An increasing number of people are opting for teeth whitening to restore the aesthetic appeal of their smile. Many individuals are interested in undergoing this procedure but have concerns about its effectiveness. Let's explore the answer to this question in the following article.
What is Teeth Whitening?
There are numerous products available in the market that promise to make your teeth whiter and brighter. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), for individuals interested in teeth whitening, dentists should recommend a procedure performed at a dental office. This is because the ADA warns against the long-term use of at-home whitening products, which can potentially cause enamel erosion and damage to the teeth. The effectiveness of teeth whitening depends on the dental office and the whitening agent chosen, ensuring they are reputable and of high quality.
The ADA describes "teeth whitening" as any procedure that makes the teeth appear whiter, using either an in-office or at-home method. At-home whitening products can alter the natural color of the teeth. Although they do not have whitening properties, they typically contain peroxide agents that help remove surface stains.
Who Should Whiten Their Teeth?
The effectiveness of teeth whitening and whether it is suitable or not depends on the oral health condition of an individual. Here are some considerations regarding who should whiten their teeth:
Should whiten their teeth
- Aging-related tooth discoloration
- Stains or yellowish spots on teeth caused by smoking, coffee, tea, berries, and other foods
- Individuals with healthy tooth enamel
May consider teeth whitening
- Gray or brown stains on teeth caused by excessive intake of fluoride-rich water (fluorosis)
- Black stains caused by smoking and brown or gray stains caused by certain medications
Who should not whiten their teeth
- Individuals with overly sensitive teeth
- Individuals with gum or oral diseases (periodontal disease or oral cancer)
- Individuals with enamel erosion
- Individuals with active dental cavities (until the cavities have been treated)
>> See more: How To Take Care of Your Teeth with Braces
Common Teeth Whitening Methods
You have the option to choose between in-office teeth whitening or at-home whitening under the supervision of a dentist. The at-home method can be more cost-effective and, in many cases, yield similar results.
One at-home teeth whitening option is the use of custom-fitted trays that can be comfortably worn while you are awake or asleep. The trays are so thin that you can even speak and carry out regular activities while wearing them. With some tray-based systems, you may need to wear them for 2 to 4 hours each day. These methods typically take 3 to 6 weeks to complete and are most effective for individuals with sensitive teeth. Other tray-based whitening systems are designed to be worn overnight while you sleep and may take only 10 to 14 days to complete. Your dentist will recommend the best system for your needs and provide specific instructions on how to use it.
Recently, there have been many over-the-counter whitening products that you can purchase without a prescription. However, they may not deliver significant improvements like professional treatment methods. To ensure the effectiveness of teeth whitening, it is advisable to only undergo whitening procedures following the guidance of a dental professional.
Risks of Teeth Whitening
The American Dental Association has provided quality approval for certain teeth whitening products. Consult with your dentist to determine which products are effective and safe to use.
Gum irritation and increased tooth sensitivity are the most common side effects of teeth whitening using peroxide-based solutions. Additionally, you may experience mild tooth sensitivity after a teeth whitening treatment.
To ensure the effectiveness and suitability of teeth whitening for you, it is recommended to visit dental clinics. You can consider Nha Khoa Champion for trustworthy teeth whitening services at the following address:
Vietnamese & English: (028) 5411-2295
中文: (028) 5411-2297 172 Nguyen Luong Bang, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.
Fanpage: Champion Dental Clinic 牙科診所
Zalo: Champion Dental Clinic