Teeth Whitening| Frequently Asked Questions| Whiten Teeth

By- Dr. Abi Negi | Most Common Questions | Answers | Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is also called teeth bleaching.

Teeth whitening is any process that lightens the existing color of your teeth by several lighter shades and we can achieve it by changing the intrinsic or extrinsic color of the teeth in a few minutes by using various teeth whitening options.

Teeth whitening is done when you would like to lighten the color of your teeth. It is done when teeth become yellow over time due to various reasons. It is a practical way of lightening the yellow color of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surfaces and without making any unnecessary changes to the shape, and size of the tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions about Teeth Whitening

Q. Are teeth whitening permanent?

Bleaching generally has an approximate life span of 1–3 years, although the change may be permanent in some situations. The whitening effect won't last long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee, or tobacco, which can all stain your teeth.

Q. What is the Cost of professional teeth whitening?

It is a one-appointment procedure.

Per session is 8-20 minutes depending on the material.

It will cost 3000/ 4000 / 6000/ 8000/12000/15000/20000/25000/30000 in rupees per session (all depending on what whitening system is used, what material and technique is used, and what percentage of material used)

The procedure is done completely in-office and only by a Registered Dentist.

Note: The cost of professional teeth whitening also depends on the area where you live, the experience of the dentist, condition of your teeth.

The posh the area is, the more will be the charges.

The more experienced the dentist is, the more will be charged and fewer complications.

Q. What is Herbal/ Ayurvedic Teeth Whitening Toothpastes?

-A few examples are Glodent, Himalaya Sparkling White, Charcoal Based, Rocksalt based, Glizer, etc.

Q. What are the risks of home kits teeth whitening?

Home kits don't contain enough whitening products so you might not see the effective change in the tooth shade. Results can be seen as long as 6–12 months.

Bleaching gel may escape out onto gums and into your mouth, causing mouth blistering and teeth sensitivity.

Since the tray is worn for a longer time, there are chances of tooth enamel damage, tooth sensitivity, and gum irritation.

Q. What is Chemical-Based Teeth Whitening Toothpaste?

A few examples are Colgate optic white, Sensodyne gentle whitening, etc.

Q. What are Teeth Whitening Mouthwashes?

Teeth-whitening mouthwashes commercially available as

Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash 3%

To be used in a 3(water): 1(hydrogen peroxide) ratio.

Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwashes are easy to use on a daily basis and are easily available.

Hydrogen Peroxide is a mild antiseptic as well. It is not only used to whiten the teeth but also to relieve mouth ulcers, and gum irritations (such as due to canker/cold sores, gingivitis, dentures, and orthodontic appliances).

Few teeth whitening mouthwashes examples - Hydroxyl Mouthwash 3 %, Parachem Hydrogen Peroxide 3%, etc.

Q. Do teeth whitening damage tooth enamel?

On the basis of numerous research studies, carbamide peroxide bleaching materials are considered safe and effective.

Hydrogen peroxide bleaching beyond a point results in the breakdown of the organic matrix resulting in the weakening of the tooth enamel and surface porosities.

Q. Do teeth whitening damage dental fillings?

10% carbamide peroxide is safe in existing fillings.

When bleaching was done on extensive silver amalgam filling it was found that mercury was released from silver- amalgam filling.

In composite fillings, the bond strength of the composite decreases for a temporary period of time. If planning composite filling then it should be delayed at least 1 week.

Q. Do teeth whitening damage dental crowns?

Bleaching agents are known to cause the etching and weakening of ceramic crowns.

In severe discolorations, bleaching could be performed to lighten the tooth color before restoration with composite or porcelain veneers or crowns.

Q. Do teeth whitening cause sensitivity in the teeth?

Hydrogen peroxide has such a low molecular weight that it easily passes through the enamel and dentin and is considered to be the reason for mild tooth sensitivity occasionally experienced during treatment.

Q. Do teeth whitening damage a tooth's nerve?

The mild tooth sensitivity effect is transient and no long-term harm to the tooth nerve has been reported.

Q. Why do I have yellow stains on my teeth?

Yellow stains on teeth are found on the outer surface of teeth.

Yellow stains due to-

Cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chewing tobacco,

Coffee, tea, foods.

Poor oral hygiene, heavy plaque, and calculus level.

Q. What is yellow teeth treatment?

Since yellow stains are extrinsic stains they can be easily removed by scaling and polishing.

If you are not satisfied with the color of your teeth after scaling and polishing, then you can always use over-the-counter teeth-whitening products like teeth whitening toothpaste, mouthwashes, whitening strips, chewing gums, and pens.

If you are still not satisfied with the color of the teeth and want a faster result then Professional teeth whitening or in-office teeth whitening by the registered dentist is recommended.

Q. What is the quickest way to whiten teeth?

The quickest and fastest way is Professional teeth whitening or In-office teeth whitening.

Only by the registered dentist.

It will take 8-20 minutes of procedure.

Q. What is In-Office Bleaching?

It means you must visit the dental clinic near you. And teeth whitening procedure is done in the office of the registered dentist and that is why it is called In-office teeth bleaching.

Q. Is herbal whitening toothpaste/ayurvedic whitening toothpaste better than other teeth whitening toothpaste?

If you talk about the whitening effect then herbal toothpaste’s whitening effect is the same as a chemical-based whitening toothpaste.

Adverse effects of chemicals can be minimized or avoided when substituted with herbal products which offer teeth whitening without damage to the enamel

Q. I have sensitivity in all the teeth. Can I do teeth whitening?

It is contraindicated in Hypersensitive teeth.

Q. Can tobacco stains be removed by teeth whitening?

Yes, tobacco stains are extrinsic stains and can be removed by Teeth whitening. Normally, It lasts for 1-3 years but teeth may get stained early if you continue taking tobacco.

Q. Can I use baking soda or lime for cleaning the yellow stains on my teeth?

No, rather you can buy over-the-counter herbal teeth-whitening toothpaste or ayurvedic whitening toothpaste. They are made from natural ingredients like neem, bromelain, Meswak, papain, bromelain, enzymes present in Papaya and Pineapple, Miswak, Menthol, Almond, Papaya, and Clove. Cinnamon, Curcuma longa (turmeric) rhizome juice, coconut oil, stevia, neem leaf extract, pomegranate, vidanga) fruit extract*, amla, salt, citrus fruits, etc.

A Few examples of Herbal/ Ayurvedic Teeth Whitening Toothpaste- are Glodent, Himalaya Sparkling White, Charcoal Based, Rocksalt based, Glizer, etc.

It has minimal to no side effects and the same whitening effect as any other chemical-based teeth-whitening toothpaste.

Q. I have naturally yellow teeth. Can I get teeth whitening?

Yes, you can. First, we will need to find out the reason behind yellow teeth.

Teeth whitening in extrinsic yellow teeth will give you amazing results but may show resistance in intrinsic yellow teeth. So combined teeth whitening option is to be chosen. All under the dentist.

Other types of extrinsic discolorations, such as silver nitrate stains, are difficult to remove by chemical means alone.

Some extrinsic discoloration, such as the green discoloration associated with the Nasmyth’s membrane in children and tea and tobacco stains can be removed by scaling and polishing during tooth prophylaxis.

References

1. Comparison between the effect of commercially available chemical teeth whitening paste and teeth whitening paste containing ingredients of herbal origin on human enamel.

2. Grossman's Endodontics Practice ed 14 "Teeth Bleaching".

Author-

Dr. Abi Negi

Dentist

10 + years of experience

Certification in Practical Implantology

Certification in Rotary Endodontics

Associate Fellowship in Laser Dentistry Certification in Laser Treatments Diploma in Practical Occlusion and Restorative Dentistry Course Advanced occlusion appliance therapy, TMD Comprehensive Course in Veneers - Ceramic & Composite Aesthetic Certified - Europe, Germany WHO Health Program Certified Certification in Laser Dentistry Fellow of the Academy of General Education (FAGE) Member of the Indian Dental Association (IDA)