Teeth Whitening: How It Works, Benefits And Types

Teeth whitening refers to the variety of processes that aim to make someone’s natural teeth appear white and brighter.  

This method includes bleaching, light therapy, sanding down strains, ultraviolet (UV), and many others.  

With this comes different teeth-whitening products that you can easily use at home. 

However, some of the methods can cause side effects. To avoid such circumstances, it is always better to consult a dentist. 

There are various other issues that you might face, such as tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. To remove your confusion, we have specified the benefits of undergoing a tooth whitening procedure.  

In this article, we will emphasize how your teeth get damaged, how teeth whitening can help, and the different types of procedures you can undergo.  

What Causes Teeth To Turn Yellow?  

Teeth tend to naturally lose their whiteness as the enamel erodes and exposes the yellowish dentin underneath.  

Therefore, there are other factors that can cause this as well.  

Thus, teeth discoloration can be categorized as either extrinsic or intrinsic.  

1. Intrinsic Strain  

This type of strain usually occurs in the dentine or the teeth’ inner structure. Thus, it is usually caused by certain medications, injury, or when you are undergoing any treatment.  

Due to its nature, these strains are tough to remove.  

Here is a list of some examples that cause intrinsic strain, and they are: 

Mouthwash contains chlorhexidine, which is used to treat gingivitis.  

Antibiotics are taken by children during the development stage of their teeth. 

Excessive amount of fluoride.  

Chemotherapy.  

Dental treatment such as amalgam fillings. 

As you grow older, the enamel of your teeth gets thinner, allowing the yellowish color of the dentine to show.  

Tooth injury which causes the tooth to create a yellowish dentin.  

2. Extrinsic Strain  

The extrinsic strain affects the outer layer of the teeth or enamel. This makes them easier to fix.  

Moreover, unlike intrinsic strain, these are often accused of lifestyle choices and food preferences.  

Some of the major factors of extrinsic strain are: 

Colored foods and drinks such as soda, tomato-based sauce, and red wine.  

Tartar comes from smoking tobacco and cigarettes.  

Acidic foods that ruin the enamel of the teeth. 

Plaque build-up from high-calorie food consumption.  

Therefore, if discoloration occurs but its color differs from yellow, such as brown, striped, gray, or mottled, you need to consult a dentist immediately. With dental teeth whitening in Singapore, you can contact a top dentist and start your treatment.  

Benefits Of Teeth Whitening  

Here is a list of benefits you can enjoy if you undergo teeth whitening treatment.  

1. Improved Oral Care  

People who have undergone professional whitening treatments tend to be more motivated to maintain their teeth than those who have not.  

Thus, witnessing the immediate results of these treatments can act as a powerful incentive and preserve your teeth.  

As a result, you can also adopt a more rigorous oral hygiene regimen, which includes frequent brushing and flossing. In addition, you would also need to use mouthwash regularly after every meal.  

Hence, this enhanced commitment to dental care not only helps maintain teeth whiteness but also contributes to improved overall dental health. 

2. Bleaching Effects Last Longer  

One of the common issues that you can face with home teeth whitening products is that they last only a short time. In addition to that his procedure will need you to constantly upkeep.  

Thus, you need to opt for specialty treatment such as Zoom Whitening.  

Therefore, this procedure will last longer, for at least four years, without any special care or treatment.  

3. Cost Effective  

While professional whitening procedures may have a higher upfront cost compared to over the counter (OTC) options, they prove to be more cost-effective over time.  

This is because OTC products like strips, whitening toothpaste, and kits often take a longer period to show noticeable results. In addition, these products require ongoing use to maintain these effects. 

As a result, the cumulative expense of these products can surpass the one-time cost of professional treatment, ultimately leading to savings in the long run. 

4. Helps Kill Bacteria  

The treatment effectively removes harmful plaque, bacteria, and tartar build-up by eliminating stains on the outer layer of the teeth.  

Thus, this not only improves the appearance of your teeth but also reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. 

Moreover, your oral health will be enhanced if you opt to undergo a teeth whitening procedure. 

5. Boost Self-Confidence  

Having yellow teeth can greatly impact one’s self-esteem.  

Similarly, discolored teeth often hamper your self-consciousness, and you might be reluctant to smile in public.  

Therefore, with teeth whitening treatments you can effectively address this concern.  

This treatment will provide you with a gleaming white smile and a significant boost in confidence.  

Furthermore, you will feel more assured and self-assured in social situations, showing off your bright smile without hesitation. 

6. Improves Appearance  

Yellowish teeth are often signs of poor oral hygiene. If you are one of them, then you need more confidence to make a public appearance.  

Therefore, to avoid this, it is often necessary for you to undergo whitening treatments, especially if you are working in custom services, managerial positions, or tourism positions.  

Thus, teeth whitening will help you overcome this issue and will allow you to leave a better impression on your employees, co-workers, and customers.  

7. Safer Treatment Option  

Store-bought teeth bleaching kits might cause irritation to your gums, which might eventually lead to tooth sensitivity.  

Thus, your dentist will carefully monitor the professional teeth whitening procedure. This method will protect your mouth from harmful damage and adjust the levels of the whitening agents.  

In addition, the teeth whitening procedure is backed by a good oral hygiene routine. The procedure is the best solution, from providing a dental care routine to frequent visits.  

8. Boost Self Esteem 

A smile is one of the first things that people use to assess you and your personality.  

Therefore, a professional tooth whitening procedure removes persistent strains and brightens up your slime, ultimately leaving you confident.  

Furthermore, after the procedure, you will not feel smiling with a closed mouth or hide your teeth behind your hand when laughing.  

Thus, consider undergoing the teeth whitening procedure by a professional.  

Types Of Teeth Whitening Options  

1. Whitening Products  

Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products include toothpaste and mouthwash, which aim to improve the appearance of teeth.  

Therefore, these products may incorporate ingredients like baking sh, which is known for its mild abrasive properties and helps scrub stains from the tooth’s surface.  

In addition, some whitening toothpaste options include charcoal, another substance recognized for its abrasive capabilities.  

Whitening formulas might also contain low concentrations of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, agents known for their bleaching effects. 

However, it is important to be cautious when using these products, as some abrasives could potentially damage tooth enamel if used excessively or over an extended period. 

2. Whitening At Dentist’s Office  

When considering tooth whitening at a dentist’s office, it is significant to note that the procedures often utilize higher concentrations of whitening agents. 

These procedures help achieve quick and noticeable results. Therefore, a common method, known as power bleaching, involves applying a potent hydrogen peroxide solution to the teeth for 20 to 30 minutes.  

Hence, this approach is designed to lighten the appearance of teeth significantly.  

In addition, some dental practices may incorporate laser therapy into their whitening sessions.  

Although this technique is employed to enhance the whitening effects, it is worth mentioning that, as of now, there is a lack of conclusive scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of laser therapy in improving tooth brightness. 

Moreover, you can achieve effective results with traditional bleaching methods as well.  

3. Home Whitening Kits  

Home whitening kits come in various forms, including gels or pastes applied with a brush. You can also use them as sticky strips that adhere to your teeth.  

Another method involves applying a whitening agent to your teeth and then covering it with a mouthguard.  

Therefore, this mouthguard serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it enhances the absorption of the whitening agent by keeping it pressed against your teeth. Secondly, it reduces the amount of contact the whitening solution has with your gums, potentially decreasing irritation. 

Thus, the active ingredients in these home-use whitening kits are at a lower concentration than those used professionally in a dentist’s office.  

However, this difference in concentration means that the kit must be used daily for several weeks to achieve noticeable results.  

Furthermore, more manufacturers of these kits claim that users can expect to see visible improvements in the whiteness of their teeth within 2 to 4 weeks. 

Get A Brighter Smile With Teeth Whitening  

According to health experts, teeth whitening is a medical procedure that requires a qualified dentist. 

Thus, this procedure is an effective and wise treatment option that can boost self-esteem and produce lasting results.  

Moreover, a dental practice with experience in teeth whitening can help you decide whether this cosmetic treatment is the best way to reclaim your winning smile.