Everyone loves pearly white smiles. It is one of the most popular cosmetics treatments performed as its relatively simple and does not require any advanced medical treatments. Teeth are naturally a light grey-yellow in colour, so it is normal if your teeth are not as white as pearls. However, as we age our teeth change in appearance with us. They darken and their colour can become yellower or faded depending on what we eat, drink, or if we smoke. It’s all-natural and completely normal, but many people want authentic white smiles, especially as signs of aging start taking shape. This is where teeth whitening comes in.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a treatment wherein which surface whiteners or bleaches are applied to your teeth in an effort to make them white and super bright. Surface whiteners are products such as toothpaste that help remove surface stains. Bleaches work to alter the colours of teeth themselves.
Teeth whitening can sometimes brighten your smile by up to ten shades, which will make a huge difference to you and those around you.
How to Teeth Whiten?
There are various ways to get whiter teeth beyond your annual dental trips and daily brushing routine.
At-Home
You can readily get over-the-counter home whitening kits that come with a gel or paste you apply to your teeth. Others are whitening strips you stick overtop your teeth and leave on for a certain amount of time.
All of these products come with a special tray that helps keep the whitening agent on your teeth and prevents them from getting on your gums.
However, at-home kits are not highly effective and require many weeks before any visible change is noticeable.
Professional Teeth Whitening
The most effective way to whiten your teeth is to go to a professional. And here, you also have options. You can go to your dentist or any dentist that offers teeth whitening, or you can go to a Teeth Whitening Technician – which is not a dentist or dental professional necessarily but is trained in proper and safe teeth whitening procedures.
If you go with a dentist, you also benefit from their dental services, such as thorough cleaning and polishing. Results aren’t noticeable after one treatment, so you will likely require a few trips. Many dentists use bleach-based whitening agents that are applied and left on your teeth for a few minutes before being washed away.
When working with a Teeth Whitening Technician, they often use a pen or syringe application to paint a whitening gel to your teeth. Using a simple blue spectrum LED light, the gel becomes activated and starts working right away. These types of gels typically need up to 14 applications to see desired results.
Is it Safe?
Yes! Teeth whitening procedures, no matter which method you try, is safe. Most teeth whitening is done with minimal amounts of hydrogen peroxide-based formulas, which are entirely safe for professional and at-home use.
There are limited side effects which you may feel after teeth whitening, such as:
Teeth Sensitivity: Often after the first few treatments, but lessens over time. Your dentist or technician may have solutions for how you can help improve sensitivity post-treatment.
Irritated Gums: If the whitening agent comes in contact with your gums, it could cause irritation. Professionals use gingival barriers to prevent as much contact with the gums as possible, but there is always a chance a little bit can still get on your gums. Any irritation is only temporary and should fade after treatment.
Is it Permanent?
Teeth Whitening procedures are not permanent, as your teeth will naturally start to darken and change colour again. This is especially true if you are a heavy coffee drinker or smoker. So, you will likely require touch-ups every so often to keep your teeth pearly white.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening is a growing cosmetic treatment, skyrocketing in popularity among people striving for whiter smiles. It’s easy, not too expensive, and helps improve your appearance. Plus, it’s safe when done properly and can last quite a few months before any touch-ups are required.
If you are looking to start your own teeth whitening business, enrol in Teeth Whitening Academy’s dental professional-led program and get certified in just one day.