THE ABCS OF TEETH WHITENING

Teeth whitening has become an increasingly popular procedure in the dental industry. From celebrities, to business moguls, to even the average Joe on the street; everyone is pumping their money into making their teeth brighter and flashier. Well, it’s no surprise, considering that the procedure has become way more affordable over the past decade. In fact, a number of tooth whitening procedures are so cheap and off-the-shelf that they are considered illegal and dangerous. That is why it’s advisable to always undergo the process at a certified dental practice before taking any further steps.

So what does tooth whitening entail?

Essentially, it’s the brightening and lightening of teeth so as to remove any present discolouration or stains for improved aesthetic value. It works on a pretty simple logic. In every tooth, there’s a white layer present on the surface known as the enamel. It is responsible for how white your smile is by how much light it will reflect. This is then determined by the smoothness and thickness; which is naturally acquired from your parents’ genes at birth. Moreover, the formation of thin coating, known as pellicle, also affects whiteness. This is because it naturally picks up stains from substances such as coffee, tea and tobacco. Moreover, as you also get older, the enamel wears thin and less light is reflected.

How then does whitening work?

There are two major ways to get your teeth whitened. One of them is through professional bleaching while the other is through laser whitening.

Professional bleaching involves the use of chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide in a 20% concentrate to remove surface and deep stains. Laser whitening, on the other hand, adopts the latest laser technology to complete the procedure. They are highly recommended because of their long lasting effect in making your teeth brighter.

What are the advantages of teeth whitening?

As well as granting peace of mind and confidence, teeth whitening also removes certain stains caused by carcinogens such as tobacco and coffee. These stains are usually the precursors of oral diseases after they begin to breakdown and release acidic toxins on the teeth and mouth. Hence, teeth whitening not only plays an important role in oral hygiene, but it also improves the lives of thousands by giving them a happier outlook towards their life with a radiant smile.