External teeth whitening is nowadays one of the simplest and most conservative esthetic techniques. Although its name is external, it is the dentin that is whitened. The crown of the tooth in its structure is formed by enamel, the most external and translucent part like glass; dentin, the intermediate layer and what really gives color to the tooth; and dental pulp, the internal structure.
Are teeth white?
The internal color of the dentin is genetically determined, it is an innate characteristic of each one of us, as is the color of the skin. It can have an infinite range of colors within white (orange-yellow, gray-greenish, gray-pink or reddish-brown) with their corresponding gradations of intensity. This internal base color cannot be changed with any whitening, but what can be achieved is a greater or lesser degree of lightening of the base color. The dental specialist will have to determine this base color to be able to focus the treatment correctly.
In this sense, we are always talking about whitening of the base color located inside the tooth, since external stains, such as those produced by tobacco, or other stains on the surface of the tooth, can be quickly eliminated together with tartar and plaque with an oral cleaning. It is important not to confuse enamel stains caused by external agents with the intrinsic coloration of the tooth, which is why mouth cleaning and whitening are two different dental procedures.
What does teeth whitening consist of?
Before undergoing a treatment of this type, the specialist must study the case in order not to create false expectations. Likewise, the intensity of the whitening will depend on each patient and his or her age, being for example the youngest patients those who receive a better result. In general, the effect is positive in almost all teeth, even in many cases the tetracyclinic teeth, that is to say, teeth with brown or gray stripes, although in the latter the aforementioned stripes do not disappear, but only lighten.
The external dental whitening will be done without anesthesia in order to be able to perceive the sensitivities, since it is actually the tooth that will indicate how far we can whiten, it is useless to have a very white tooth if it remains hypersensitive. If during the procedure the sensitivities are many, we will have to stop and continue in another session, or stop the treatment there definitively because the tooth does not allow us to go any further.
At the end of the treatment and the following day the teeth can and usually are slightly sensitive, as well as the surrounding gums, and sometimes it may even be necessary to take painkillers on the day of the treatment, but we must say that this discomfort, if any, will be temporary and of low intensity if the correct protocols are followed.
Results of teeth whitening
After whitening, the teeth will continue to whiten and the definitive color will remain unalterable for 2 to 7 years, depending on each patient. Even if it loses intensity after these years, the color will never be the same as it was at the beginning. In the event of a slight recurrence, a reminder session shorter than the initial one will suffice.