14 DAY TRIAL // Why do teeth become yellowish or spotted? The administration at early ages of certain drugs (like tetracycline) or that of large doses of fluorine will determine the appearance of permanent stains on the teeth. On the other hand, teeth whose nerves were sectioned or have experienced traumas that killed their pulp also become stained. The consumption of tobacco, coffee, tea or soda beverages containing colorants modifies the color of the teeth. Moreover, with age, teeth change their color naturally, as they seem to be aging too.
Modern techniques allow us to get our pearly white smile back by whitening the stains located on the tooth enamel and dentine. There are tooth pastes with a whitening effect available on the market, but stomatologists can also use various materials for this process and even laser technology in an option. At the recommendation of the dentist, the whitening treatment can be continued at home. The chosen procedure and the concentration of the material depend on whether the nerve is intact or not, if the teeth have caries or obturations.
The most common material used for teeth whitening is carbamide peroxide, which allows the oxygen to penetrate into the enamel and dentine without affecting their structure. First off, the dentist makes an impression of the teeth arches in order to make a mold. The whitening paste is later introduced inside that mold. The patient is required to keep the molds filled with the substance on the arches, even during the night. The time necessary for a thorough whitening is set by the doctor but, depending on the patient's teeth, it can vary from one hour to one night.
There are other teeth whitening materials, too, and they can be purchased from stores without medical prescription. However, you should probably know that most of them are ineffective and some can even affect tough teeth structure, thus increasing their sensitivity to caries.
If performed by a dentist, teeth whitening poses minor risks. In some cases, patients complain about a slight increase of tooth sensitivity to cold and warmth, and slight gum irritations. These symptoms are usually caused by the high concentrations of the chemical applied or because the patient has used substances not prescribed prior by a doctor.
On the bright side, these sensitivities are temporary and can be eliminated by applying sodium fluorine on the tooth mold or directly on the teeth. Ibuprofen can also alleviate unpleasant sensations. Thermal sensitivity is usually gone several days after ending the treatment.
How long teeth whitening lasts depends largely on the patient. A daily and correct oral hygiene can prolong the results for years. In the case of persons for whom coffee, tobacco or beverages containing colorants are a must, a new whitening is required every 1-2 years.