Teeth Whitening: Types,Tips, and Before and After Care

Teeth whitening is a technique that has become very popular in recent years due to the aesthetic appearance of well-aligned white teeth that predominates in today’s society.

There are basically two ways to whiten your teeth: through lights (halogen, LED or laser) and at home.

The results of both methods are similar, what varies is the duration of the procedures . The former is much faster because the gel used is stronger and also activates with light, which provides immediate results, while the gel used at home ( carbamide peroxide ) requires at least three weeks for a complete whitening.

Preparation before whitening

Before treatment, the teeth should be as clean as possible. Ideally, do it after a professional dental cleaning so that the peroxide comes in direct contact with the enamel. If you have cavities or plaque, they have to be removed first.

If the roots of the teeth are exposed, they will not bleach as they are not covered by enamel. If you have caps, veneers, or fixed teeth, talk to your dentist to determine the best whitening method.

Types of Teeth Whitening

Laser Whitening

With this procedure, the teeth are lightened in 40 minutes. The mouth is protected by a rubber mask that shows only the teeth . A gel based on hydrogen peroxide, a powerful substance that removes stains, is then applied. The laser is passed from one tooth to another with a type of light pen that removes pigments.

Precast mold

In a mold it is applied to a hydrogen peroxide gel that penetrates the tooth and breaks down the molecules that cause a yellowish appearance. The mold should be used twice a day, for 20 minutes throughout a week. The downside is that this type of mold is made in a standard size and can be tight or loose. It has a texture like chewing gum.

Custom individual mold

The dentist will make a custom-made mold for your teeth, where he will place an oxidizing gel . You will need to use the mold at home, usually while you sleep for a period of ten days . Despite being a home treatment, you must follow the specialist’s instructions.

Ribbons

They are sold in pharmacies. This treatment is also based on hydrogen peroxide . The tape should be applied to the teeth twice a day for 30 minutes and for two weeks . A positive aspect of this treatment is that the tapes do not come into contact with the gums.

In addition, if you do not achieve the expected result, you can reapply them. The downside is that they only cover the front teeth.

Brush

In this treatment, the person responsible for whitening is carbamide peroxide. Simply apply the gel with a brush twice a day, for two weeks, and repeat the treatment every six months. The high concentration of peroxide works effectively and is easier to apply to all teeth. The problem is that there is a certain risk of ingesting the product (experts still do not know if it causes any harm to health).

Whitening with Toothpastes

You can use whitening toothpaste every day, but the result takes a long time . Its components such as baking soda and silica are responsible for cleaning and smoothing the surface of the tooth. This is the simplest and cheapest method.

Care after Teeth Whitening

If you decide to whiten your teeth, you should take special care afterwards , depending on the method you have chosen and the products used. Remember that some products, usually homemade ones, can reach and kill tooth pulp, causing increased sensitivity and the possibility of fractures.

To maintain a whiter and more beautiful smile you must:

  • Brush your teeth three times a day with a whitening toothpaste.
  • Use floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth and below the gums.
  • Use products that contain fluoride , including toothpaste.
  • Avoid cigarettes, smoking is one of the main causes of tooth stains.
  • Limit your intake of coffee, black tea, red wine, ketchup, and soda . Beets and some red fruits also stain teeth. Brush them well after eating these foods.
  • If possible, use whitening mouthwashes.

It is essential that all people wanting to whiten their teeth first seek the guidance of a dentist. Pharmacy products are not as effective as those used by professionals and can cause sensitivity to heat and cold.

11 things you should know before getting teeth whitening

Although teeth whitening has become more accessible and easy to do, it is a procedure that requires not only a little care, but professional support, even in its home version. Learn about some key aspects of the treatment:

1) There are two types of whitening

One is done at home , following the instructions of the dentist. The first step is the manufacture of a silicone mold that is made of a gel that contains the whitening substance, usually with carbamide peroxide, and is used every day for three to four weeks. The other method is exclusive to professionals . A gel with a much higher concentration of active bleach is used (and therefore not safe to use at home). The effect is enhanced by a light source (LED or laser). In both cases, several sessions may be necessary, but you can see results from the first application.

2) Whitening at home requires patience

Although preferred by many dentists, this method requires discipline . This is because you will have to put the mold in every day for an average period of three weeks. The wearing time varies with the whitening substance chosen for the treatment and the original condition of the tooth, but can be from 30 minutes to eight hours.

3) The laser method can leave teeth sensitive

This type of whitening uses a much more concentrated carbamide peroxide. Therefore, it acts more aggressively, which can cause sensitivity . With mold whitening this is less likely to occur.

4) The two methods can be combined

Today it is common to use both methods together for more efficient results. Treatment can begin with the cast and then a few laser sessions.

5) The laser procedure is more expensive

The average cost is usually between three and four thousand euros . With the cover, the value varies depending on the dentist and the quality of the materials used.

6) The laser is not the only light source that can be used

Although the treatment has been known as “laser whitening,” the procedure can also be performed with LED lights. The whitening is done by the gel, not the light, which only serves to speed up the process. Many dentists prefer the LED, a cool light that does not cause damage . The low-power laser can be used at the end of treatment as a desensitizer.

7) Some foods are prohibited during treatment

This is because the teeth are more permeable and therefore the opportunity to absorb the pigments of certain foods is increased. Among those prohibited are grape juice, red wine, cola, coffee, tea and sweet beets. Cigarettes are another enemy of whitening , because nicotine stains teeth yellow.

8) The tooth is not always totally white

If the natural shade of your teeth isn’t exactly white , you won’t be able to change it. “What happens is a change in tonality, which is the saturation or intensity of color. It is good to keep realistic expectations and have a frank discussion with your dentist to avoid frustration.

9) Contraindications of teeth whitening

Treatment is contraindicated in some cases, for example, if the patient has a large amount of tooth sensitivity, he could suffer from acute inflammation. Likewise, those with many restorations (since it does not act on the resin), stains caused by the use of antibiotics, pregnant women and children under 16 years of age should not be bleached .

10) Commercial teeth whitening is not a substitute for professional procedure

The whitening kits that are sold contain an abrasive agent that removes surface stains , but does not have peroxide in their formulations. Therefore, they are unable to remove pigment from the deeper layers of the teeth.

11) Results last, on average, one to two years, regardless of method

To extend the duration of whitening, it is necessary that you have proper oral hygiene with a brush, paste, dental floss and tongue scraper three times a day and avoid cigarettes and foods that darken the teeth such as acai, chocolate, tomato sauce and soy sauce, among others.

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Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.

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