Teeth whitening treatments refer to a variety of procedures that aim to make patients’ natural teeth appear whiter and brighter. Some of these methods include UV (ultraviolet) light therapy, sanding down stains, and bleaching, among others.
The goal of teeth whitening is to enhance the appearance of discolored teeth, resulting in a brighter, more natural-looking smile.
While there are various teeth whitening products available for use at home, it is generally recommended to opt for professional teeth whitening for potentially better results, especially if you are experiencing other dental issues, such as tooth sensitivity. In this post, we will explore causes of tooth stains, different types of teeth whitening, what to expect during the procedure at Studio Smiles NYC, how to prepare for it, and more.
Causes of Discolored, Black, or Yellow Teeth
There are two primary factors that cause black, brown, discolored, or yellow teeth. These are extrinsic staining and intrinsic tooth discoloration.
Extrinsic Staining:
This is caused by things you consumed. For instance, foods and beverages that contain chemicals, like tannins, pre-chromogens, or chromogens, can change the color of your teeth. Soft drinks, red wine, coffee, tea, and some vegetable juices, as well as dark-colored fruits, can bind to white tooth enamel and cause brown, yellow, or black staining.
Nicotine or tar in cigarettes can also cause dark or yellow teeth. When the substances in cigarettes bind to the outer layer of teeth, it is absorbed and cause the teeth to darken. Smoking can also cause plaque buildup, which can contribute to tooth decay, sensitive teeth, and periodontal gum disease, among other dental issues.
Intrinsic Staining:
Aging, tooth and gum injuries, and certain medications can also cause teeth discoloration. As we age, our tooth enamel thins, making it more likely for pigment from dark-colored beverages and foods to embed easily in the enamel. This can turn teeth into brown, yellow, or a darker color.
Also, when the teeth and gums are injured, one of the body’s ways of reacting is to produce a thicker layer of dentin to keep the original dentin from damage, which may darken the color of the teeth. Also, injuries to the teeth and gums can cause blood buildup in the teeth, which can change the color.
Additionally, medications, such as those for blood pressure or asthma, and some antibiotics prescribed for pregnant women, such as doxycycline or tetracycline, can also darken the teeth of children as they grow older.
Types of Teeth Whitening Methods
There are different teeth whitening methods available today, ranging from teeth whitening toothpastes to professional teeth whitening procedures performed at the dentist’s office. Some whitening products are specifically designed to reduce extrinsic stains, while others work effectively on both intrinsic and extrinsic stains.
Many in-office and over-the-counter treatment options utilize hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to reduce tooth stains. However, it is important to talk to our cosmetic dentist at Studio Smiles NYC for professional teeth whitening to see what option is right for you.
If you experience tooth sensitivity, it’s also a good idea to consult our dentist. The following are the different types of whitening teeth methods available:
Office Teeth Whitening Treatment
This treatment is performed at the dentist’s office and often uses active ingredients in higher concentrations to help achieve noticeable, dramatic results within a short period. This professional teeth whitening process may involve many sessions to achieve your desired result.
One of the procedures performed at our dentist’s office is called power bleaching, which involves rinsing your teeth with a hydrogen peroxide solution. This procedure typically takes between twenty and thirty minutes. Laser therapy can also be included during professional teeth whitening services.
Home Whitening Kits
These may come as a paste or gel to be applied directly to your teeth with a brush. Some home whitening kits require you to apply a whitening agent to your teeth and then wear a mouthguard for a specific period of time. Some home whitening kits come with a heat lamp, UV light, or blue light in the mouthguard to activate the whitening paste.
It is worth mentioning that the active ingredients in approved at-home whitening kits are lower in concentration compared to what you get in the dentist’s office. That means you need to use the kit daily for many weeks to see gradual, noticeable results.
Teeth Whitening Products
Over-the-counter products come as whitening toothpaste and mouthwash. They often contain baking soda to scrub stains away, due to its mild abrasive nature. Certain whitening toothpastes contain charcoal, another element with abrasive properties. Some whitening formulas may contain carbamide and hydrogen peroxide in low concentrations.
Before investing in teeth whitening services, it is essential to understand that certain abrasives can damage your natural tooth enamel if used excessively or over an extended period. Therefore, you should consult with our dentist at Studio Smiles NYC to determine the specific treatment plan that may be suitable for your discolored teeth.
Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening
Philips Zoom teeth whitening is popular among people looking for teeth whitening services. There are two treatment options offered by Philips Zoom, and these are Philips Zoom teeth whitening and Home bleaching using Philips Zoom products.
The teeth whitening option is an in office treatment and it uses a tooth whitening gel in combination with light or energy-based activation. The home teeth bleaching uses a tooth whitening kit that contains teeth whitening gel and trays. You can talk to our dentist at Studio Smiles NYC to know if this is suitable for your dental needs.
Teeth Bleaching at the Dentist’s Office: What to Expect
Consultation:
The first step in the teeth whitening process is to schedule a consultation. Our dentist will examine your teeth and discuss your teeth whitening goals. They will also check if you have any dental issues that may affect your treatment, such as tooth sensitivity, gum sensitivity, or gum disease.
Cleaning Procedure:
Before the tooth bleaching process, our cosmetic dentist will often clean your teeth before applying the teeth whitening agent to remove debris and plaque.
Application:
Next, they will apply the whitening gel, and if it is part of the treatment plan, they may also use heat or light to activate the gel. If your treatment option involves take-home kits with take home whitening trays, our cosmetic dentist will give you details on how to apply the gel in the whitening trays.
Some patients may notice visible dramatic results within a short period after an in office treatment. However, take home whitening trays may require several applications before you might see noticeable results.
Are You a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening Methods?
Professional teeth whitening can be suitable for many people, but there are factors that must be considered to determine if you are a good candidate for tooth bleaching.
Overall Oral Health: People with damaged teeth and gums, cavities, or other dental problems may need to address these problems first before considering whitening teeth options.
Types of Stains: Teeth whitening may not work effectively for some stains, especially those from medications.
Age: Typically, you should be at least 16 years old before you can consider tooth bleaching or other teeth whitening services.
Teeth Whitening Options: Side Effects
According to the American Dental Association, teeth whitening may cause side effects, even if it is an in office bleaching procedure. This is because professional teeth bleaching uses strong bleaching agents that can affect your teeth.
Some of the side effects include teeth temporarily sensitive to cold drinks or sweet food, white patches on your gums, or sore gums or throat. Usually, our dentist will apply a soft paste or shield to protect your gums during treatment to minimize the side effects, but the side effects are typically temporary. We recommend contacting our dentist if you experience any adverse effects that disturb you.
Who Should Consider the Teeth Whitening Process?
Teeth whitening may be appropriate for people with stained, darker, or yellow teeth. People who smoke regularly, have drinks that can stain teeth, such as red wine, tea, or coffee, and those getting older may consider the option to whiten teeth. It is worth mentioning that teeth whitening is not permanent.
However, if you follow the recommendations of our dentist, you can maintain the results of teeth whitening for approximately three years. People with gum irritation, gum sensitivity, enamel erosion, or generally unhealthy teeth or gums may not be good candidates for tooth bleaching and other teeth whitening procedures until the oral health issues are treated.
Additionally, whitening teeth may not be suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as those with porcelain crowns, implants, or dentures. This is because teeth whitening can only make natural teeth shades brighter, leading to a brighter smile, but it will not change the color of restorations.
How to Maintain a Brighter Smile after the Teeth Whitening Process
Whether you choose in-office whitening or use an at-home tooth whitening solution, brushing and flossing your teeth can help you maintain the tooth whitening results. Additionally, keeping your dental appointments is crucial for maintaining your overall dental health.
Additionally, limit your consumption of acidic beverages and foods to the bare minimum, especially those containing tannins.
Tannins are plant substances with astringent quality. You should also avoid beverages that can cause tooth stains, such as white and red wine, sports drinks, black teas, coffee, heavily colored foods, sauces like curries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce, and dark and light-colored carbonated drinks.
Is Teeth Bleaching Safe?
Tooth whitening is generally considered safe when performed appropriately, especially under professional supervision. However, it carries some risks, depending on your choice of teeth whitening services and the duration of use. It is important to follow your dentist’s or manufacturer’s instructions when using at-home teeth whitening kits.
Some of the risks associated with overuse or misuse of tooth whitening include gum sensitivity, softening of the tooth enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, roughening of the tooth’s surface, and discoloration or damage to dental restorations like crowns. To minimize these risks, opt for professional tooth whitening treatment and use only approved products.
Tooth Stains Solutions: Final Thoughts
Tooth stains may often be improved with the right approach. There are various professional and at-home teeth whitening services available, including OTC products and in office treatments. However, it is important to talk to a licensed and experienced dentist like the team at Studio Smiles NYC. Schedule your consultation today.