How does teeth whitening work?

For most of us, teeth whiteness gradually decreases after some years, while others have less white teeth from the start. Discoloration and surface stains are usually due to the pigment present in cigarettes, food, or drink. The pigment added in these products gets attached to the enamel, which results in the darkening of teeth. Although keeping good oral hygiene is the right way to maintain teeth whitening. But once discoloration occurs, it can only be treated by teeth whitening.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is the process of removing stains and lightening the color of teeth. The process is desirable when teeth turn yellowed.  

Note: Teeth whitening is a treatment to lighten the color of teeth. It cannot completely change the color of teeth.

How does teeth whitening work?

Stains are categorized in two ways: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic stains reside between the cracks in the enamel (outer layer of a tooth) and within the dentin (middle layer of a tooth, under the enamel). Extrinsic stains are present on the tooth’s surface. Mouth rinses and toothpaste may help you in getting rid of some of the extrinsic stains. However, only teeth whitening can eradicate hideous and persistent stains that discolor teeth.

Teeth whitening process – step by step

A teeth whitening process starts with a visit to the dentist, who ensures that the client undergoing the treatment is not affected by other teeth problems. Though, the course of a teeth whitening process depends on which treatment one chooses to undergo. Traditional teeth whitening in-office treatment works in the following stages:

1. Health Declaration

For safety purposes, the client fills out a form containing his/her medical history before the treatment begins.

2. Thorough teeth cleaning

The treatment starts with polishing and cleaning the teeth to get rid of apparent stains.

3. Placing protector for the gums

The next step is to place a protector – a smooth plastic coating that protects the gums from whitening/bleaching gel.

4. Applying teeth whitening gel

After placing a protector for the gums, the gel containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide is applied to the teeth. Then, blue plasma light is used to speed up the process of whitening by activating the bleaching gel.

This step is repeated three times, and the treatment can take one to one and a half-hour.

Note: the blue plasma light does not bleach your teeth. It is used to activate and boost the effectiveness of the whitening agent. 

Teeth Whitening Ingredient

Teeth whitening agents contain ‘Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide,’ which penetrate enamel and oxidize discolored molecules. The oxygen molecules break down the organic particles -- residues from tobacco, food, and drink -- into water and carbon dioxide without affecting teeth enamel, giving you a brighter and whiter smile as a result.

Tips for post-treatment care

Once you have undergone the treatment, the next 24 hours are most important. Here are some useful tips in addition to your dentist advice:

· Clean your teeth immediately after consuming food and drinks that stains

· Follow a daily routine for good oral hygiene

· Avoid consuming food and drinks that leave stains with dark pigments

· Avoid smoking cigarettes for the next 24 to 48 hours

· Avoid colored mouthwash and toothpaste

· Consider visiting your dentist after every six months for lasting teeth whitening effects.