The bright, dazzling smiles of Hollywood stars have long been a secret desire for many people, driving years of dental research efforts.
Teeth Whitening – Dental Clinic Petros Theodorakis
Today, dental science offers a simple, revolutionary method for teeth whitening and enhancing one’s smile, as well as overall facial aesthetics. Over 13 million people across North America have benefited from this method in recent years, and millions more are actively seeking it. Undoubtedly, it is the only form of dental care that enjoys such widespread public acceptance.
What Factors Affect the Color of My Teeth?
Some people naturally have yellower teeth than others. The natural color of your teeth can be influenced by many factors, such as smoking, coffee, tea, red wine, plaque buildup, poor oral hygiene, age, root canals, dental trauma, or tetracycline antibiotic use during tooth development.
Two Teeth Whitening Methods
There are two widely accepted methods for teeth whitening:
At-Home Whitening
The dentist creates two plastic trays that fit precisely over the teeth and provides the patient with a whitening gel in a thick liquid form, along with usage instructions. The gel is placed inside the tray, which is then worn in the mouth for one to two hours per day or throughout the night. The treatment typically lasts three to four weeks.
In-Office Whitening
This method uses solutions containing high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, which are activated by the dentist using various techniques. These solutions work quickly, and the results are immediate and impressive.
Advantages of In-Office Whitening:
- The procedure is completed in one session. In rare cases, a second session may be needed. Each session lasts about an hour, minimizing patient discomfort.
- The results are more dramatic compared to at-home whitening, as the substances used are stronger and more concentrated.
- The entire process is monitored exclusively by the dentist, ensuring that any potential side effects are immediately controlled and effectively managed.
Can Whitening Damage Tooth Enamel?
Generally, no, as long as you always consult your dentist and never use over-the-counter whitening products that may not be suitable. Studies conducted over the past fifteen years on the substances used by dentists for in-office whitening have shown no harmful effects on dental tissues. Some patients may experience mild gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, but these effects usually subside after the treatment.
I Have Some White Fillings That Have Yellowed Over Time. Can Whitening Change Their Color?
Unfortunately, no. Whitening cannot alter the color of restorative materials such as white fillings or porcelain restorations.
Side Effects
Teeth whitening is one of the safest forms of dental treatment. The ingredients used have been applied in dentistry for decades without any side effects. Hundreds of scientific studies confirm their safe use. The active ingredient in whitening, hydrogen peroxide, breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen, which are biocompatible and easily eliminated by the body. The only recorded side effect of whitening is temporary tooth sensitivity, observed in very few cases.
Is Whitening Suitable for Everyone?
Whitening is a simple and safe method with minimal side effects. However, it does work for everyone. Whitening affects only the hard substances of the teeth and has no impact on white fillings or porcelain restorations. If a person has fillings in their front teeth that match their current tooth shade, these will not change color after whitening and may become visibly different. In such cases, the fillings may need to be replaced with materials that match the new, whiter shade of the teeth. The same applies to existing crowns or bridges. Therefore, before starting the treatment, a thorough dental examination is necessary to avoid unwanted aesthetic outcomes.
How Long Do Whitening Results Last?
The results typically last for two to three years. The longevity of the effect depends significantly on the level of oral hygiene maintained and dietary habits. Tooth discoloration is usually caused by nicotine, coffee, tea, and colored beverages (such as cola). Teeth whitening, successfully used over the past decade, can be the first step toward a bright, radiant smile that lasts a lifetime.