a whiter smile can make you look more youthful.
The first step in teeth whitening involves the dentist examining the extent of your discoloration. This examination will determine the teeth whitening technique and the required dosage. It also checks for any dental issues that may complicate the process and administers necessary treatment.
Next, the dentist will apply a whitening gel (hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen carbamide) on your teeth, taking care to cover all the affected areas. Afterward, the dentist will expose your teeth to a special blue light, a laser, or a heat gun to activate the bleaching agent. Doing so breaks down the stains, making them easy to remove.
The dentist will leave the bleaching agent on your teeth for fifteen to twenty minutes before rinsing it and evaluating the results. This is enough time for the bleaching agent to permeate the enamel and dissolve even the most stubborn stains. The dentist will repeat steps 2 and 3 until the teeth turn completely white.
Teeth whitening primarily targets stains on the enamel, as dentin is more prone to discoloration.
Yes, it’s possible for teeth whitening to cause sensitivity, but not in all patients. Sensitivity occurs when the bleaching agent penetrates the enamel and reaches the dentin. The dentin contains tiny tubules that connect to nerve endings in the tooth’s core. What’s more, teeth whitening can also cause dryness, which amplifies teeth sensitivity. You can manage this sensitivity by applying a desensitizing gel to the teeth. However, the sensitivity goes away on its own after a couple of days.
Tooth sensitivity after whitening can be influenced by your genetic makeup.