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Tooth discoloration is a common complaint that people present with at dental clinics, as it is one of the greatest factors that can affect the appearance of a smile. Many foods, including curries and coffee, can stain your teeth, causing them to become dull and yellow and lose their luster. If you’re looking to whiten your teeth and add a little sparkle to your smile, you may benefit from a teeth whitening treatment.
At Blanc Dentaire in Montreal, we offer teeth whitening and bleaching procedures to remove the staining and restore or improve the natural color of your teeth. When it comes to improving the health and beauty of your smile, we go to the nth degree of quality and perfection. Our team always strives to go the extra mile to provide you with a smile that you can wear with confidence.
We’re here to walk you through the process if you’re considering professional teeth whitening and bleaching procedures. This article explains the various teeth whitening treatments we offer, their benefits, limitations, aftercare, and costs.
Teeth whitening and bleaching are often used interchangeably, as both terms fall under the same umbrella.
Teeth Whitening is a process that is directed toward restoring the teeth to their natural or original color by removing external debris and stains. This can be achieved through dental scaling or polishing.
Bleaching takes the former procedure to the next level as it aims to whiten the tooth color beyond its natural appearance. This is achieved by applying an oxidizing agent to the enamel, which lightens the shade of the tooth over a period of 3-4 sessions.
These procedures are either opted to restore natural tooth color or to achieve a visibly brighter smile. In both cases, staining and discoloration of the teeth are the main concerns that are addressed.
Smoking and poor oral hygiene are some preventable causes of teeth discoloration. Other non-preventable ones include aging, trauma, and some medications. However, by far, the most common culprit is the consumption of dark-colored foods and drinks. These beverages, including tea and coffee, are usually highly acidic and contain large amounts of tannins, and drinking these in excessive quantities can render your teeth increasingly prone to discoloration.
Two types of stains can develop from these causes, and the results of your whitening treatment may vary depending on the type of stains you have.
Extrinsic stains result from the consumption of various foods and beverages (coffee, tea, wine, etc.), poor oral hygiene, chromogenic bacteria, gingival bleeding, tobacco chewing, excessive use of chlorhexidine mouthwashes, and so on. They appear as visible stains on the outer surface of the enamel and often go away with dental scaling and polishing. Such patients usually don’t require bleaching but can still opt to have the procedure done due to aesthetic concerns.
Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, are embedded in the internal structures of the tooth and can not be removed by scaling or polishing. These deep stains may arise due to cracks or fractures in the tooth enamel (causing extrinsic staining to penetrate deeper into the tooth layers), excess fluoride consumption, use of certain medications (tetracycline), hereditary disorders, and high fever or dental trauma associated with early childhood. Patients with intrinsic staining on their teeth make good candidates for bleaching.
Depending on the pulpal status of the tooth, bleaching can be categorized into two types. These techniques are fundamentally different in application and are used in contrasting situations.
Vital Bleaching is done when the tooth/teeth in question are vital or ‘alive,’ i.e., they have a healthy, vascular, and non-inflamed pulp. This technique involves treating the tooth surface with chemical oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide, which will brighten the tooth’s external appearance. Vital bleaching is carried out for superficial stains that arise due to heavy consumption of tea, coffee, tobacco, and certain medications.
These agents can be applied in-office, via dentist-prescribed take-home kits, or through over-the-counter products. In-office procedures offer the fastest results, often requiring just one session, while take-home and over-the-counter options may necessitate multiple applications over a more extended period.
Non-vital bleaching involves teeth with non-vital or ‘dead’ pulps that are either necrosed or root canal-treated. Root canal therapy or necrosis of the pulp can often result in darker, discolored teeth with a grayish hue compared to surrounding healthy teeth.
Non-vital bleaching is carried out by placing the bleaching agent inside the tooth after its root canal has been sealed. The agent is left within the tooth, and the patient is placed on follow-up. Weekly follow-ups are conducted, during which the dentist decides whether the bleaching agent needs to be reapplied or whether the desired shade has been achieved.
This technique is also known as internal bleaching and is conducted on root canal-treated teeth only.
Also known as power bleaching, this technique employs the use of high-concentration hydrogen peroxide. It is the treatment of choice for patients with stubborn dental stains that do not respond to other tooth-whitening therapies.
Your dentist can usually complete in-office whitening treatments in one or two appointments, depending on the severity of your stains. Each session usually takes 60 to 90 minutes to complete, and the patient is closely monitored throughout the procedure.
In-office bleaching is usually the recommended treatment for those who have receding gums or weakened tooth structure (especially abfraction lesions).
In this procedure, lasers are used in conjunction with hydrogen peroxide. The heat generated from the laser increases the resorption rate and reactivity of hydrogen peroxide, giving quick results. The different types of lasers used in this procedure include CO2 laser, NdYAG laser, different wavelengths of Diode laser, and LED lasers.
Your dentist can also fabricate custom-made trays for you, which you are allowed to take home. These trays are to be filled with the dentist-prescribed bleaching agent and worn for 3-4 hours daily for 1-2 weeks. Custom trays provide an accurate fit and bypass incidences of gingival irritation compared to standard-sized trays.
Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to make a customized tray for you. As this tray is made just for you, it will fit and adapt perfectly to the shape of your mouth. For this reason, you can expect more comprehensive whitening results with these trays than over-the-counter trays.
With dentist-prescribed whitening treatment, you are more likely to get a carbamide peroxide-based bleaching gel instead of a hydrogen peroxide-based gel to place in the tray and use at home.
Since this is an unsupervised method, and the concentration of the bleaching agent used is significantly low, it may take several weeks before you begin to notice visible results. However, with a carbamide-peroxide gel, you’re also much less likely to experience sensitivity and discomfort if you accidentally get some on your gums, cheek, or tongue.
This method is time-dependent rather than concentration-dependent.
Whitening toothpastes, gels, brightening strips, and mouthwashes are readily available in markets. However, their efficacy is drastically less than that of their counterparts mentioned above.
Both these procedures enjoy the benefits of a high patient satisfaction rate, greater dentist control, reduced treatment time, and minimal to no tissue exposure. Both these procedures have been studied extensively in conjunction with each other to explore their differences in terms of efficacy and results.
Although some researchers claim that there is no difference in the results between these two procedures, others argue that using lasers to activate the bleaching gels to release free radicals does more harm than good since they can cause more hypersensitivity.
Conclusively, it was found that even though both procedures possess the capacity to change the tooth color visibly, laser bleaching was found to be superior to its counterpart in terms of efficiency.
As your tooth enamel is porous, it is susceptible to staining, meaning that staining agents can penetrate the pores on your teeth and cause stains. Whitening agents work by permeating through your tooth to dissolve those stains and whiten your teeth.
The Active Ingredient Used
In-office tooth whitening procedures employ hydrogen peroxide, a natural bleaching agent that can permeate the enamel and dentin tooth layers and break down the molecules that cause staining on your teeth.
The Mechanism of Action of Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide reduces staining on your teeth through an oxidation process. When applied to your tooth surface, it releases ions that diffuse through the enamel into the dentin, the tooth layer that houses the organic pigments that cause staining. This initiates an exchange of ions (oxidation and reduction processes) within the organic components that results in the whitening of the dentin.
If you have extrinsic tooth stains caused by foods and lifestyle habits, such as smoking tobacco, you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening. Yellow-colored teeth respond better to whitening and bleaching treatments as compared to darker colors, like gray or brown. Teeth with a mottled appearance due to fluoride excess or medications, like tetracycline, do not bleach evenly and can give less-than-ideal results.
Some conditions can render the tooth-whitening process ineffective or unsafe. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult with your dentist so they can create a treatment plan that best suits your needs and meets your expectations.
Listed below are a few instances in which you may not be the ideal candidate for these procedures:
In contrast to your tooth enamel, the bonding resin used to fill cavities and cover up defects is not porous and does not allow whitening agents to penetrate into the tooth surface. Thus, tooth whitening is ineffective in areas where you have had dental bonding and can leave your resin-bonded teeth looking stained or discolored in comparison to your bleached natural teeth. This can create the appearance of an uneven smile and negatively impact your facial esthetics.
Teeth whitening treatments only work on natural teeth and are ineffective on artificial teeth, such as crowns, bridges, and veneers. You might not be a good candidate for teeth whitening if you’ve had any of these procedures done. It is important to note, however, that this also depends on the location of your prosthesis. For example, if you have crowns or veneers in the back of your mouth that aren’t very visible, you might still be able to get tooth whitening done.
The chemicals used to treat tooth discoloration can sometimes cause gum irritation, especially in people with sensitive gums. Although bleaching and whitening agents are applied to the tooth enamel, they may seep and irritate the gums if not applied correctly. If you have sensitive teeth or are prone to gum irritation, exercise caution when considering tooth whitening treatments.
The bleaching agents used in tooth whitening treatments weaken the outermost protective layer of your teeth, enamel, to remove stains. If you have cavities, a tooth whitening treatment can cause extreme discomfort and pain and may end up damaging your tooth even more.
A tooth whitening procedure also does not treat stains and discoloration caused by tooth decay. To fix those, you’ll have to see your dentist and get appropriate treatment.
Whilst it is unlikely that tooth whitening agents may actually cause damage to the fetus or be harmful to your lactating baby, most dentists strongly advise against it. This is due to the fact that there is limited research available on the effects of these chemicals on the developing child.
Professional teeth whitening treatments are not considered safe for children under the age of 18 as they cause tooth damage and lead to more serious problems later on.
After an initial consultation appointment where your dentist thoroughly examines your teeth and gums to determine if teeth whitening is right and safe for you, you are ready to undergo the procedure. In-office whitening typically involves several steps that are explained below:
Immediately after treatment, your teeth are dehydrated and, hence, more likely to stain or become discolored. To ensure that you make the most of your whitening treatment and achieve good results, there are a few things you need to take care of the days after the procedure. Doing so will allow the whitening agent to sink into your teeth and provide good results properly.
Avoid eating brightly colored foods and drinks that could stain your teeth. If you are an avid tea or coffee drinker, resist the urge to turn to these drinks for a few days. If you enjoy an occasional glass of red wine throughout the day, we advise that you abstain from drinking it for some time after your teeth whitening procedure.
It is normal for your teeth to appear extra bright and lightened right after your procedure. This happens because the whitening treatment can make your teeth lose moisture and become dehydrated. However, they darken in color after a few days, even if you take care to avoid dark-colored foods and drinks. Many people get discouraged when this happens, but there’s no reason to worry. We recommend that you give it a week’s time. If you don’t achieve the desired shade within a week, talk to your dentist about it. They may recommend more in-office visits or prescribe some helpful at-home whitening products.
Enhanced Dental Aesthetics
Undoubtedly, brighter teeth contribute to a dazzling smile, uplifting self-esteem, and confidence among patients.
Relatively Non-Invasive
Bleaching and tooth whitening are considered noninvasive compared to other treatment modalities (such as veneers).
Considerable Lasting Power
Professional in-office dental bleaching and laser bleaching offer lasting results. Most patients require only one touch-up every 1-3 years.
Highly Customizable
Some patients prefer a subtle enhancement of their aesthetics, while others prefer to achieve a more profound effect. Catering to different demands has become quite convenient as the concentration of bleaching agents can be tailored according to an individual’s preferences.
Despite the many appealing benefits of tooth whitening and bleaching procedures, they do come with a few potential risks that warrant consideration.
Pre-requisites
While most patients are good candidates for tooth whitening, not all can opt for bleaching. This is because the quality and condition of existing teeth must be taken into consideration before these procedures can be performed. The health of the tooth and the surrounding gums must be scrutinized to the core before recommending bleaching to a patient.
Similarly, patients with restorations (such as anterior composite restorations) are not ideal candidates for dental bleaching as the bleaching agent does not act upon them.
Tooth Sensitivity
Although it is common to experience temporary tooth sensitivity after the procedure, the effect may become prolonged if the tooth health becomes compromised. This is because the tooth temporarily becomes porous, thus exposing microtubules to the external environment.
Gum irritation or burns
If the whitening agent comes in contact with your gums, it may cause irritation or even burns. To prevent this from happening, dentists apply a gel to cover your gums to cover and protect them.
If irritation and burns do occur, there’s no reason to worry, as they are mild and only temporary.
Maintenance
To keep the results intact, the patient must keep visiting the dentist for touch-ups.
Cost
Whitening and bleaching are expensive dental procedures requiring highly skilled expertise and good-quality materials. As they are purely cosmetic procedures, they are not covered by dental insurance.
Whitening treatments cannot be expected to last forever. Your teeth are still prone to staining and discoloration after you’ve undergone a whitening or bleaching treatment. However, if you take good care to maintain the results, your teeth can be kept sparkly white for months and years to come.
Your oral hygiene habits and diet play a great role in determining how long your results last. We recommend practicing meticulous oral hygiene habits, steering clear of tobacco products, and limiting the intake of dark-colored foods and drinks to keep your pearly whites gleaming for as long as possible.
Listed below are some easy tips to help you take care of your teeth post-treatment:
Good oral hygiene
To make the most of your teeth whitening treatment and enjoy longer-lasting whitening results, ensure that you maintain excellent oral hygiene.
Brush or rinse your mouth thoroughly right after eating so the staining agents don’t cling to your teeth and cause discoloration. This will prevent plaque and tartar from building up on your teeth and keep other dental problems at bay. If you’ve consumed something acidic, it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes before doing so to prevent damage to your tooth enamel.
Regular dental checkups
Scheduling regular dental appointments every six months can help pay dividends by allowing your dentist to catch and repair damage early on. Professional cleanings by your dentist work wonders to maintain the health of your teeth and gums and keep your teeth shining bright!
Avoid bright-colored foods and drinks
Foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, dark-colored berries, curries, and caffeinated fizzy drinks can stain and discolor teeth. To maintain good results after treatment, we recommend that you limit your intake of bright-colored foods and drinks.
If you enjoy these foods, be sure to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth shortly after. Using a straw to drink acidic and colored drinks has also been shown to prevent staining, as it reduces the contact between the colored liquid and your teeth.
Cut down on smoking
Smoking tobacco and tobacco products has been linked to a higher prevalence of tooth discoloration and staining as they contain nicotine and tar, two chemicals notorious for causing distinctive yellowish-brown tooth discoloration.
If you want the results of your whitening treatment to last, we advise that you cut down on smoking and take good care of your oral hygiene.
Consider Touch-Up Treatments
To keep your teeth sparkly white following teeth whitening/bleaching treatment, you may want to consider getting occasional touch-ups. Most people prefer to get touch-ups done every six months. However, if you smoke or your diet contains staining foods and drinks, you might need them more often than others.
Teeth whitening and bleaching treatments can help you achieve the shade that you desire, but it is up to you to keep them white with proper care and maintenance. For more information, we encourage you to talk to get in touch with us and talk to our dentists for an expert opinion. Call now at (514)-933-3368 or (514)-564-4554, or fill out a contact form and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Teeth whitening and bleaching treatments offer a safe and effective solution for those who want to whiten their teeth and achieve a brighter smile. Although there is a wide range of teeth-whitening products available on the market today, it is always better to leave dental cosmetic treatments to the professionals. This ensures that you receive visible, long-lasting results without jeopardizing your oral health and safety.
By understanding the benefits and limitations of each treatment, you can make an informed decision about whitening your teeth for a brighter, more radiant smile that enhances your facial aesthetics and has a positive impact on your welCan teeth whitening/bleaching treatments whiten bonded teeth?l-being.
The power of a beautiful smile cannot be overstated. At Blanc Dentaire, we understand that a smile has the power to transform. Our dentists strive for the nth degree of quality and perfection, helping you restore the luster of your smile and elevate your self-confidence. We look forward to helping you care for your teeth.
Can teeth whitening/bleaching treatments whiten bonded teeth?
No. Due to the non-porous nature of the resin used to bond teeth, whitening agents are unable to pass through and lighten their shade. If you want to whiten your teeth, it is best that you get it done before you have your teeth bonded. This way, your natural teeth will already be white when your dentist matches the shade of the bonding material to your teeth, ensuring that your tooth bonding is exactly the same shade as the rest of your teeth.
What can I do if I’ve had a bonding procedure done in the past and want to whiten my teeth now?
If you’ve had tooth bonding done in the past, there’s a chance that your bonded tooth has become discolored by now, and since it can’t respond to whitening treatments, there are two things you can do:
Are teeth whitening procedures safe?
Professional teeth whitening and bleaching are efficient and safe ways to whiten teeth. These procedures are carried out under the supervision of experienced and skilled dentists, who use specialized rubber dams to isolate the treated teeth from the soft tissues of your mouth to protect them from damage. At-home treatments, on the other hand, carry risks as they’re not done under supervision and may lead to dangerous side effects if not done correctly.