How teeth whitening works
Some teeth whitening techniques dissolve stains and discolorations. Other more invasive ones can go beyond the surface and whiten your tooth from within. The latter method, namely in-office bleaching, involves using gels or other substances along with certain laser or UV lights. Since in-office bleaching is considered the most enduring, many decide to have their teeth whitened by a professional.
Professional teeth whitening is a multistage process performed at the dentist's office. The entire procedure will take about an hour and you will be able to see immediate results. The main component in teeth bleaching is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. When activated by laser/light, the element can penetrate the enamel removing any discoloration or stains stuck between the enamel and the dentine.
After checking in the dental office, you can discuss the circumstances of the procedure. Some methods require you to refrain from certain foods or beverages for a couple of days. The main procedure is done in several steps:
- A record of your current tooth shade is made.
- The dentist/dental hygienist will clean your teeth thoroughly using dental pumice.
- Using mouth-guard and gauze, your mouth will be isolated and your gum tissues protected.
- A sealant is applied to protect your gum and other tissues from being in contact with whitening gel.
- The whitening solution (either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) covers the front surface of your teeth.
- Depending on the brand of the whitening solution, Light/laser may or may not be required. If indicated, the curing light will stay on your teeth for 15 to 45 minutes (until your teeth reach the desired shade).
- As soon as the procedure is over, your teeth are rinsed using fluoride to prevent sensitivity.
- In some cases, additional sessions might be needed to reach the white shade you have in mind.
- The last step includes a whitening teeth tray that you can use for touch-ups at the comfort of your home.
- Before leaving the clinic, you might receive some instructions regarding what you can or cannot eat or drink for a couple of days after the procedure.
Teeth whitening methods
Teeth whitening can be performed in multiple ways. There are invasive and non-invasive options as well as expensive and affordable ones.
Toothpaste tubes: Whitening toothpaste tubes are extremely popular. But are they as effective? According to dentists, whitening toothpaste contains abrasives. The agent can dissolve stains on the enamel. But it cannot get rid of any discoloration on the dentine. As a result, it is unable to do anything beyond restoring the tooth's natural color.
Over-the-counter products: Various products are available in drugstores claiming they deliver the bright, Hollywood smile. They include strips, tooth whitening pens, LED lamps or even chewing gums. Some of these techniques can dissolve mild discolorations as good as any toothpaste; others contain peroxide derivations providing an outcome that is slightly similar to that of bleaching. Since the amount of peroxide in these products is limited, they may not provide a sufficient amount of whitening.
Teeth whitening trays and gels: These whitening kits can be purchased in the dentist's office. They are customized based on your current tooth shade along with the shade you wish to achieve. Using teeth whitening trays, you can have whiter teeth at the comfort of your own home. The best result, however, is obtained if you try these trays for touch-ups and after having your teeth professionally whitened in the dentist's office; which brings us to the next option.
Professional Bleaching: Bleaching is the most effective method to brighten your smile with. When you have your teeth whitened at the hands of a professional, you can make sure the peroxide is not going to harm your gums or lead to tooth sensitivity. Moreover, in-office whitening can contribute to just the amount of whiteness you desire. The excellent results can also be obtained in less than an hour. As effective and tempting as the professional teeth whitening might sound, it is not a really cheap procedure. Considering most insurances do not cover the cosmetic expenses, it is not surprising that a large population select countries like Iran to get their teeth as white as TV newscasters.
Veneers: Veneers are the ultimate solution to get a Hollywood smile. They are made of porcelain and will cover the front surface of the tooth. With dental veneers, you can have perfect teeth and not just with respect to whiteness. Veneers can also efficiently fix crooked, chipped, or misaligned teeth. The final result will be long-lasting and natural-looking.
How much is teeth whitening in Iran
Teeth whitening can provide the right shade of white in less than an hour. In addition, modern techniques use less-invasive gels and provide more long-lasting results. But, the latest methods come at a price too. Teeth whitening is an expensive procedure that is performed at about 650$ in the USA. This can be quite a large sum, especially considering the lack of insurance coverage. But, this shouldn't keep anyone from having beautiful, bright teeth.
An increasing number of people decide to travel to foreign countries to receive high-quality medical or cosmetic procedures that will cost a fortune in their hometown. Among all the possible options, Iran's dentistry is the most reputable. Besides, the cost of professional teeth whitening in Iran will be $450 at its most including all the additional costs.
Teeth whitening aftercare
When the procedure is over, you might experience a degree of teeth sensitivity. This is, in large part, due to the peroxide agent that is available in the bleach and might irritate the nerves. The pain should subside in a day or two. If you generally have sensitive teeth, you could be more prone to the discomfort following a teeth whitening session. Discuss the terms with your dentist and he or she might have some recommendations on how to prevent the soreness.
Pain is not the only thing you should endure during the first few days after the teeth whitening procedure. To maintain an attractive and sparkly smile, you should stick to the rules laid down by your dentist. For instance, there are certain foods and drinks you should absolutely refrain from in the two days following the procedure or your newly whitened teeth won't last long enough.
Exclude the following items from your diet for at least 24 hours:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Soy sauce
- Tomato-based products (tomato sauce, tomato juice, etc.)
- Mustard
- Chocolate
- Beets
- Black grapes
- Candies
*A rule of thumb is to avoid eating or drinking anything that could leave a stain on a plain white T-shirt.
FAQ
Is teeth whitening safe?
Teeth bleaching is considered a risk-less procedure. The little risk that exists is associated with the injury that could be inflicted on the gummy tissues. An experienced dentist will use protective guards and reliable dental gels to ensure your safety.
Is teeth whitening permanent?
The extent to which the final results last, depends largely upon habits regarding smoking, drinking, and whether you have your teeth cleaned on a regular basis. Generally speaking, professional bleaching can last for about a year or so which is far more than the durability of other teeth whitening techniques.
Is teeth whitening painful?
A number of patients say they experience a noticeable pain during the procedure. The sharp pain, medically known as a zinger, is due to the nerves being irritated by the whitening solution. Different people have various pain thresholds; But in most cases, the pain can be tolerated.
