What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that lightens the natural colour of your teeth, helping to achieve a brighter smile. Whilst teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic treatment rather than essential, this treatment can restore confidence in patients whilst giving the teeth a healthy appearance.
There are different ways to whiten teeth, including external whitening with gels or intrinsic
bleachingA cosmetic dental procedure that whitens the teeth using a bleaching solution., which is a more intensive treatment used for cases like
root canalThe portion of the pulp cavity inside the root of a tooth; the chamber within the root of the tooth that contains the pulp.-treated teeth.
Can the teeth be naturally whitened?
Maintaining good oral hygiene is the most important step in keeping teeth naturally bright. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and regular dental check-ups help prevent staining and more serious issues like
decayThe lay term for carious lesions in a tooth; decomposition of tooth structure., which can affect the appearance of your teeth.
Be cautious about DIY whitening remedies found online. Many involve mixing abrasive powders like baking soda or charcoal with acidic liquids like lemon juice. These might seem to work at first, but they can wear down your
enamelHard calcified tissue covering dentin of the crown of tooth. over time, making your teeth more vulnerable to damage and more sensitive over time.
So, Can Teeth Be Naturally Whitened?
Natural teeth whitening is challenging, but the best approach is prevention:
- Stick to a consistent oral hygiene routine.
- Avoid foods and drinks that stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, and red wine.
- Discuss with your dentist the various whitening options available.
Alternative solutions to naturally whitening the teeth?
You can have your teeth brightened in a few different ways at the dentist, these include:
The first option for an effective treatment for achieving a brighter smile is deep cleaning with a hygienist. During this procedure, a hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth, remove
plaqueA soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth composed largely of bacteria and bacterial derivatives. buildup and perform
scalingRemoval of plaque, calculus, and stain from teeth. and polishing to eliminate surface stains. While this doesn’t chemically whiten the teeth, it can enhance their natural brightness by restoring a clean, polished look.
The second-best solution for brightening the smile is to get
professional teeth whitening, performed under the supervision of a dentist. Before beginning, the dentist will examine your teeth to ensure they are healthy enough for treatment. Once approved, a
whitening gel is applied to the surface of the teeth, while care is taken to protect the gums from exposure to the whitening product.
To maintain and prolong the results, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create
custom-made whitening trays. These trays hold a whitening solution designed for at-home use, allowing you to
top up your treatment over time and keep your smile bright for longer.
If you're looking for a cosmetic option that not only brightens but also enhances the overall appearance of your teeth, compositeSingle surface composite filling (white or tooth colored) performed on a tooth in the front of the mouth. bonding is a great alternative. This involves applying a tooth-coloured adhesive resin in thin layers over the surface of the teeth, improving their brightness and shape. Minimally invasive and long-lasting, composite bonding can provide a whiter smile with results that last longer than traditional whitening treatments when properly maintained.
A brighter smile can boost confidence and make you feel great about your teeth. If you’re considering teeth whitening, talk to your dentist about the best option for your needs.