As the years go by, the enamel of the teeth wears away, causing the yellowing of the dentin underneath. It is important to know the most frequent causes, since it can be prevented:
- Ingestion of certain beverages, such as coffee or cola.
- Smoking
- Not following an adequate oral hygiene
When people do not brush their teeth properly, all these stains are deposited, when the patient wants to have teeth whitening.
What should we do before teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a dental treatment, so you should seek advice from a dental specialist beforehand. It is important not to trust the information that we can find on the Internet, since they are testimonials and information not contrasted.
Before making the decision to have teeth whitening, it is advisable to evaluate the general health of the gums and teeth. Once the decision is made, it is necessary to follow up during and after the process.
What does teeth whitening consist of?
Many whitening treatments contain hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide) and are generally used following a mixed technique, with an initial treatment in the office and a subsequent treatment at home.
In the office, a gel is first applied. When this is activated with cold LED light, it generates a release of free radicals that penetrate through the enamel pores. In this way, the substances that stain the tooth are eliminated.
The treatment should continue at the patient’s home, with the application of the same gel (with a lower concentration) in a night splint.
Teeth whitening is not a painful treatment, but it can cause sensitivity that will disappear spontaneously after 2 or 3 days.
The treatment is not indicated for children under 15 years of age, since the enamel is not completely formed. It is also not indicated for pregnant women, patients with allergies to the formula or affected components or with gum problems.
How long do the results last?
The color obtained will last between one and three years. It is important to brush the teeth correctly after the treatment, eliminating those foods that cause staining and not smoking.
There are up to 20 types of enamel and, depending on this, the patient will have a different color of teeth (even the color of the teeth of the same person can vary). There is no such thing as absolute white and the obsession to achieve an exaggeratedly white smile (whitorexia) can generate important risks for the teeth and oral health.
Are “low cost” treatments advisable?
It is important to be aware of the risks to oral health that can be generated by the use of non-approved products or the performance of this type of treatment in unauthorized centers.
In low-cost treatments, the products do not contain the optimum concentrations of whitening substances and may even erode the tooth enamel with irreversible consequences.
Oral hygiene, more important than tooth whitening
A whitening treatment should always be the last option. Proper oral health should be maintained by brushing the teeth 3 times a day.
It is important to visit the dentist regularly to avoid the formation of tartar on which substances that stain the tooth accumulate.