Standards of beauty are more fickle than the wind. But there are ideals in beauty that maintain enviable constancy. Unless the ways to achieve them change. For example, a snow-white smile - everyone has always dreamed of a dazzling “smiley”, regardless of gender and age. Previously, beauty really required sacrifices: some brushed their teeth with soda, others independently experimented with hydrogen peroxide, others indulged in strawberries (these berries, it turns out, also have a whitening effect) or added lemon oil to the paste.
Today, grandfather's methods and grandmother's recipes are giving way to modern dentistry, which offers a variety of ways to whiten teeth. Only a competent professional knows where to stop. Our expert, a famous Belarusian, helped debunk some myths associated with teeth whitening.
MYTH 1. Modern whitening methods are so effective, and all preparations are gentle and gentle, that this procedure has practically no contraindications
Expert opinion: Do not confuse whitening with removing plaque from teeth. The latter is a completely painless and safe procedure for tooth enamel, which WHO experts recommend as a preventative measure for everyone. In modern dental centers, plaque is first removed using ultrasound, and then the teeth are polished with special brushes or using sandblasting machines.
But bleaching is already chemical process, as a result of which organic compounds are oxidized to water and carbon dioxide. Hydrogen peroxide penetrates the enamel and surface layers of dentin, causing the tooth to become whiter.
This procedure has a number of contraindications. For example, caries. Before bleaching, temporary fillings must be placed. Why temporary? Because fillings and crowns are made of a special material that cannot be bleached. And since the color of your teeth will change after whitening, new fillings will need to be placed taking into account the new tone.
Another contraindication - wedge-shaped defects, or damage to the enamel in the neck area on the outside of the tooth.
It is better to hold off on whitening for people who have increased sensitivity teeth. In such cases, it is better to abandon even whitening pastes in favor of products with a special formula for sensitive enamel.
MYTH 2. After whitening, a snow-white smile is 100% guaranteed.
Myth 3. I bleached it and forgot about it.
Expert opinion: no, that won't work! Your snow-white smile is unlikely to like black tea, coffee, or cigarettes. Tooth enamel - although the most hard fabric body, but quite delicate and needs special care. Remember to remove tartar regularly. Do not overuse products containing dyes. These include the already mentioned tea and coffee, as well as chocolate, red wine, mustard, ketchup, blueberries, beets, and soda with dyes.
Myth 4. Apart from whitening, there is no chance of getting a “Hollywood” smile
Expert opinion: why, there are also veneers - thin plates that replace the top layer of teeth. And although they do not belong to whitening methods, only they can provide a truly durable and stable result in changing the color and shape of teeth.
MYTH 5. For white teeth, be sure to see a dentist.
Expert opinion: it all depends on your needs and expectations. There are also whitening pastes, but the effect of such products does not last long, and the enamel becomes lighter only with regular use. But even here you need to know when to stop: it is enough to brush your teeth with such a paste 2-3 times a week, and on the remaining days use therapeutic and prophylactic products enriched with fluoride, calcium and other components useful for tooth enamel.
The Big Cleanup: Ideas and Options
Airflow teeth whitening technology
This modern technique was created as a result of developments in Swiss dentistry Electro Medical System. Airflow hygienically improves the condition of your teeth, effectively removes traces of tea, coffee, wine, cigarettes, dental deposits and plaque. It is noteworthy that in high-quality powders, the particles that polish the surface and strengthen the enamel are round in shape. Airflow starts where your toothbrush leaves off.
DIVs reviews:“I cleanse using the Airflow method. A special mixture of powder with air and water spray, connecting at the end of the nozzle, quickly and painlessly removes bacteria, soft plaque and interdental deposits. Being local, the “Airflow” method thoroughly and carefully cleans the surface of the teeth, thereby eliminating damage to the enamel.” Forum member Anchovy.
Professional teeth whitening with Opalescence system
The procedure involves applying a highly active gel to the teeth for 40 - 60 minutes. At the same time, the gums and soft fabrics must be protected from contact with the active substance, so the procedure must be carried out by a professional dentist. The system is designed for two sessions.
Laser whitening and photo whitening
Like the Opalescence system, it also uses special gels that the dentist applies to tooth enamel. Then the gel is illuminated with a laser or a special lamp. The procedure will not harm your enamel; these types of whitening have no side effects, but have an excellent effect. In addition, laser whitening is also painless.
Home whitening
It consists of wearing specially made trays, which are filled with a professional whitening composition. Typically, aligners are worn for 2-3 weeks. The first signs of bleaching appear on the 4-5th day.
DIV reviews:"All! Finally I'm done! 8 sessions of Opalescence TresWhite Supreme whitening. The sensitivity that appeared on the 4th day went away after using the fluoride preparation, the teeth became much lighter. I really regret that I didn't take before and after photos. Yes, I still have 2 mouthguards left for each jaw. They can be used when you want to “refresh” your whitening, for example, before an important event.” Forum member Nikita.
Internal whitening of a single tooth
Sometimes it is necessary to whiten a tooth not from the outside, but from the inside. The need for such a procedure arises, for example, after mechanical damage. Also, the tooth may darken after nerve removal and root canal filling. In such cases, the dentist recommends internal bleaching. Its essence is this: a special whitening gel is injected into the tooth, after which the doctor places a temporary filling. After a few days, the doctor repeats the procedure. For effective whitening You may need 3-5 visits - all individually. Finally, a permanent filling is placed on the tooth.
Whitening strips
Undeniable advantages: whitening strips can be easily used at home without the help of a dentist, you can talk during the procedure, and tooth enamel remains intact. The effect, of course, is not always as obvious as after professional whitening, but, nevertheless, the strips are in great demand. And all because they can whiten teeth by 2-3 tones in a fairly short time.
DIV reviews: “I used Crest Whitestrips two summers in a row in the States. This was my only experience with whitening, but the result met all expectations: my teeth became a couple of shades whiter (though they are naturally quite white, many people wonder if I’m bleaching). And yet, when I arrived home, my family immediately noticed that my teeth were even whiter. None harmful effects I didn’t feel it on my teeth.” Forum member NUKTERIDA.
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Not every person can boast of a Hollywood smile, but the desire to get closer to the ideal is a natural desire. How to whiten teeth at home without resorting to expensive dental care? There are a sufficient number of methods and means that improve the quality of enamel and its appearance.
Reasons for ANTI-white appearance of teeth
Why, in principle, do teeth darken, turn yellow, or change their original shade to a less aesthetic one? There are several reasons, some of which must be eliminated before whitening begins.
- Smoking, alcohol abuse.
- Excessive love for black tea and coffee.
- Excessive consumption of sweets (glucose is the main enemy of enamel, contributing to its thinning and darkening).
Teeth may change color during (or after) pregnancy - this is natural process associated with hormonal changes. During this period, it is better to refrain from whitening procedures.
Water rich in fluoride is the cause of dark spots on enamel. All environmental shortcomings immediately affect the condition of the teeth - only the maximum will help healthy image life, good hygiene and proper nutrition.
There are also some diseases (not just dental ones) that cause tooth enamel to change color. In this case, it is not the effect that needs to be eliminated, but the cause. That is why before starting any whitening, consultation with a specialist is required.
Foods for teeth whitening at home
“Grandma’s” remedies have proven their effectiveness for centuries. There is nothing mysterious about them - only the practice and experience of generations. Foods help make teeth whiter.
Berries and fruits
Strawberry has bright color, but the teeth are in pink tones does not stain. On the contrary, due to the acidic environment, it helps to soften plaque - then it is more successfully removed during brushing. The product is tasty and pleasant, but quite aggressive - it is not used more than 1-2 times a week.
The berries can be used in their natural form - rub the enamel with freshly prepared strawberry puree. Or make a cleaning gel from a mixture of strawberries and soda (half a teaspoon per mashed berry). Using a brush, apply the product to your teeth, hold for up to five minutes, and rinse your mouth. Then perform standard hygiene procedures with regular paste.
Similar action Apples, lemons, oranges, pineapples - most fruits with a high content of fruit acids. In citrus fruits, the “cleaner” is the peel. Try periodically wiping the enamel with a piece of orange or lemon peel - the effect will be felt after just a few procedures.
Turmeric
A well-known oriental spice, which is added to sauces or baked goods to give a bright golden color, will help you clean and whiten your teeth at home. In ancient Indian treatises there is a mention of this spice in the composition of special toothpastes - refreshing, cleansing, anti-inflammatory. How to prepare such a remedy?
Take a teaspoon each of turmeric powder and coconut oil, mix, add one drop essential oil mint. This paste can be used daily, completely abandoning purchased products.
Coconut oil
This product is also used “in duet” with other cleansing components (for example, soda). You can do it even simpler: take a little oil on a cotton pad and polish your tooth enamel before regular brushing. It is recommended to perform a similar procedure for five minutes twice a week.
Useful plants and herbs to guard “sparkling” whiteness
Aloe juice is an excellent “whitener”, and it also copes excellently with inflammation in the mouth, helps in the prevention of stomatitis, gingivitis and others. dental problems. It does not cause irritation and does not damage the enamel. The procedure is simple: after squeezing the required amount of paste onto the brush, drop a little fresh juice from a plucked leaf on top. And start cleaning.
The second “helper” grows in the garden - this is the familiar basil. Doesn't harm teeth, cleans enamel, kills bacteria, freshens breath. To prepare a portion remedy you need to grind a few green leaves into a pulp, and then use this puree as toothpaste.
Iodine on a stick
Technically, everything is simple: dip a cotton swab into the bottle, treat the surface of the teeth, hold it a little and rinse thoroughly. However, it is not recommended to use this product more than once a month. He is either praised or criticized - the result is debatable. Iodine is quite toxic; it should not come into contact with the enamel for a long time - this can cause its destruction (and contact with the mucous membranes of the mouth can cause burns).
11 life hacks for teeth whitening WITHOUT harm from video bloggers
Bloggers often offer their own methods - many have little secrets, the effectiveness of which has been proven personal experience. What else can be used to whiten teeth?
Soda– universal cleaner. It removes dirt from any surface, including tooth enamel. A little powder, soaked in water, on the brush - and forward to a snow-white smile!
Apple vinegar- another simple but effective remedy. Used as a rinse aid after standard hygiene procedures. True, the method is controversial - many dentists do not approve of it. So consulting a specialist before such bleaching will not hurt.
Salty water – a more gentle ingredient in home care. When rinsing, it disinfects the oral cavity well, prevents inflammation of the gums and destruction of enamel. At the same time, it whitens teeth.
Banana peel– an unusual “cleaner”. If you ate a piece of fruit, take the unwanted skin and rub the inside of your teeth with it. The secret is a huge number microelements that enter into chemical reaction with enamel. The result is a kind of “dental peeling” - light, gentle, and does not cause any irritation in the mouth.
"White Diet". It is based rather on the rules of prevention, however, if you follow them constantly, you will not need to artificially restore the whiteness of your smile. There are foods that help maintain the original color of teeth - eggs, seafood, chicken, rice, white beans.
And vice versa: blue berries, strong black tea, red wine, fresh beets, coffee - they can stain enamel. I want to drink carrot juice or another bright drink - use a cocktail straw. And don't forget to brush your teeth immediately after eating.
Powdered milk. It is advisable to mix the product in a 1 to 1 ratio with toothpaste and use it as intended. The procedure is performed several times a week. Due to the enrichment with calcium, the enamel is whitened and strengthened.
Complex prefabricated product, which is used once a week: a pack of tooth powder, a teaspoon of salt and baking soda, trichopolum tablet ground into “flour”. Cleansing and antibacterial effect!
Activated carbon . One tablet per procedure is enough - it must be ground between two tablespoons. Mix the powder with a couple of drops of water. Take the grounds with a brush and brush your teeth. Don't let the charcoal black color fool you! After thorough rinsing, the enamel becomes shiny white.
Soda with lemon. Add a little fresh lemon juice to a few pinches of sodium carbonate. Brush your teeth as usual, but without fanaticism, not for too long, so as not to cause harm. And no more than once a week!
Hydrogen peroxide. This refers to a ready-made 3% pharmaceutical solution. First, you need to apply it to a cotton pad and wipe your teeth. Then add 20 drops of peroxide to 50 ml of water and rinse your mouth. A wonderful disinfectant that will help prevent inflammation of the mucous membranes and the development of caries.
Oil tea tree . A few drops in a glass of warm water - and you have a useful rinse with a whitening effect. It is advisable to start hygiene procedures with it: the plaque softens, so in the future it is easier to remove with a brush and paste.
Purchased products for a snow-white smile
If folk remedies do not inspire confidence, you can use purchased ones - patented ones with experimentally proven effectiveness.
Pastes with a whitening effect (such as Rocs, Lakalut White, Blendamed 3d white) are the most popular “helpers.” The action is based on the use of abrasive particles that polish tooth enamel. Special cleaning products with active oxygen are popular (for example, Rembrandt plus), as well as pastes that combine two effects at once (such as the domestic Splat extreme white).
Special oxygen whitening pencils are easy to use and quite effective - they help make teeth noticeably cleaner and brighter after the first use. Also, in comparison with many dental procedures, Crest 3d white strips (plates) from Procter & Gamble are superior. They are considered as safe as possible, although there is some discomfort after brushing - whitened teeth become temporarily sensitive.
It should be remembered: purchased products give quick results, however, unlike home care, they cause more obvious harm to the teeth - they thin or damage the enamel.
Proper daily dental care
In order for your teeth to remain white—not darken, turn yellow, or become stained—they must be carefully looked after. This must be done correctly. And you should start by choosing a suitable brush.
What to prefer - natural bristles or synthetics? Dentists assure that there is not much difference. The main thing is not the nature of the material, but its characteristics. First of all – rigidity. If the enamel and gums are delicate, you need to look for a softer brush (from the “children’s” category).
Most people are suitable for hygienic devices of the medium class - with medium hardness. They remove plaque, but overall care is gentle. This is sufficient for preventive care. Are there problems with the color of the enamel? You can choose a brush with a dual effect, which uses several types of fibers of different lengths and degrees of density.
- Mechanical brushes are the most common. This inexpensive option for high-quality, daily hygiene procedures. It is difficult to injure the gums or damage the enamel when using them.
- Ionic brushes are another option for mechanical brushes, but they are more designed to solve the problem of plaque. It is believed that when using such devices, the acid-base balance in oral cavity comes into perfect condition, and stubborn dirt is literally pushed out of the enamel.
- Electric brushes– gadgets “for the lazy.” They allow you to achieve obvious results with minimal muscular effort. It is enough to bring such a device to your teeth and press a button - the rotating head will do everything for you. The main disadvantage: out of habit, such devices can cause physical and psychological inconvenience (from gum injury to acute psychosis due to vibration in the mouth).
- Ultrasonic brushes are effective in whitening. These electronic gadgets cope with pigmentation, remove yellowness, and have an antibacterial effect. Unfortunately, dense tartar is too much for them, and the cost of such brushes makes them not affordable for everyone.
Important! In case of inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, it is allowed to use only conventional mechanical brushes with minimal hardness. All others can worsen the condition - they contribute to the spread of infection.
No matter how wonderful the brush is, its service life should not exceed three months. If you happen to be ill infectious disease(stomatitis, acute respiratory infections, sinusitis, and so on), the hygiene device should be replaced after recovery.
Next step– choosing the right toothpaste. The degree of whitening varies, but each product also has its own side effects. The main criterion is the feeling of comfort or discomfort as a result of hygiene procedures. If your teeth become too sensitive after brushing, bad taste in the mouth - the paste should be replaced, it is not suitable for you (even in the case of perfect whitening).
Do not ignore special rinses - they are useful for gums that suffer during brushing. Many of them use acids, alkalis or salt as active substances.
It will also be useful hygienic cleaning using a special dental floss. It allows you to remove dirt between your teeth – where a regular toothbrush cannot reach.
Modern beauty standards dictate their own conditions, which are often difficult to achieve. An impeccable slim figure, well-groomed skin, luxurious hair, snow-white teeth- all these are components of success, a sign that a person does not occupy the last place in society. Exercising and maintaining a healthy diet are healthy and good habits, which help to achieve the desired appearance. Cosmetic procedures contribute to achieving a well-groomed appearance. The most difficult thing is with the teeth. They don’t want to become snow-white, like advertising heroes and show stars. But this small detail - not perfectly white teeth - can ruin the entire image that was created with such difficulty. Therefore, teeth whitening is one of the most popular procedures that many people try to carry out, using far from the most harmless methods.
Something about the natural whiteness of teeth
Everyone knows this - there is no such thing as natural white teeth. One could put an end to this if it were not for the amazing ability of representatives of humanity to wishful thinking. The desire for a snow-white smile is, of course, a tribute to fashion. But almost everyone strives for it, although no one except small children during the period of teething has it by nature. The “sugar” white teeth of show business stars, models and actors are the result of a lot of work by dentists. Teeth whitening is a whole industry that can be separated into a separate branch.
The color of a person’s tooth enamel, depending on the race to which he belongs and his geographic place of residence, can be white with a yellowish, bluish, brownish or gray tint. Representatives of the Negroid race have the lightest teeth. But, if you look closely, they appear snow-white in contrast to the dark skin.
Russians are traditionally fair-skinned, and their original tooth color is rather yellowish, with a hint of baked milk. But the people of America have gray teeth, although the fashion for the Hollywood smile came to us from there.
By the way. The more natural the enamel color, the healthier and stronger the teeth - they know this professional dentists, but patients don’t want to admit it.
16 shades of white
The color of tooth enamel, which is already not white, within human life It gets dark all the time. The fight for a Hollywood smile is not a one-time event. Unnatural whiteness of teeth, provided that it is possible to achieve it at all, will have to be maintained in different ways.
By the way. For some people, it will not be possible to whiten their teeth to a “sugar” state. Enamel color is a genetic trait that is inherited. If the parents and their parents have dark teeth, the child, as an adult, will also acquire a dark shade of enamel, along with his permanent teeth.
Tooth enamel is constantly exposed to factors that deprive it of its whiteness and radiance, making teeth dull and dark.
- Smoking.
- Consumption of foods and drinks that stain enamel.
- Insufficient hygiene.
- Damage to dental tissue, causing it to darken.
Professional dentistry today identifies 16 shades of teeth whiteness, which are the norm.
Table. Gradation of teeth whiteness according to the Vita scale
Each tone has its own degree of intensity, which increases from one to four. So, the normal shade of the teeth of the average European is A3. That is, yellowish-brown. In this case, the teeth are considered healthy. Shades A1 and A2 indicate that the dental tissue is fragile, the enamel is thinned, and the teeth cannot be called strong and healthy.
That’s why someone needs whitening pastes to lighten their teeth to the “Hollywood” standard. And someone, having tried all the most radical means, comes to the conclusion that only artificial overlays can solve the problem.
But not everyone turns to whitening for whitening. dental clinic. These are mainly those who need a snow-white smile in their profession. Famous people whose even the color of their teeth becomes public knowledge. Most citizens try to lighten the enamel on their own, at home, causing irreparable damage to their teeth and resulting in serious dental problems.
People are willing to do anything to make their teeth white. AND modern dentistry, And ethnoscience provide a lot of opportunities for this. But if you really want to have not only snow-white, but also healthy teeth, it’s worth choosing gentle ones from the numerous whitening methods.
The higher the safety, the less the whitening effect. Many people reason in this way and resort to destructive methods, but in their opinion, effective methods, combining soda with citric acid, adding hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, and rubbing this “explosive mixture” into the tooth enamel.
Important! The short-term effect that is achieved after using aggressive abrasives or acids disappears again as soon as the teeth are covered with another portion of the inevitable plaque. Repeated applications lead to destruction of the enamel layer and damage to dental tissue.
How truly safe for health and without negative consequences gently whiten teeth?
Top 10 Safe Teeth Whitening Products
This whitening method can be quite effective if you strictly follow the instructions for use and do not violate the permissible frequency of use. In this case, it will not harm the enamel, will remove plaque and, by cleaning, will return the natural color to the teeth. If abrasive is added to the paste, cleaning will be mechanical. If the composition contains acid, you can achieve lightening by one or two tones.
To achieve a whitening effect, you can use whitening strips regularly (but not more often than prescribed in the instructions) for a month. They are coated with a brightening compound. The strips are applied to the teeth for a maximum of half an hour. You can lighten the enamel in this way up to three tones. The result will last for several months if you do not abuse products containing coloring pigments and do not smoke. The strips have a drawback - they do not whiten the interdental space, adhering only to the frontal plane of the tooth.
By the way. There are cheap whitening strips, and there are expensive ones that are not just applied to the teeth, but are securely fixed to them. With these strips you can talk and do your usual household chores. The effect of their use can last up to six months.
3. Whitening gels
Whitening gels can be used at home, after prior consultation with a dentist. The simplest type is a composition with the consistency of a gel, which is applied with a brush to the surface that needs bleaching. The gel remains on the enamel until saliva washes it off. This does not last long, but during this time the lightening components act on the enamel, simultaneously disinfecting the oral cavity and protecting the tooth surface from plaque. The gel can be used to lighten the color by 3-4 tones without harming the enamel and dentin, of course, following the instructions.
They differ from the gel, which is applied with a brush, in its composition and method of application. The principle is the same - the brightener comes into contact with the tooth surface. But for mouth guards the mixture is much more potent. It is filled with a special plastic or latex structure, which is placed on the dentition from above and below. This ensures close contact of the bleach with the enamel, and over a course of use of several weeks, it can be lightened by 5-6 tones.
5. Whitening pencil
This product is good at helping to cope with fragmented darkening of the enamel, for example, coffee stains and partial yellowing of teeth in smokers. Pencils with a whitening composition are available in two varieties - those that require rinsing and those that do not. The concentration of clarifier in them is weaker than in the gel for caps. They are not designed for total whitening, but for spot application.
6. Ultrasonic whitening
Rather, cleansing and, due to this, lightening. This procedure not only safe, but also absolutely necessary if you take care of your dental health. Professional ultrasonic whitening in the clinic is the most common and popular mechanical method. In the process of cleaning the enamel, plaque and tartar are removed. In this case, the enamel is not only not damaged, but is also treated with special antimicrobial substances and polished. Regardless of how dark the natural pigmentation of your dentin is, it still needs to be cleaned of deposits at least once a year. And if the teeth themselves are naturally light, after ultrasonic exposure they will become almost snow-white and shiny.
In world dentistry, this method is considered the most effective, safe and fastest. The procedure is painless, the lightening is maximum, there is no harm to the enamel. In just an hour, including preparation and finishing, you will have the Hollywood smile of your dreams. Laser ray affects the enamel coating with a special gel composition applied. In this case, oxygen is released from the gel, the molecules of which penetrate shallowly into the enamel layer, removing dark spots. Even heavy smokers and coffee drinkers, with regular laser whitening every few years, can have permanently bright teeth.
8. Chemical bleaching
The procedure can be called gentle conditionally. Chemical whitening uses acids, which, penetrating deeper into the enamel layer than oxygen molecules, make it possible to achieve a greater effect and make even naturally dark teeth truly “sugar” (lightening is possible up to 10-12 tones). If this procedure is indicated for you, it will not harm the enamel. But if there are even minor damages or defects of the enamel layer, microcracks, chips, open carious lesions, the doctor simply will not do chemical whitening, suggesting an alternative, more gentle method.
9. Photobleaching
This method allows you to lighten even sensitive teeth with chips and even bare roots. Before the procedure, apply to the gum tissue special gel, protecting it from the effects of the photo lamp. Then trays with gel are put on the teeth. A photo lamp is installed, which uses a light beam of a certain spectrum to affect the light-active catalyst contained in the gel. After the procedure, remineralization is carried out. For the greatest effect, a minimum of three procedures will be required. Teeth can lighten 5-8 shades.
10. Gentle folk methods
Of the whitening methods offered by traditional medicine, few are safe. Most of them, such as soda, peroxide, charcoal, lemon acid, have an aggressive effect on tooth enamel, leading to its deterioration and weakening, and can also cause gum burns.
The mildest, but not very effective methods:
Who shouldn't whiten their teeth?
The following categories of patients should refuse the teeth whitening procedure and give up the dream of a Hollywood smile.
Video - Teeth whitening
After bleaching
It is important to follow the rules of dental care after the whitening procedure. If you have achieved the desired result and become the owner of snow-white teeth, do not think that this will last forever. After a few months, if the result is not maintained, they will again be covered with a dirty coating.
A white-toothed Hollywood smile is every girl’s dream. And if earlier one could only dream of a perfectly snow-white smile, today modern technologies teeth whitening - both at home and at the dentist - meet the wildest expectations. FashionTime I found out which ones are the most effective.
Naturally perfectly white teeth are an exceptional rarity, so each of us at least once in our lives wonders how to make our teeth a little whiter. In particular, looking at the dazzling smiles of Hollywood film stars with their porcelain shine. Nicotine, coffee, juices, berries, other coloring foods that enter the mouth every day, and also age-related pigment changes, of course, affect the shade of the teeth, on which an unpleasant dull yellow plaque appears.
What is whitening?
Teeth whitening is the lightening of dental tissues using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The secret of the action of these substances is their penetration through transparent tooth enamel into dentin (mineralized tooth tissue) and their effect on its pigments. Here it is important to remember that the color of a tooth is determined not by the enamel, as many people think, but by the dentin - it is in this that the very pigments that cause the teeth to change their shade are hidden. Whitening can be done independently at home, during regular visits to the dentist, as well as through special aesthetic procedures. At the same time, it is very important to remember that only the teeth themselves are whitened, but not the fillings or crowns - this is especially necessary to take into account for those who have so-called front fillings on their front teeth. The gel does not affect them, and therefore, when bleaching, their contours will become much more noticeable. In such cases, you should definitely consult a doctor and under no circumstances resort to bleaching on your own.Home whitening
More and more people are choosing this method of teeth whitening due to its obvious advantages - convenience and speed. At home, you can easily introduce into your daily routine various whitening gels, special toothpastes that pharmacies are stocked with today, as well as the now popular whitening stickers and plates. Such products have low effectiveness - they can slightly whiten teeth and remove heavy plaque, but you should not hope that they will turn your smile into a Hollywood one in a few days.
Whitening with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
Many people also use folk remedies - the method of teeth whitening using baking soda has been known for centuries - being completely safe for health, it quickly removes plaque and polishes the enamel without causing any harm to it. To do this, dip a wet toothbrush into a glass of baking soda to completely cover it, then brush your teeth for two minutes. After brushing, rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water to completely remove soda from your teeth. You can also add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to the soda - the effect will be more noticeable. However, on the advice of dentists, you should not get carried away with soda - this method of brushing your teeth is allowed no more than 1-2 times a week. The same rule applies to hydrogen peroxide - since it damages tooth enamel, peroxide can be used no more than once a week.
Professional mouth guard whitening
Teeth whitening at home, however, has several serious disadvantages: firstly, the result will be short-lived and will require starting the procedure all over again, and secondly, uncontrolled bleaching is often fraught with destruction of the enamel and the need to go to the doctor to restore it. That is why, to achieve longer-term goals, many resort to professional whitening. To do this, the dentist takes impressions of the teeth, casts models based on them, and uses the models to make a special transparent tray filled with whitening gel from a syringe. Then the doctor prescribes the time of the procedure based on the pigmentation of the tooth and the condition of the tooth enamel: as a rule, wearing a mouth guard begins with one hour a day, after which the time gradually increases. As a rule, the total course of whitening with a tray is from two to three weeks. This method of whitening gives visible results that “work” for several months. After the whitening procedure with aligners, dentists recommend maintenance courses every six months.
Professional mouthguard whitening is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, patients with diseases of the blood and oral mucosa.
In-office bleaching
Gaining increasing popularity in last years in-office whitening is a procedure that uses special modern devices and is carried out in a dental chair under the direct supervision of a doctor. Its main principle is the use of a high concentration whitening gel and a catalyst that accelerates the whitening process (it can be UV lamp, laser, heat and others chemical compounds). As a rule, this procedure takes about 2 hours, after which the result will last for several months. In-office whitening is the most effective method available today, allowing you to change the color of a tooth by two or three shades in a few hours.
