A white, bright smile is a dream for many. But most often, your teeth can get stained or discoloured due to several factors like the food and drinks you consume, ageing, and even lifestyle habits. The good news is that there are numerous ways you can restore the natural whiteness of your teeth. Read on to learn everything you need to know about teeth whitening, including causes of discolouration, treatment options, safety concerns, and aftercare tips.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a process that helps lighten the colour of your teeth by removing stains and discolouration. It can be done professionally by a dentist or through various at-home methods. Usually, whitening works by using chemical agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which break down stains and brighten the teeth. Why do people want their teeth to be white? Below are some of the main goals of teeth whitening:
Removing surface stains
Lightening the natural shade of teeth
Improving overall appearance for a more confident smile
Why do Teeth Stain or Discolour?
There are many reasons why your teeth may get stained or discoloured. From daily lifestyle habits to the food and drinks that you consume, the colour of your teeth may depend on multiple factors. Both extrinsic and intrinsic stains can develop on your teeth. Here is a breakdown of it in more detail.
Extrinsic (External) Stains
Extrinsic stains are those that form on the outer surface of the teeth. It forms as a result of certain lifestyle habits or inadequate oral care. You can often see them while smiling, as they are visible and may affect the appearance of your teeth if not properly taken care of.
These stains appear on the surface due to:
Dietary Habits: Certain food and drinks, such as coffee, tea, and red wine can cause external staining on the teeth. These substances contain pigments that can stick to the tooth enamel, making it stained.
Smoking and Tobacco Use: Consistent smoking and tobacco use can result in extrinsic staining. The nicotine and tar present in cigarettes can lead to the development of yellow or brown stains on the teeth.
Environmental Factors: Pollution, especially getting exposed to higher levels of air pollution, and the intake of certain medications can result in external tooth stains.
Poor Dental Hygiene Practices: Lack of regular brushing and flossing may allow plaque and food particles to settle on your teeth. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, which contributes to the discolouration of the teeth.
Intrinsic (Internal) Stains
Intrinsic stains occur within the inner structure of the tooth, known as the dentin. This makes them harder to remove than extrinsic stains. They are often developed due to internal changes or conditions that affect the tooth from within.
Common factors that contribute to the development of extrinsic stains include:
Medications: Certain medications, especially tetracycline antibiotics, can cause deep stains in teeth. These stains develop as a side effect of these medications, particularly when taken during early childhood or pregnancy.
Trauma or Injury to Teeth: A strong impact or injury to a tooth can lead to internal discolouration. When a tooth experiences trauma, the dentin may darken due to internal bleeding or the death of the nerve inside the tooth.
Genetic Factors: Some people naturally have darker or more yellow-toned teeth due to their genetics. Factors such as the thickness of the enamel and the natural shade of dentin underneath can influence tooth colour.
Age-Related Stains
As we age, it is natural for our teeth to undergo changes that can lead to tooth discolouration. Age-related stains are often a combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. These stains become more noticeable over time.
Here are some of the reasons why age is a factor that contributes to tooth staining:
Enamel Thinning with Age: Over the years, the protective enamel layer on the teeth gradually wears down due to daily chewing, brushing, and exposure to acidic food and drinks. As the enamel thins, the underlying dentin, a naturally yellowish layer, becomes more visible, making the teeth appear darker or more yellow.
Natural Changes in Tooth Colour Over Time: In addition to enamel thinning, the dentin itself tends to darken with age. This natural process, combined with years of exposure to stain-causing food, beverages, and lifestyle habits, contributes to an overall duller or more discoloured appearance.
Teeth Whitening Treatment Options & How Does it Work?
Teeth whitening treatment helps remove stains and lighten the discolouration of your teeth. Professional treatment from a teeth whitening dentist uses chemical agents, primarily hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These agents penetrate the tooth enamel and break down stain molecules, effectively reducing discolouration. However, if you are wondering how effective is teeth whitening, it typically varies depending on whether it is performed in a dental clinic or at home.
Below are a few of the teeth whitening treatment options available for you:
In-Office Whitening (Chairside Whitening)
Professional teeth whitening treatments, also known as in-office or chairside teeth whitening, are the fastest and most effective way to reduce discolouration. There are different types of teeth whitening treatments that a dental professional may try out depending on the severity of your tooth stains. The most common types of in-office teeth whitening treatments include:
Chemically-Activated Whitening: Uses high-concentration peroxide formulas without light activation.
Light-Activated Whitening: Involves LED or UV light to enhance the whitening gel.
Laser Whitening: Uses laser energy to speed up the bleaching process.
With this being said, many people might wonder, “Do teeth whitening lights work?” The answer is that light-activated whitening can enhance the bleaching process, but the primary whitening effect still comes from the chemical agents.
How The Procedure Works
In Singapore, professional teeth whitening is a popular choice for those seeking safe and effective treatments. Here is how the teeth whitening works:
The dentist applies a protective barrier to shield your gums.
A professional-strength whitening gel is applied to your teeth.
A special light or laser may be used to activate the gel.
The treatment lasts around an hour, with immediate results.
Some dentists also offer custom whitening trays for at-home use. Now the question comes, “Do teeth whitening trays from the dentist work?” Mostly, these trays are considered to be effective, but results may take longer compared to in-office treatments.
Pros & Cons of In-Office Whitening
When looking for a quick and efficient way to treat discoloured teeth, in-office whitening is a great option. This dental procedure produces results that are visible right away. However, there are some drawbacks that you might want to take into account in addition to the benefits that it provides.
Pros:
Immediate and noticeable results
Performed under professional supervision
Stronger whitening effect than at-home treatments
Cons:
May cause temporary tooth sensitivity
Higher cost than at-home options
At-Home Whitening Treatments
For those who find professional treatments to be expensive, at-home whitening options provide a more affordable alternative. At-home options include dentist-supervised take-home kits to over-the-counter (OTC) products like whitening strips, gels, and teeth whitening toothpaste. Let us have a closer look at each of them.
Dentist-Supervised Take-Home Kits
Dentist-supervised take-home kits offer a whitening experience more similar to that of a professional level but in the comfort of your home. These take-home teeth whitening kits usually include custom-fitted trays, which help in the even distribution of the whitening solution. The gel used in these kits has a lower peroxide concentration compared to those used for in-office treatments.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products offer a more accessible and affordable alternative to professional treatments. These include whitening strips, gels, and toothpaste. Whitening strips are coated with a peroxide-based gel and applied directly to the teeth while whitening gels are brushed on and left for a set time before rinsing. Whitening toothpaste contains mild abrasives and small amounts of peroxide to remove surface stains. Though convenient, these products take longer to show noticeable results.
While over-the-counter products are widely available and easy to use, they often require consistent use over several weeks to achieve visible results. Dentist-supervised take-home kits are considered to be more effective than the products as they use stronger bleaching agents. While teeth whitening toothpaste can help maintain results, it largely depends on the severity of the stains.