Smile! That is what it takes to make anyone's day. A smile can boost your confidence and leave a lasting impression. As Indians, our diet consists mostly of spices cooked in oil, and we love our morning Chai or Coffee, our teeth can observe stains if no proper routine is followed for taking proper care of our teeth. Proper gargling and cleaning your mouth after every meal or snack and using good quality oral care products with highly effective ingredients can take your oral care to another level. But if no good routine is followed for a long stretch of time ( maybe a decade ), an option which could be left for people who suffer from bad stains and coloured teeth is Teeth whitening. It is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can help you achieve a brighter, whiter smile. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of teeth whitening, exploring what it is, the types of stains it can address, various teeth whitening options, the duration of results, and potential side effects.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure aimed at lightening the color of the teeth and removing stains and discolouration. It involves the use of bleaching agents to break down stains and brighten the tooth enamel, resulting in visible white teeth. Teeth whitening can be performed by a dentist in-office or use products like
What are Teeth Stains and Their Types?
Teeth stains can be categorized into two main types: extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains are surface stains that occur on the outer layer of the tooth enamel and are often caused by factors such as coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and certain foods. Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, occur within the tooth structure and may be caused by factors such as aging, trauma, medications, or excessive fluoride exposure.
Options for Teeth Whitening:
There are several options available to get visible white teeth, including professional in-office treatments and at-home whitening kits. In-office whitening treatments are performed by a dentist and typically involve the use of a high-concentration bleaching agent applied directly to the teeth. At-home teeth whitening kits typically contain lower-concentration bleaching agents and may include whitening trays, teeth whitening foam, teeth whitening strips, or gels that are applied to the teeth for a specified period of time. Apart from these methods there are natural teeth whitening at home options available like - using baking soda to clean teeths, lemon or orange peel and several others.
Who Should Get Their Teeth Whitened?
People who consume tea and coffee multiple times regularly, indulge in heavy smoking and do have visited dentist irregularly, they can opt in for teeth whitening.
How Much Teeth Whitening Cost in India?
The cost of teeth whitening procedure under a Dentist may vary from city to city, but it can range between Rs.8,000 - Rs.25,000 depending on the location, service offered by the Dentist. Teeth whitening kits or teeth stain remover could be economical compared to full treatment, ranging from Rs. 500 - 4,000/- depending upon the brand and the product.
Duration of Results: How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
The duration of teeth whitening results can vary depending on several factors, including the type of whitening treatment used, the severity of stains, and individual oral hygiene habits. In general, professional in-office teeth stain remover treatment or teeth whitening treatments can provide immediate results that last for several months to a year, while at-home teeth whitening kits may require regular maintenance to sustain results.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening treatment gives instant glowing teeth which not only brightens the smile but give internal confidence. Few benefits are as follows:
1. Improves appereance
2. Boosts confidence
3. Gives sense of overall wellness
Side Effects of Teeth Whitening
Some individuals may experience temporary side effects such as tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or mild discomfort during or after treatment. These side effects typically subside within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It's important to follow the instructions provided by your dentist or the manufacturer when using whitening products to minimize the risk of adverse effects. And one should only move forward when they are 100% sure about the pros and cons of the treatment or product.
Few potential side effects of teeth whitening could be:
Discomfort If you Have Sensitive Teeth
You may feel discomfort or pain during the treatment or mainly during eating or drinking post treatment with respect to your already sensitive teeth. Do inform the dentist before proceeding.
Increased Sensitivity to Hot and Cold food or drinks.
Your teeth might be more sensitive towards hot and cold drinks, especially during 3-4 days post treatment.
Inflammation
Bleaching and whitening teeth may cause inflammation in the pulp of your teeth, particularly if they are compromised with cracks or breakage.
If there are any breakages in gums or already inflamed gums, bleaching can result into inflammation in gum breakage or could increase already present inflammation.
Possible irritation in tooth
Do perform a patch test to see how sensitive your oral cavity is to bleaching. In case the allergy is observed, do discuss with your dentist before proceeding.
Takeaway:
We believe that managing diet, having a good oral hygiene routine and using clean label products with highly effective ingredients is the best way to keep teeth healthy and glowing, in a natural way. Check this guide on how to use tooth tabs? However, people who would like to opt for teeth whitening, can help you achieve a temporary brighter, whiter smile. By understanding the different types of stains, options for teeth whitening at home kits, whitening treatments, duration of results, and potential side effects, you can make informed decisions about your oral care and choose the best whitening solution for your needs. Remember to consult with a dentist before undergoing any teeth whitening procedure to ensure safety and effectiveness. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy a radiant smile that lights up the room.
P.S. - This blog post is just for information purposes, we do not provide, or endorse any product or treatment. Readers should do their due diligence and make a decision to try any product or treatment keeping side effects, chemicals used in the treatment/product, effectiveness and cost.
