Teeth whitening involves various dental procedures that aim to make the natural teeth whiter and the smile more attractive.
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help lighten the color of your teeth. It's a nice way to improve your smile and boost your self-confidence.
To whiten your teeth effectively, you will need to choose a whitening method that matches the type of staining you have.
Types of teeth whitening
The dental teeth whitening procedure at Medstom Clinic in Sofia is based on two main methods, each tailored to the specific needs of the patient:
- Home teeth whitening:
At Medstom, we provide professional home whitening kits that are customized for your case. These include gels of the appropriate concentration, as well as custom splints made just for you.
Home whitening kits can be in the form of a gel or paste that is applied to your teeth using a brush or in the form of strips. The active ingredients in home teeth whitening kits are in a lower concentration than you would find in a dentist's office solution. For this reason, you will need to use the kits for several weeks to get visible results. At-home methods are gentler on tooth enamel, but the results can be less lasting, especially if not maintained with regular care and avoidance of foods that can stain teeth. - Professional teeth whitening:
Performed by a dentist. Teeth whitening at the dentist's office may require several visits to make your teeth as white as you want. With professional whitening, the results are usually longer lasting and more pronounced than home methods. Depending on the method chosen, light or laser may be used to activate the whitening agents and speed up the whitening process.
Factors affecting teeth whitening results
The effectiveness of teeth whitening can vary depending on several factors:
- Natural tooth color:
Some people have naturally darker teeth. Teeth that are naturally darker may require longer treatment to achieve the desired level of whiteness. - Stained teeth:
Some stains on teeth, such as those caused by coffee, tea or smoking, may be more resistant to whitening. These stains can usually be removed using stronger whitening agents. - Tooth enamel:
The thickness and health of tooth enamel can affect how well teeth respond to whitening. Thin or worn enamel can make whitening more difficult as the darker layer under the enamel, the dentin, becomes more visible. In these cases, whitening may not be as effective and other aesthetic solutions are required.
Tips for effective teeth whitening:
- Avoid coloring substances:
Limit consumption of coffee, tea, red wine and smoking. These substances can cause new tooth staining and reduce the effects of whitening. Use a straw when consuming beverages that can stain teeth. - Practice good oral hygiene:
Brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day and use mouthwash. This will not only help maintain the results of whitening, but also prevent plaque and stain build-up. - Visit your dentist regularly:
Regular checkups can help identify any underlying issues that may be affecting your teeth whitening results. Regular visits will allow your dentist to recommend the most appropriate whitening methods for the condition of your teeth and make adjustments as needed.
Individual characteristics associated with teeth whitening
- Sensitivity:
Some people may experience sensitivity during or after teeth whitening. The sensitivity is usually temporary and goes away after a few days. To reduce this discomfort, you can use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth or take a break between whitening sessions. - Provisional results:
Teeth whitening results may not be permanent for some patients, resulting in the need to repeat the treatment in the future. Factors such as lifestyle, food and drink, and personal hygiene can accelerate the return of stains on teeth. Maintenance treatments or regular short courses of whitening can help to maintain results. - Professional guidance:
It is always best to consult a dentist before starting any teeth whitening treatment. Whitening agents can be aggressive and irritating to you in higher doses. Therefore, it is very important to use teeth whitening products as directed. Talk to your dentist about any sensitivity you may experience after using whitening treatments at home or when receiving them at the dentist's office. If a product causes tooth pain, redness or bleeding gums, stop using it and consult your dentist.
If you are considering teeth whitening, it is important to weigh the benefits and risks and choose a method that is right for you. The most important thing is that your teeth are healthy and functional.
