Teeth whitening is considered the most widely performed procedure when achieving a brighter and whiter smile. Teeth whitening is an excellent option for individuals who want cosmetic changes without a hefty price tag or painful procedure. Even when everyone practices excellent oral hygiene, the teeth tend to discolor over time. Many individuals use teeth whitening to maintain a bright white smile throughout their lives. But is it considered safe?
Many individuals are also concerned about whether teeth whitening tends to damage tooth enamel. This comprehensive guide will first dive into what teeth whitening and enamel are. Then, we will look at whether teeth whitening can affect enamel. We took information from the renowned dentist in Gurgaon at Aspen Dental Clinic to make this post informative. It is a famous cosmetic dental clinic that offers the best teeth whitening treatment. So, let’s begin by discussing teeth whitening and tooth enamel in detail.
What is Teeth Whitening?
During professional teeth whitening, a gel-filled tray (hydrogen peroxide and bleach) is placed in the mouth for 20-30 minutes, depending on the shade of white one wants to achieve. Moreover, a bright light shines in the mouth to speed up the teeth whitening process. The procedure almost takes an hour to complete.
What is Enamel?
Enamel is the hard outer layer of the teeth that protects them from decay and damage. It comprises minerals such as calcium and phosphate that help to keep the teeth strong and healthy. Without enamel, the teeth are susceptible to cavities and other dental problems. Tooth decay and sensitivity are usually signs of weakened enamel. The dentin, which supports the structure of the enamel, is located underneath the enamel layer. The pulp, which contains the tooth's blood vessels and nerves, is underneath the dentin.
Does Teeth Whitening Affect Enamel?
Teeth whitening uses peroxide gels that help to break the stains on the teeth and result in brighter teeth. The peroxide penetrates the enamel and oxidizes dark-pigmented stains within the tooth. This procedure bleaches the underlying tooth to a light color.
The main concern regarding teeth whitening is that certain treatments could include harsh chemicals that, over time, destroy or weaken enamel. These products most often contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which, in high quantities, can be abrasive. When applied properly, these substances can help eliminate surface stains from the teeth without causing harm to the enamel. However, excessive application or high concentrations may permanently damage the enamel.
The common downside of whitening the teeth is that it can lead to:
Tooth Sensitivity
Gum sensitivity
Ineffective results
Tooth sensitivity often results when peroxide gel demineralizes from the teeth and makes them porous. When the teeth are porous, pour water through a sieve with small openings.
If your gums come into touch with teeth whitening gel accidentally, patients may experience gum discomfort or inflammation. Whitening strips should only come in contact with the gums when applied properly during a professional whitening procedure. Although gum irritation or ulceration may result from improper application of teeth whitening, these effects are usually reversible.
Interested in getting teeth whitening in Gurgaon? Visit Aspen Dental Clinic and achieve a brighter and shining smile!
Is Teeth Whitening Considered Safe?
As long as one uses an ADA-approved whitening product according to specific instructions, one can assume that teeth whitening is safe. It is always best to follow the dental experts' advice on the type of whitening options to experience no side effects. The common side effects of teeth whitening include temporary gum irritation, which subsides as soon as one stops the whitening process.
Also, when it comes to teeth whitening, there is no need to worry about damaging the enamel. Teeth whitening is generally safe and causes no damage. Teeth whitening products use ingredients that are safe when used properly.
Note: It is always advised to consult a renowned dentist before using any teeth whitening product to ensure proper safety. The dental experts will evaluate the teeth and recommend the best teeth whitening product. Always remember teeth whitening is safe and can effectively brighten the smile and boost one’s confidence.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Lasts?
Teeth whitening is not a permanent procedure. The duration of the teeth whitening results varies from patient to patient. Usually, one can expect teeth whitening results to last from a few months up to three years, depending on the type of stains one is trying to remove and the thickness of enamel on the teeth. One can extend the teeth whitening results by avoiding smoking and not drinking coffee, red wine, soda pop, or tea. Moreover, one must drink plenty of water and practice good oral hygiene by brushing their teeth twice daily.
Final Takeaway
When it comes to achieving a brighter and shiny smile, several options are available. Some options also carry a risk of damaging the enamel if they are used incorrectly or too often. Teeth whitening is considered an effective option for whitening the teeth, and it does not affect the enamel if teeth whitening products are used. To minimize the risks, it is vital to understand what ingredients are in the products and how they might affect the enamel over time.
If one plans to whiten their teeth, they can visit Aspen Dental Clinic to get the best teeth whitening in Gurgaon.
The dental experts at the clinic specialize in championing a positive approach to dentistry and ensuring that the aim of achieving a brighter smile will materialize perfectly. The clinic has also been designed to make the setting cozy and comfortable for kids and adults, and it offers a premium experience under the supervision of dental experts.
To avail the benefits of teeth whitening, visit Aspen Dental Clinic today! The procedure is customized for every patient, depending on the results they wish to achieve.
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