Teeth Whitening: Procedure and After-Care Tips

Everyone desires to have bright and white teeth. One might find several tooth-whitening products available on the market. Unfortunately, many of those products are ineffective. To enhance the look of one's smile and increase self-confidence, teeth whitening is a great option. Professional dentists who perform teeth whitening procedures guarantee that patients will have bright teeth quickly.

This article will discuss the causes of tooth discoloration and the dental teeth whitening procedure in detail. To make this post informative, we have gathered insights from the expert dentist for teeth whitening in Gurgaon at Aspen Dental Clinic. Continue reading to learn.

Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Tooth discoloration can occur for reasons, including:

1. Stains from food and drink: A few meals and drinks, like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries with a dark color, can leave stains on the tooth's surface.

2. Use of tobacco: Smoking and chewing tobacco products can leave teeth with brown or yellowish stains.

3. Aging: As teeth age, the enamel disappears from the outside layer, revealing the naturally yellow dentin underneath.

4. Poor dental hygiene: Not getting enough brushing and flossing can result in plaque and tartar accumulation, which can give teeth a dull or yellow appearance.

5. Trauma: Over time, a tooth that has been injured may darken or discolor.

The Procedure of Professional Teeth Whitening By a Dentist

Depending on the specific treatment plan and the patient’s requirements, dentists may use different teeth-whitening techniques. Conversely, the following steps are part of the common in-office teeth-whitening procedure:

1. The dentist will perform a thorough examination of the patient's teeth and oral health before starting any teeth-whitening treatments. They will check for cavities, gum disease, and any other dental issues that need to be treated before whitening.

2. To get rid of surface stains, tartar, and plaque, the dentist will clean the teeth. This process ensures that the whitening gel will effectively grip the tooth surfaces. 

3. The dentist will cover the gums with a rubber shield or protective barrier to shield the gums and sensitive tissues from the whitening gel, leaving only the teeth visible.

4. The dentist will immediately cover the surfaces of the teeth with a professional-grade bleaching gel that contains either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. The precise formula of this gel is intended to eliminate and dissolve stains and discolorations.

5. In rare instances, the dentist might use a particular light or laser to activate the whitening gel. The results can be enhanced, and the light or laser can accelerate the bleaching process.

6. The dentist will regularly assess the color of the teeth to track the effectiveness of the whitening process. The duration of the gel application may change depending on the kind of product used and the desired level of whitening.

7. The dentist will completely rinse off the whitening gel to remove any residue after reaching the desired level of whitening or finishing the treatment period.

8. The dentist will compare the shade of the teeth before and after the procedure and assess the results. To help maintain the whitening results and reduce discoloration in the days following the procedure, they will also provide aftercare advice.

It is crucial to remember that dentist-performed in-office teeth whitening usually has quicker and more noticeable results than at-home procedures. Furthermore, the dentist can tailor the therapy to meet the precise needs, ensuring a successful and safe procedure.

Things to Do to Preserve the Results of Teeth Whitening Procedure

1. Consume Light-Colored Foods Only

A wide variety of foods, such as colored beverages, should be avoided after teeth whitening. Dark sauces (like tomato or pasta sauce), colorful spices (like curry, turmeric, paprika, etc.), chocolates, and produce with brilliant colors (like beets, tomatoes, pomegranates, etc.) are all good examples. Generally, anything that can stain a white shirt can also stain the teeth. Instead, choose foods with light colors like tofu, white fish, cheese, grilled chicken breasts, cauliflower, pasta, and white fish.

2. Avoid Eating Foods with Acids

The bleach used during the teeth-whitening process causes a slight weakening of the tooth enamel. The enamel can become even more brittle if one consumes acidic beverages and foods like citrus fruit, pickled foods, and processed meats. This may result in increased sensitivity and the possibility of restraining. To reduce pain and preserve the newly whitened teeth, avoid eating anything acidic for at least 48 hours after teeth whitening.

3. Avoid Consuming Colored Beverages  

One might take pleasure in a morning cup of coffee. But colored drinks can discolor the teeth. Select better substitutes, such as water, milk, or coconut milk. If one absolutely cannot function without their morning cup of joy, try drinking it through a straw to prevent direct contact with the teeth.

4. Stop Using Tobacco  

In addition to being very bad for the health, smoking and chewing tobacco are major causes of discoloration and staining of the teeth. Avoid using tobacco products, at least for the first few days after whitening, to prevent the teeth from becoming stained again after a teeth-whitening procedure. 

5. Regular Tooth Brushing  

To keep the teeth looking pearly white even after teeth whitening, one must brush them frequently. Brush the teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste because sensitivity is frequently experienced after teeth whitening. Consider mouthwash and toothpaste made especially for sensitive teeth to further lessen sensitivity. 

Conclusion

Teeth whitening is among the easiest methods for brightening one's smile. It is important to understand that immediately following teeth whitening, teeth are especially vulnerable to discoloration and staining. As a result, one's actions following teeth whitening, particularly during the first 48 hours, determine how long the effects last. Therefore, one must keep the doctor’s aftercare instructions in mind to maintain the procedure's results for a longer duration.

If someone is considering teeth whitening, they should schedule an appointment at Aspen Dental Clinic and meet with expert dentists. The dentists at the clinic are experts in performing all dental-related treatments at affordable prices. Root canals and teeth straightening are among the most common procedures performed at the clinic. Are they wondering about the root canal treatment cost in Gurgaon? At Aspen Dental, an RCT costs start at Rs. 4000. But it varies from case to case and tooth to tooth. To determine the best course of dental treatment and its associated cost, the doctors first get an x-ray and dental examination. Visit the clinic to learn more.