Teeth Whitening: Everything You Should Know About Whiter Teeth

What’s the first thing you notice about another person? Is it their eyes? Is it their physique? Or, as science seems to support, is it their smile?

Appearance plays an overwhelmingly decisive role in informing how we see others and how others see us, at least initially. Moreover, one of the most significant components of this initial visual impression is your smile. Small wonder then that improving, enhancing, or even completely remaking one’s smile is not only highly desirable, but it’s also extremely commonplace. In the US alone, about $1 billion per year is spent on cosmetic dental procedures.

Millions of people put their children through the misery of orthodontic treatment regimens in their teen years, typically with braces, so that their children can have perfect smiles as adults. They understand the immense value of investing in cosmetic dentistry can have. A beautiful, attractive smile will help their children’s self-confidence, improve their social lives, enhance the likelihood of landing a great job, and even help them attract a lifelong partner and mate.

“Modern whitening treatments can be divided mainly into two broad categories – treatments that focus on removing extrinsic staining and treatments aimed at affecting the dentin itself.”

Of course, in pursuit of a perfect smile, braces (Clear Braces) and other straightening treatments are but one component. Dazzling white teeth are the hallmark of a beautiful smile.

Everyone wants to have whiter teeth. With readily available over-the-counter pastes, gels, lights, trays, and other equipment, attaining whiter teeth has never been easier. In fact, clinical dental whitening is probably the easiest, least invasive, and the most effective way to professionally improve and enhance your smile. However, a wide range of options also breeds consumer confusion.

Which teeth whitening treatment will work best for me?

How much will it cost? Do they even work?

How exactly does the teeth whitening process work?

These are but a handful of the questions most consumers have. While brilliant white teeth are desirable, getting the best results is much more difficult.

In a world rife with misleading marketing, overhyped products, and overblown claims, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where patient education comes in. Since you’re reading this article, you’re already off to a great start.

My objective is to educate you by taking you through the ins and outs of the dental whitening process, including not only how professional whitening treatments work but also relevant and useful information about at-home treatments, over-the-counter products, holistic therapies, and alternative treatments.

The Science of White Teeth and Attraction

People find perfect, white teeth to be attractive.

Explaining the science behind why human beings are so enamored of this one particular dental quality is much more difficult. The working theory goes something like this:

Dental quality (i.e., white teeth) acts as a psychological signal to potential mates about the age, health, and vitality of a particular individual. Crooked, yellow teeth are associated with poor health and poor hygiene.

Likewise, discolored teeth may also indicate someone who is older, weaker, and less potent. Of course, teeth are so much more than just a mere visual cue for potential mates. They also act as ornaments. You can literally “wear” your smile like a beautiful, dazzling, and brilliant piece of jewelry.

How does teeth whitening work?

To understand the underlying process behind dental whitening, it is essential to know about the structure of your teeth. The outer layer of a tooth is known as the enamel. While it is visible and exposed for all to see, it is only partially responsible for dental coloration.

Dentin

Right underneath the enamel is the dentin. Dentin is naturally yellowish. The coloration of natural teeth is mostly the dentin showing through the translucent enamel. That’s what gives healthy teeth a slightly off-white hue. Therefore, dental coloration is not only determined by the color of the enamel but also the dentin beneath the enamel.

Because dental enamel is exposed, it is vulnerable to extrinsic staining. What that means is that the enamel itself can be physically discolored by staining agents such as the tannins found in colored beverages such as coffee or wine, or the gradual infiltration of staining agents into the enamel matrix thanks to biofilm, bacteria, and enamel erosion. It is important to note that the gradual wearing away of enamel can also result in visible discoloration as yellower dentin is revealed beneath the enamel.

Discoloration, due to the condition of the dentin, is known as intrinsic staining. Intrinsic staining beneath the enamel is often not the result of exposure but rather the consequence of factors that are systemic and difficult to control, such as genetics, medications, fluoride exposure, and environmental circumstances.

Modern Teeth Whitening Treatments

Modern whitening treatments can be divided mainly into two broad categories – treatments that focus on removing extrinsic staining and procedures aimed at affecting the dentin itself.

In the former falls general dental hygiene and cleaning services and products aimed at removing and reducing enamel-destroying bacteria and extrinsically staining substances.

In the latter falls, peroxide-based treatments rely on chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide to alter the underlying dentin chemically. To achieve a long-lasting and natural-looking result, both approaches are recommended. Both extrinsic and intrinsic staining must be addressed to get a brilliant white smile.

Extrinsic whitening methods are widely understood. Physically removing staining pigments, such as darkening tannins, will lead to whiter brighter teeth. Likewise, eliminating bacterial biofilm, also known as plaque, tartar, and calculus, will reduce and reverse enamel erosion.

Remember, enamel is translucent, which means decreasing its natural thickness will expose the yellower dentin underneath, leading to visible discoloration. To avoid thinning the enamel and exposing the dentin, you should avoid exposing your teeth to eroding acids or physical trauma.

Intrinsic whitening is a little more abstract, and it typically is what patients and dentists are generally referring to when they talk about “dental whitening.”

Dentin contains color molecules known as chromophores, which reflect light in a way that makes the dentin look darker than the enamel. These chromophores also tend to bond together, resulting in a gradual darkening of the dentin, which gives teeth a yellow hue. To combat this, dentists and some off-the-shelf products utilize peroxide-based treatments to break up bonded chromophores chemically. This results in noticeably whiter-looking teeth.

Off-the-Shelf and At-Home Dental Whitening Products Toothpaste

Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments

Clinical whitening sessions are typically much more involved than at-home, self-directed therapy. The process usually takes a few sessions or visits to your dental clinic, although it is possible to complete an entire whitening regimen in a single visit.

Thoughts Around Teeth Whitening Strategies Professional Teeth Whitening vs. At-Home Whitening

Both professional teeth whitening in a dentist’s chair and self-guided whitening at home are options for patients seeking to brighten up their smiles. Ultimately, both approaches have advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into account when making a decision.

Which teeth whitening system works best for you?

In general, patients with a larger budget and less time should seek professional whitening.

At-home dental whitening treatments are an option for individuals with a limited budget and patience to wait for weeks to months to observe results. However, it is important to note that these treatments generally yield less desirable outcomes compared to professional teeth whitening. Additionally, patients should consider their own ability to independently manage the treatment and adhere to a recommended treatment plan.

To achieve desired outcomes with an at-home treatment, users need to exhibit consistent dedication, adhere closely to instructions, and ensure punctuality for each treatment session.

Dental patients who undergo teeth whitening procedures at a dental clinic like Willow Pass Dental Care typically experience immediate and significant improvement. They can have peace of mind knowing that their treatment planning and execution are in the hands of well-trained dental professionals who strive for optimal outcomes.