Currently, teeth whitening is widely popular, especially among young working adults who need to meet people. Having a bright smile and clean, beautiful teeth is essential. The cause of teeth looking unclean, not bright white, or having yellow stains that make them unattractive may come from regularly drinking tea or coffee, or frequently consuming strongly flavored and dark-colored foods. Teeth whitening to restore brightness is therefore an excellent solution to this problem.
What is teeth whitening… and why should you whiten your teeth?
Teeth whitening is dental care that changes the dull color of teeth back to their original bright white color, to have an attractive smile. It uses a substance called Hydrogen peroxide found in teeth whitening products, which reacts with the enamel or dentin to break down stains, making teeth look whiter and brighter without any harm.
Who is teeth whitening suitable for?
- Those with yellow or dull teeth caused by stains or natural tooth color
- Those who regularly drink tea, coffee, or soft drinks
- Working adults with professions that require smiling, talking, and networking
- Heavy smokers
- Those with yellow dentin caused by antibiotics
Who should not whiten their teeth?
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Those under 16 years old because the dental pulp is still developing and whitening may cause irritation
- Patients with gum disease
- Those with tooth sensitivity, cavities, fillings, or other oral problems should consult a dentist before whitening
Does teeth whitening really make teeth whiter?
Teeth whitening can indeed make teeth whiter and is one of the most popular procedures. Whitening is as important as other dental care methods. It is a Dental One Day Solution that restores teeth to be clean, bright, and attractive, enhancing one’s appearance with just one day of treatment. Those interested should consult a dentist to assess the condition of their teeth and oral health for safety and optimal results. Generally, the whitening effect lasts about 6 months to 1 year, depending on the initial tooth color, whitening agent, equipment used, and individual oral care after treatment.
Are there any side effects of teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening does not harm the tooth structure or make the enamel more fragile. However, some sensitivity may occur during and after the procedure, which usually subsides within 1-2 days.
Guidelines for teeth whitening
| Before Whitening | During Whitening | After Whitening |
| 1. Scale tartar and adjust braces before whitening | 1. Staff will periodically ask the patient if they experience tooth sensitivity or any other abnormal symptoms | 1. Avoid colored foods such as soft drinks, tea, coffee, and Southern Thai food for 1-2 weeks after whitening |
| 2. Get fillings before whitening if there are cavities or chipped teeth | 2. If the patient experiences any abnormal symptoms during whitening, they can raise their hand to signal the staff | 2. Avoid smoking for 1-2 weeks after whitening |
| 3. Some may be advised to use toothpaste for reducing sensitivity | 3. After whitening, the dentist will apply desensitizing gel or treatment for every case | 3. Brush teeth thoroughly for 1-2 weeks after whitening |
| 4. To prevent teeth from darkening again, brush or rinse your mouth after drinking tea, coffee, or eating colored and strongly flavored foods | ||
| 5. Follow the dentist’s instructions strictly |
Symptoms during teeth whitening
- May experience tooth sensitivity during the procedure
- May feel some mouth fatigue
- May feel warmth around the lips caused by radiation
- In some cases, there is no sensitivity during the procedure, but 1-2 hours after whitening, sensitivity may occur, or some may feel sensitivity when drinking cold water. These symptoms usually improve within 1-2 days
Types of teeth whitening
1. In-office Power Bleaching is whitening performed by a dentist at the clinic using a high-concentration whitening agent combined with Cool Light LED or laser. Its advantages are:
- Safe
- All steps are supervised by a dentist
- Quick procedure
- Immediate results depending on individual tooth condition
2. At-home Bleaching is whitening that can be done at home but requires an initial visit to the dentist to take impressions for a custom whitening tray, receive whitening gel, and instructions. Its advantages are convenience and lower cost.
3. In-office assisted Bleaching is whitening done by a dentist combined with at-home whitening, used for very dark teeth. The dentist whitens the teeth at the clinic first, then provides equipment and whitening gel for the patient to continue at home.
4. Over-the-counter Bleaching is whitening that can be done by oneself using products such as whitening strips, whitening toothpaste, and whitening mouthwash available in stores and pharmacies.
5. Internal Bleaching is whitening for individual teeth that must be done by a dentist because it treats discoloration caused by dead teeth, usually affecting only specific teeth, not the entire mouth.
Good advice from dentists on teeth whitening
Choosing the right type of teeth whitening depends on the cause and the degree of tooth discoloration. Specialized dentists with expertise in whitening will provide good advice and consultation to achieve the desired results and ensure quality whitening by selecting the best and most suitable method for each individual’s teeth.
The 3 popular types of teeth whitening
| Teeth whitening with Cool light | Teeth whitening with laser | Zoom teeth whitening |
| Uses LED light projected onto teeth coated with whitening gel to stimulate the gel, breaking down dense pigments in the teeth, making them look whiter and brighter | Uses diode laser light to stimulate the whitening gel to break down and penetrate the tooth surface better, quickly removing stains and pigments on the tooth surface | Uses intense blue light energy to stimulate the whitening gel to penetrate the tooth surface and remove stains or pigments inside the teeth without damaging the tooth structure |
Symptoms after teeth whitening
Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after whitening, which is normal and can occur. However, with continuous advancements in whitening technology, sensitivity has decreased. Generally, this sensitivity resolves on its own within 48 hours.
Safe and effective teeth whitening
Safe, effective, and quality teeth whitening for aesthetics and dental health requires visiting a specialized dentist with expertise and a professional license. Whitening or whitening agents purchased from stores for home use, if used incorrectly, may cause adverse effects and increase risks to dental and oral health, such as inflammation, tooth sensitivity, irritation, and nerve damage, which worsen dental health instead of improving or beautifying it as expected.
