Not all of us have white teeth. The natural color of the teeth is usually in different shades of white and varies from person to person. The superficial enamel layer is greyish blue while the deeper layer dentin is dark yellow. The varying shades are due to variations in the thickness of enamel and dentin. So, a slightly darker shade of teeth does not necessarily mean a poor oral hygiene. Simple brushing will not alter the natural color of teeth. Many would start to brush aggressively, and/or increase the frequency of brushing, thinking it would improve the color of the teeth. This, not only provides zero effect in terms of improving the color, but may abrade the outer layer of the teeth (Enamel), exposing dentin layer and causing sensitivity and yellow teeth.
Some of the other reasons could be:
- Diet with more colored components (coffee, red wine, colored aerated drinks, etc.)
- Thinning of enamel
- Grinding of teeth
- Ageing
- Smoking and/or chewing tobacco
- Certain medications
Yes. A newly formed tooth has maximum amount of Enamel of around 2mm (outer layer of tooth). As the age increases, due to regular wear and tear, the enamel layer gradually thins out. Also there is increased formation of secondary dentin (second layer of the tooth) which is darker than the outer layer. These two effects combined together, result in altering the color of the teeth to a much darker shade when compared to the original shade of the teeth.
Stains are nothing but discolorations on your teeth. These stains can either be on the outer surface of the teeth (Extrinsic stains) or inside the tooth (Intrinsic stains).
External Stains: Discolorations on the outer surface of the teeth are formed because of one’s dietary habits (chromogenic food like turmeric, coffee, tea, colored beverages), poor oral hygiene, tobacco chewing and smokinghabit.
Internal Stains: Sometimes the discolouration may seep into the tooth which leads to intrinsic stains. Prolonged use of tobacco, or use of certain medicines (tetracyclin) during tooth formations, excessive fluorine content in drinking water during tooth formation are some of the reasons of intrinsic stains.
Some of the patients complain of a single tooth being darker than the other.
It can be because of a previous trauma to the tooth or if the tooth is root canal treated. Such teeth are called as “non-vital teeth”.
Non-Vital teeth can also be brought back to their normal color through tooth bleaching. It is a non-invasive process and the bleaching agent is placed inside the tooth to have the maximum effect.
Majority of external stains can be removed by thorough scaling and polishing. However, not all types of stains are eliminated by this process. Intrinsic stains are not at all altered through scaling. Hence a thorough examination by the dentist is required before planning any of the treatments.
A tooth bleaching is a process by which certain chemicals are used to lighten the color of the teeth.
Different concentrations of either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are used in the bleaching process. The concentrations of these chemicals are strictly adjusted in in-office bleaching so that they don’t have any adverse effect on the teeth.
Absolutely! The process of teeth bleaching involves oxidation of the chemicals, which targets the stains and helps in lightening the tooth color. It also helps in removing external stains caused by chromogenic food, (oxidation of chromogens) which cannot be removed by scaling and polishing.
Will bleaching improve the color of my previous fillings/crowns?
A tooth bleaching does not influence the color of previous dental fillings or crowns. Their color will not be altered during or after the process.
What are the different types of teeth bleaching? / Can I bleach my teeth at home?
Teeth bleaching can be either an In-Office procedure or an At Home procedure:
In-Office Teeth Bleaching: This is taken up in a dental set up where the dentist clearly evaluates the type of stains, and provides the appropriate treatment to remove the stains. A combination of bleaching agent, activated with light is used in the procedure. The frequency of application of the chemicals used is ideally adjusted so that the patient does not have post-operative sensitivity. The dentist also provides all the post-operative precautions and the general instructions to be followed so that the stains will not recur.
At–Home Teeth Beaching: This can be done with the aid of bleaching strips, gels, whitening tooth pastes, and tray based whitening agents.However the concentrations of the bleaching agents is altered. Also whitening toothpaste have mild abrasive elements which effect the tooth structure.
We at Dr.Motiwala Dental clinic and implant center, use the most safest, non-invasive and effective method to whiten your teeth. Zoom teeth bleaching is a form of laser whitening which uses high concentrations of bleaching agent activated by zoom light. It has the advantages of being the most effective mode showing immediate results and less post-operative effects. You will also be provided with the aftercare kits and instructions to be followed to retain the results to the longest period of time.
Why should I get in-office teeth bleaching?
There are many advantages to opt for in office teeth bleaching rather than at home type.
- The Dentist evaluates the type of stains and proper treatment is advised.
- Immediate results are visible.
- The teeth appear three to eight shades whiter.
- Does not require multiple sittings.
- Tooth sensitivity after the treatment is minimal as the chemicals are not overly used.
- Adequate results are achieved as the bleaching agents are chemically activated with the aid of light.
- Even-whitening of the teeth is seen without missing any tooth surface.
- Post-operative care is taken.
Will my teeth be sensitive after the procedure?
Multiple applications of bleaching agents or agents without anti-sensitivity ingredients will result in teeth sensitivity. At our center, we make sure to use bleaching agents with ACP (amorphous calcium phosphate). The use of ACP has anti sensitivity effect on the teeth. We also provide medicated toothpastes, which will help in reducing sensitivity during and after the treatment.
During In office bleaching, the dentist first protects the soft tissues with certain isolating measures. The gums are properly isolated using a gingival barrier. The bleaching agent is then evenly applied on the teeth and is activated with a light. Once the process is completed, the bleaching agent is removed and the shade is evaluated. Multiple applications may be required is the desired shade is not achieved. An anti-sensitivity gel is usually applied to eliminate patient discomfort after the procedure.
How long will the procedure be?
The procedure may require two or three applications of the bleaching agent to achieve desired shade. The overall procedure may last from 30 minutes to an hour, depending upon the number of applications required.
How long will the results last?
The acquired whitening lasts from about 6 months to three years depending upon the dietary habits of the patient, and general oral hygiene measures.
Should I get beaching done again?
Yes, bleaching results are not permanent and teeth may become darker over time. Hence the procedure should be repeated if the change in shade is noticed. However, there will be adequate time for the re-mineralization of enamel before you need a second sitting of bleaching. The effects, however, last according to the dietary habits and oral hygiene of the patient.
Will it permanently brighten my teeth?
No, bleaching will not permanently alter the teeth color.
Does it have any effect on the strength of the teeth?
As already mentioned, bleaching agents with ACP have minimal effects on the strength of the tooth.
What is Laser teeth whitening?
Laser teeth whitening targets single tooth at a time and therefore the bleaching agent is applied, light activated, and is repeated until desired shade is achieved. The main disadvantage is the duration, where a lot of time is required to bleach all the teeth individually.
How can I maintain my teeth color after bleaching?
Few simple changes in the daily life can help you maintain the color of your teeth after getting professional bleaching done.
- Minimizing the intake of colored beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, etc., and using straws during their intake.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene and not allowing the plaque to deposit on the tooth.
- Avoiding tobacco chewing and/or smoking.
- Using chewing gums which help in increasing salivation and therefore keeping the tooth surface clean.
- Regular dental check-ups (every 6 months) to maintain oral health.
- Avoid certain mouthwashes (chlorhexidine) which might results in stains of the teeth.