Teeth Whitening: Restoring Your Bright Smile
Whitening procedures have effectively restored the smiles of people with stained, dull, or discolored teeth. Over time, teeth become more absorbent and vulnerable to staining from food, beverages, and other substances. More and more people today are choosing tooth-whitening procedures to reverse the effects of aging, diet, and tobacco use.
Types of Tooth Stains
There are two types of tooth stains:
- Intrinsic (Internal) Stains – These stains originate from within the tooth and cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. They may be caused by tooth injuries, certain medications (such as tetracycline), or excessive fluoride ingestion during tooth formation. Bleaching may not be effective for these stains, and alternative treatments like porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be necessary.
- Extrinsic (External) Stains – These stains affect the surface of the tooth and are usually caused by stain-inducing foods and beverages like coffee, tea, berries, and soy sauce. Proper oral hygiene or professional cleaning can often help remove these stains.
Teeth Whitening Options
There are various whitening options available:
- Whitening Toothpastes – These can help remove surface stains using mild abrasives. Some also contain special chemical or polishing agents for additional stain removal, but unlike bleaches, they do not change the actual color of teeth.
- Over-the-Counter Whitening Systems – These can be somewhat effective when used correctly, though results vary based on the type of stain and the severity of discoloration.
- Professional Whitening – Performed in a dental office, this is the most effective and safest method. Done properly, professional whitening can last up to five years.
Limitations and Considerations
Whitening agents work best on certain types of stains but may not be effective on pitted, badly discolored teeth or restorations such as crowns, bridges, bonding, or tooth-colored fillings. While yellow teeth generally respond well to whitening, brownish or grayish teeth may not bleach as effectively.
Caution:
- Whitening treatments may cause temporary tooth sensitivity, particularly for individuals with receding gums. A study in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that 50% of people experience temporary sensitivity from home whitening treatments.
- Over-whitening can make it difficult to match future dental work, such as fillings.
For the best and safest results, professional whitening is recommended, with close monitoring of at-home treatments.
