Teeth Whitening.. Show Off Your White Teeth Without Feeling Ashamed

Why Do We Have Different Tooth Colors?

Having different tooth colors results from various abnormal conditions that can manifest through tooth color. These can be divided into 2 types as follows:

• Intrinsic tooth discoloration depends on the factors mentioned earlier, such as high fluoride intake during tooth development causing teeth to appear opaque white, certain antibiotics, genetic diseases, some systemic diseases, pathological conditions of the teeth, and aging.
• Extrinsic tooth discoloration occurs from consuming strongly colored foods and beverages and is related to poor oral hygiene, or from bacteria in the mouth producing pigments, industrial dust, or certain oral products that may change the color of the tooth enamel surface.

Do We Need Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening can be done for those who want whiter teeth, and there are various methods depending on the cause of tooth discoloration. Teeth suitable for whitening include:

• Teeth discolored due to aging
• Non-vital teeth
• Teeth that have been traumatized
• Teeth discolored from antibiotics with mild color changes

Teeth discolored due to genetic diseases from developmental defects in tooth formation cannot be whitened because of structural abnormalities. Other methods are required, such as fillings, veneers, or crowns.

How Is Teeth Whitening Done?

Before whitening, patients should be informed about the procedure, treatment effects, risks, as well as the benefits and drawbacks. After the dentist examines the oral condition, caries, restorations, periodontal health, wear, cracks, tooth sensitivity, causes of discoloration, patient expectations, and allergy history to whitening agents, the procedure can begin.

1. The dentist compares the patient’s original tooth color before whitening.
2. Teeth are polished and cleaned to remove plaque on the tooth surface.
3. Gums are protected by applying resin around the gums to prevent other oral tissues from contacting the whitening agent.
4. The whitening agent is applied to the teeth and left to contact the tooth surface for 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. The whitening agent’s reaction is activated using various tools such as heat, light curing devices, or lasers.
6. After the time is up, the whitening agent is removed, and the resin protecting the gums is taken off.
7. The tooth color before and after whitening is compared. If the patient is not satisfied, the procedure can be repeated about 6 times over 2-4 weeks.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

At-home teeth whitening products have been developed in many forms, such as whitening gels used with whitening trays. After the patient has been examined and informed about the treatment, the dentist records the original tooth color, takes impressions to make whitening trays, and schedules a follow-up appointment to receive the trays and whitening gel. The dentist will try the trays in the patient’s mouth to check for pressure points on the gums, the fit of the trays, and explain how to use them as follows:

1. Teeth should be cleaned before whitening.
2. Apply 1-2 drops of clear gel whitening agent to the cheek side of the teeth as directed by the dentist.
3. Insert the whitening tray snugly in the mouth, use a damp cotton swab to wipe off excess gel outside the tray, wear it during sleep for 6-8 hours per day or at least 2 hours during the day.
4. Return for a check-up within the first 4-7 days to monitor for any abnormalities.
5. Continue whitening until the desired result is achieved, usually full results are seen within 2 weeks in about 80% of cases. The whitening period ranges from 2-6 weeks.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Generally, in-clinic whitening results fade faster than at-home whitening. After whitening, the color will darken gradually and stabilize after about 6 weeks. In the first 2 weeks, water absorption occurs on the tooth surface, and the teeth can remain white for 1-3 years depending on the patient’s diet and oral hygiene. After in-clinic whitening, at-home whitening should be repeated within 1 year to maintain the whiteness.
Importantly, after whitening, avoid consuming staining foods such as tea, coffee, red wine, and curry for the first 1-2 weeks. If severe tooth sensitivity occurs, stop whitening until it subsides before resuming.

Q: Are at-home whitening products sold online dangerous?
A: Whitening agents sold on the market are generally not harmful, but whitening without dental supervision can damage teeth and surrounding tissues. Prefabricated trays may not fit well, causing the gel to leak and irritate the throat. In cases with caries or leaking restorations, it may harm the dental pulp. For patients with direct or indirect restorations, whitening agents may roughen the restorations and cause staining later. Some products use mild acids to clean teeth before whitening, which should be avoided as frequent use can erode enamel.

Q: Can toothpaste whiten teeth?
A: Brushing and cleaning teeth help remove food stains, making teeth look cleaner, but whitening agents in toothpaste cannot whiten teeth because they are in low concentration and contact teeth for a short time. Such toothpaste is mostly recommended to maintain tooth whiteness after whitening treatments.