What is Teeth Whitening and What is its Procedure?

Teeth whitening is a procedure that helps you lighten the color of your teeth. There are two ways to do this, intrinsic or extrinsic tooth whitening. The extrinsic is achieved through a chemical reaction that alters the color of the enamel on the surface of the teeth whitening Nashville TN. When your enamel thins naturally with age, teeth whitening can help you maintain the natural beauty of your teeth.

Enamel thins naturally with age

Enamel is the hardest substance in the body and is present in the outermost layers of the teeth. It protects the tooth surface from stains and acid erosion. As a result, enamel thins naturally with age. However, with proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, thinning enamel can be controlled and a person can keep their teeth in good shape.

The main crystal structure in enamel is hydroxyapatite. It has the formula Ca10 (PO4)6 (OH)2. Hydration shells cover the apatite crystals and help in ion diffusion. The amount of hydration shell determines the strength of the enamel.

Prisms are formed from hydroxyapatite crystals. These crystals are arranged at right angles to the enamel surface. They can have different shapes, such as pyramids, ovals, or arcades. Depending on the age, the head of the prism can be above or below the enamel surface.

In the enamel, micro spaces are formed during the demineralization process. These spaces can be up to 25% of the enamel volume.

In the teeth of young patients, the rounded formations are evenly distributed over the enamel surface. On the other hand, older people have fewer rounded formations. Besides, the rounded formations are honeycomb-shaped.

Caries is 4% of the total volume of the enamel. These caries are divided into the translucent zone and the dark zone.

In-office vs at-home whitening products

When it comes to teeth whitening, there are two options: professional in-office treatments and over-the-counter (OTC) products. Each has its pros and cons. It’s important to know which option is best for you.

Professional in-office whitening treatments work by applying the strongest whitening agents to your teeth. In fact, they can remove intrinsic stains such as coffee and tobacco, and make your smile camera-ready.

Unlike at-home kits, which use lower concentrations of the same whitening agents, professional solutions can offer faster results. Plus, they can be tailored to your sensitivity level.

At-home whitening kits are often more affordable than in-office treatments, but may not provide the same degree of shade changes as professional whiteners. You will need to wear strips for at least a few minutes a day for a few weeks to see the effects.

Taking the time to consult your dentist can help you find the best method for your specific needs. Most dentists offer flexible payment options to fit your budget. However, it is also recommended to choose a safe whitening solution.

If you have gum disease or sensitivity issues, you might experience pain during the process. For these reasons, many dentists recommend starting with store-bought whiteners.

At-home whitening kits can cost between $30 and $50 per kit. They contain brush-on, gel-based teeth whitening strips that last for three to 21 days.

Common side effects

When you undergo teeth whitening Nashville TN you may experience some common side effects, including tooth pain. While most of these side effects are short-lived, severe irritation can lead to a range of complications. You should contact your dentist if you experience any adverse effects.

The most common teeth whitening side effect is tooth sensitivity. This is a temporary condition that will go away within a day or two. Teeth whitening kits, professional treatments, and at-home systems can all cause this.

One of the more serious dental whitening side effects is enamel erosion. During a teeth whitening session, the outer layer of the enamel is exposed to the hydrogen peroxide solution. If the concentration of the whitener is too high, this process may permanently damage the enamel.

Other teeth whitening side effects include gum irritation and an uneven shade. In cases of excessive enamel loss, porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be necessary to restore the original luster.

Another less common side effect of teeth whitening is hypersensitivity. This is a reaction to the air moving through the mouth. People with thin enamel are more susceptible to this type of pain.

Teeth whitening can be a fun and affordable cosmetic dentistry procedure. However, it is important to choose a qualified cosmetic dentist for optimal results.