We all have heard of the old adage “No matter how plain a person might be; they appear beautiful when they smile”. Surely, we stress on so many cosmetic treatments to look good today but underestimate the power of a mere smile. A bright smile can easily make a person appear pleasant and attractive. Having a good set of teeth can add confidence to your life, while pale and dark teeth can dampen your spirits. Teeth whitening then is one of the quickest ways to add a celebrity-like sparkle to your smile. It is an effective way to lighten the natural color of your teeth and remove stains and discoloration, without destroying the surface. The natural color of our teeth is slightly yellow and it continues to become darker due to our eating and drinking habits. Whitening removes the stains accumulated over time and adds more whiteness to your teeth. It is not a one-time procedure though and may require an occasional dental visit.
Dental Sphere is a state-of-the-art dental clinic in Pune providing a full spectrum of multi-speciality dental care and expertise for patients through extensive treatment procedures. Considered one of the best clinics for teeth whitening in Pune, Dental Sphere provides various teeth whitening methods such as bleaching strips, bleaching pen, bleaching gel, and laser bleaching. Read on to know more about teeth whitening before you decide to go for it!
What Makes Our Teeth Yellow or Pale?
The original color of the teeth is not pure white. The color of teeth is actually a reflection and scattering of light on the surface. Enamel is the outer layer of the tooth and dentin is the color underneath this layer. The thickness of the enamel is determined by your genes. Thinner enamel reflects more of the dentin making your teeth look dark. Each day, a thin coat forms on the enamel which picks up stains from whatever touches it. Here are some of the reasons why teeth become yellow or look dark.
- Drinks such as coffee, tea, coke, and even wine can leave behind a stain when consumed during a long period of time.
- Genetics also influence the brightness of your teeth, so you can blame your parents!
- Plaque deposit can cause tartar to form on your teeth, especially the inner surfaces where the brush is hard to reach. They too can affect the color of your teeth.
- Consumption of antibiotics and tiny cracks on the teeth due to an injury can also cause pale teeth.
- Smoking darkens your teeth and so does tobacco. Basically, both are not good for the entire mouth.
- Ageing makes teeth less bright as the enamel gets thinner and the dentin becomes darker.
When is it NOT a Good Idea to Go for Teeth Whitening?
- Tooth Cavity: When you have other dental problems affecting the color of your teeth, whitening won’t be your solution. For example, if you have cavities in your teeth, they need to be treated first. If left untreated, the whitening solution might travel into those decayed areas, reaching the innermost areas of your tooth.
- Receding Gums: Receding gums can also create an appearance of yellow teeth by unveiling the roots of your teeth which are naturally dark and cannot be helped with whitening products. In such cases, whitening procedures can make the teeth rather sensitive.
- Crowns or Veneers: If you have undergone a cosmetic treatment involving the fitting of dental crowns or veneers, then whitening simply won’t work on them! In fact, one of the purposes of a crown or a veneer is to retain their manufactured color and not get affected by external agents.
Teeth Whitening Procedure – Here’s How It’s Done
Firstly, the teeth are cleaned and restored to their natural color by removing any stains. Then, a whitening gel, consisting of bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, is applied on the tooth surface. A specialized light or laser is shed on the surface to activate the gel and allow bleaching to happen faster. It usually takes 30 to 90 minutes. A rubber shield or a dental dam is placed on your gums to separate them from the treatment. Usually, it takes up to 2 to 3 visits to the dentist but the number of appointments may vary according to the severity of your stains. The post-treatment for maintenance may be required to be continued at home by yourself. You may be recommended to use only a certain whitening toothpaste containing stain removal abrasives.
What Are the Risks Involved?
As is common after any dental treatment, the teeth and gums become a little sensitive and remain so for some time. Besides that, there are no direct risks involved with tooth whitening. As a precaution, it is advisable for pregnant women to abstain from such treatments where the consequences of whitening agents on the health of the baby are unknown.
If you are looking for a dentist in Pune to help you with tooth whitening treatment or you seek expert consultation on any of your dental issues, visit Dental Sphere!