores remain slightly open, Believe it or not, just like our skin, teeth contain thousands of microscopic pores.
These can let stains in and is why dentists often recommend whitening just before bedtime.
This gives your teeth sufficient time to replenish themselves with minerals and moisture before any foods or drinks pass your lips.
Crowns and veneers cannot be whitened
Dental crowns and veneers cannot be damaged or whitened by the teeth whitening procedure and this is because unlike natural teeth, they have no pores.
What’s more, when crowns and veneers are fitted they are usually whitened to match the shade of your natural teeth and will resist the chemicals found in the whitening gel. So as a general rule of thumb, look to undergo teeth whitening before you have new crowns and veneers fitted.
A custom-fitted whitening tray makes a world of difference
While most of the ingredients contained in teeth whitening products are similar, what makes a difference is the device that’s used to hold the whitening gel against the teeth.
Take-home whitening kits from your dentist provide you with custom made whitening trays which are manufactured from impressions taken of your teeth.
This ensures that every corner of your teeth, regardless of their angle or shape, receives an even and consistent coverage of the whitening gel.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case with OTC (over the counter) whitening trays and strips which are made on a ‘one size fits all’ basis and often produce uneven whitening which may show as stripes or blotches on the teeth.
Teeth whitening can last a long time
To get the most out of teeth whitening it helps to avoid certain foods. Cut down on your consumption of coffee, tea, and wine and eat less curry and Bolognese sauce. If you can’t give up your favourite drinks, then consider drinking them through a straw so that the liquid doesn’t come into contact with your teeth.
Other methods of keeping your teeth whiter for longer include
- Brushing your teeth or rinsing with water immediately after consuming stain-inducing foods or beverages.
- Maintaining a good level of oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria.
- Using a whitening toothpaste once or twice a week to help reduce surface stains
- Asking your dentist about touch-up whitening treatments
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile and want to know more about how teeth whitening works and whether it’s right for you, why not book a consultation with Beyond Infinity Dental by calling (02) 8806 3799 or book online. Our professional cosmetic teeth whitening procedures are easy and affordable.