Almost Everything About Teeth Whitening
Hello there! Welcome back to our ‘Almost Everything’ series from Minish Dental Hospital. Today, we’re going to dive into the world of teeth whitening. So, if you’ve been considering brightening your smile, this post is for you!
Contents
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a process that lightens the color of your teeth. It works by using a chemical substance to oxidize the discolored parts of your teeth. This procedure can be a game-changer for those who have discolored teeth due to daily coffee or tea drinking, smoking, and other similar habits.
Who Should Consider Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is recommended for those with discolored teeth due to coffee or smoking, teeth that have turned black due to trauma, or teeth that are naturally yellowish. It’s also a great option if the overall color tone of your teeth doesn’t match.
And if you’re a celebrity, model, YouTuber, or anyone else who’s often in the spotlight, teeth whitening can help you maintain a dazzling smile for the camera.
Is Teeth Whitening Painful?
While there may be individual differences, some people may experience mild pain during the teeth whitening procedure or sensitivity to cold food on the day of whitening. But don’t worry, professional whitening procedures have ways to reduce the procedure time, adjust the concentration of the whitening agent, or apply a desensitizer to reduce hypersensitivity.
Living Tooth vs Dead Tooth Whitening
Living tooth whitening is a procedure for teeth that have not undergone nerve treatment and have dental pulp vitality.
On the other hand, dead tooth whitening is a procedure for tooth discoloration that has undergone nerve (root canal) treatment.
When is Whitening Not Effective?
Teeth stained by smoking, coffee, and other acquired factors respond well to whitening. However, simple teeth whitening can’t improve the natural color transparency and texture of the teeth. Also, teeth whitening can be overly stimulating for teeth that have worn and lost enamel due to aging.
In this particular case, teeth whitening wasn’t the most suitable treatment method. Examining the before photo reveals the natural wear on the enamel layer due to aging, making whitening a potentially harmful option that could further damage the original teeth. Our approach involved the use of Minish veneers, carefully applied to minimize any potential damage. The patient was delighted with the outcome. Unlike teeth whitening, Minish veneers offer several advantages—they are stain-resistant and provide durable, long-lasting protection for the original teeth.
What to Do After Teeth Whitening
After your teeth whitening procedure, avoid eating for up to 2 hours. During the treatment period, it’s also a good idea to avoid smoking and consuming foods that can stain your teeth.
How Long Does the Whitening Effect Last?
Teeth whitening is not a permanent procedure, so the color can return to some extent over time. Usually, re-treatment is required within 1~3 years. However, you can maintain the whitening effect to some extent by keeping the personal tray used during the self-whitening procedure and using the touch-up method once a year.
We hope this post has given you a clearer understanding of teeth whitening. With a clear and beautiful smile, you’re sure to leave a positive impression on everyone you meet. For more information on teeth whitening, just ping us for a comprehensive free WhatsApp consultation here!
