As we age, stains from various foods such as tea, coffee, red wine, soft drinks, or cigarettes can cause the color of teeth that were once white to darken. Teeth whitening is therefore an option to naturally restore the whiteness of our teeth. Most people who undergo teeth whitening do so to boost confidence when smiling, improve their appearance, remove long-standing stains, and create a good impression on others or for certain occasions such as weddings, job interviews, or parties.
There are various methods for whitening teeth
In-office Power Bleaching is teeth whitening performed by a dentist in the clinic using a high-concentration whitening agent along with tools to stimulate a rapid reaction of the whitening agent, such as using lasers.
Advantages: Convenient, fast, can complete whitening in one session.
Disadvantages: May cause some tooth sensitivity due to the high concentration of the whitening agent.
Home Bleaching is teeth whitening that can be done at home but still under the supervision of a dentist. The dentist will take an impression to prepare a whitening tray and provide whitening gel to be used overnight.
Advantages: Causes less tooth sensitivity than in-office whitening and is less expensive.
Disadvantages: Takes a relatively long time to complete the whitening process.
In-office assisted Bleaching is a combination of In-office and Home Bleaching, where whitening is first done by the dentist in the clinic, then the tray is taken home for additional whitening.
Over-the-counter Bleaching is self-administered whitening without dental supervision. Whitening products can be purchased at pharmacies and beauty stores. These use low-concentration hydrogen peroxide agents such as whitening strips and whitening toothpaste.
Advantages: Pre-made whitening trays may not fit well or snugly on the teeth, causing discomfort, and the whitening gel may leak out of the tray, irritating the soft tissues in the mouth.
Precautions: Whitening gels often do not clearly state the concentration of the active agent. If the concentration is high, it may cause tooth sensitivity. Additionally, there is no dental supervision or consultation.
Internal Bleaching is whitening for teeth that have changed color due to being non-vital, such as teeth that have undergone root canal treatment or have died due to trauma. These teeth die individually, not the entire mouth. Whitening is done directly on those teeth by placing the whitening agent inside the tooth. When the desired color is achieved, the opening is sealed with a permanent filling material.
Safe and reliable teeth whitening
Many studies have shown that teeth whitening is safe and effective. Many products on the market also have no side effects on gums and teeth. However, it is important to choose clinically proven products, follow instructions strictly, and consult with a dental specialist.
Dr. Chok Charoenreun
Specialist in Endodontics
Dental Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
