An Overview of Teeth Whitening Procedures

We all realize that a healthy, beautiful smile enhances our appearance and allows us to smile with confidence. However, in some people, stains and slight discolorations on teeth can affect their beautiful smile and can be quite embarrassing. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular and affordable dental procedure that helps you get rid of the stains and discoloration from the teeth so that you can get back your pearly white dazzling smile. It is an effective way to lighten the natural color of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface.

About Teeth Whitening:
Teeth whitening, also known as dental bleaching is done to improve the whiteness of your teeth to give you a bright and sparkling smile. It also helps you get rid of discolored teeth and stains. Stains are caused due to a number of causes, such as aging, consumption of staining substances (tea, coffee, smoking, colas), excessive fluoride and certain medications.

Different Procedures:
Teeth bleaching can be done either in the dentist's clinic, or can be done at home by using materials provided by the dentist.
In-office teeth whitening treatment: This procedure is done at the dentist's clinic. Before starting the tooth bleaching procedure, your dentist will examine your teeth, and do cavity filling and gum protection treatment. The dentist establishes your baseline tooth color, so as to precisely record how stained your tooth are when you came in. Once the baseline is established, the dentist will coat your lips and gums with a solution to protect them from high concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Finally, the whitening gel (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) is applied to the teeth, and it is kept on the teeth for 30-60 minutes depending upon the requirements.
After that, the teeth are rinsed with water and a fluoride coating is applied to reduce the sensitivity that some people experience after teeth bleaching.
Laser teeth whitening treatment: In laser whitening procedure, a low intensity dental laser is used in teeth whitening process. Laser beam activates the gel particles applied on teeth, and this speeds up the reaction of the whitening product. Though laser whitening is more expensive, it is the fastest and easiest way to lighten natural color of your teeth and remove stubborn stains.
In-house tooth whitening treatment: Also known as tray bleaching, this process involves using custom made tray that is worn for a specific time period. Your dentist will prescribe you a whitening gel, which is placed on the custom-fitted tray. You are supposed to use the tray and the gel for few days. The peroxide in the gel breaks down and releases hydroxyradicals that naturally whiten the stain.
Natural ways: Many home remedies like fruits and salt can help you remove stains from your teeth. Rub a slice of strawberry or lemon on your teeth and the rinse them with cold water.

Side Effects:
Although the teeth whitening procedure has several benefits, there can be some temporary side effects, such as sore gums and sensitivity of the teeth. These symptoms disappear within a few days of treatment.

One of the best places for in-office teeth whitening is Thailand, where the procedure costs less, but it's done be qualified dentists.