Have you ever wondered what your smile would look like without your teeth? Or when your teeth look yellow instead of white? Not a very enticing picture, is it? Your teeth can change not just your smile but also your whole face.
A bright smile can set a lot of things right for you. A good set of white and clean teeth speaks a lot about a person. It is a sign of Good health and hygiene.
But it doesn’t come so easy always. Maintaining a set of white, shining teeth requires some effort. And often brushing your teeth twice a day is not enough to keep them shining.
Brushing your teeth with care keeps the issues like decay and sensitivity off, but keeping them white is another task.
We all strive to have shining teeth. The food that we eat, the diet cokes, and the sweet and savory all affect our teeth over time. And to protect our teeth from the corrosive action of food and junk foods, we need more than just toothpaste.
Thankfully, we have modern technology and dental facilities to take care of it. All you have to do is decide what you need. There are various options like teeth whitening or teeth bleaching to polish those teeth to make them white and shining once again.
Table of Contents
Teeth whitening v/s teeth bleaching
Yes, teeth whitening and teeth bleaching are two different things. Both give you whiter teeth, but the procedure is different. So let’s learn what they are and how different they are.
Teeth Whitening
The two terms are considered synonymous. But scientifically, they are not. They are quite different. Not just the procedure but also conceptually they are different. Tubes of toothpaste come with a promise to whiten your teeth.
Because they contain abrasives; these effortlessly remove the stain from your teeth. The dental procedure of teeth whitening to does the same. It just washes away the stain. It brings back the natural color of your teeth.
But patients most commonly opt for teeth bleaching. Doctors, too, recommend teeth bleaching to their patients.
Teeth Bleaching
Teeth bleaching is a more popular and sought-after procedure. This procedure will make your teeth extra white. It pushes the color of your teeth beyond their natural color.
Teeth bleaching gives the kind of teeth the toothpaste advertisements show you. It is a more detailed procedure than teeth whitening.
How is it done?
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a simple process of cleaning your teeth. The dentist will use some cleaning agents like special toothpaste. This enables the doctor to flush out the stains, and debris to give your teeth their natural color.
But the procedure doesn’t give you the extra shining and white teeth. It will just give your teeth a natural shade. If you want something brighter and extra then, teeth bleaching is your best shot.
In this procedure, the dentist will use bleaching agents. This will give your teeth a much whiter look. Some of the common bleaching products are hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
Teeth Bleaching
For teeth bleaching, the bleaching agents are directly applied to the enamel. The peroxide contains oxygen molecules. These molecules eat away whatever is causing the discoloration.
The timing of the procedure varies, depending on the type of whitening you need. It can vary from one hour to a few. Apart from bleaching agents, the dentist can even use laser technology.
In this case, a gel is applied to your enamel; after which a high-intensity UV lamp is used. This lamp will stimulate the release of oxygen molecules which will wash away the pigmentation.
How expensive is it?
Teeth whitening is relatively inexpensive. The procedure is suggested to mostly the older age group patients. Older people have weak enamel which cannot take the effect of the bleaching agents. Teeth whitening is a painless procedure. You may feel a little discomfort during the treatment but no pain.
Teeth bleaching is comparatively expensive. But it is a more sought-after treatment. It is more effective and it gives your teeth a brighter effect than whitening.
Teeth bleaching with laser is a costlier option. It takes time; usually, it can take 15 minutes to 2 hours. The time taken depends on the condition of your teeth. Using lasers for the bleaching speeds up the procedure.
In this process, the same bleaching agents are used. The laser process takes only a few minutes. But the procedure requires to follow-up visits the doctor for maintenance.
Is it good for you?
Teeth bleaching will raise an issue of tooth sensitivity. It happens to almost 66% of people. It is due to the use of peroxide. It usually is painless, but using too much peroxide can cause a painful sensation.
Teeth bleaching will take a few sittings with your doctor; at least three sittings of teeth bleaching is necessary for a lasting effect.
Problems and risks of teeth whitening are common.
Take care of those teeth and gums
Too much brushing can cause damage to your gums. Hence, you need to choose your brush wisely. Opt for the “soft”, dentist-approved toothbrushes. Choose your toothpaste carefully. Tubes of toothpaste with sodium and fluoride are good for your teeth.
Brushing twice and flossing daily should be your new mantra. But have you ever thought about why this is not enough? These agents only keep the cavity at bay but fail to give your teeth that white, bright, and sparkling effect.
To achieve sparkling white teeth you will need more than just a tube of toothpaste and a soft brush. For that, you need scientific intervention.
But taking care of your teeth and gums can be done at home as well. Healthy gums are as important as your teeth. Following just a few steps will help you to maintain the health of your gums.
1. Brush your teeth every day. Use good toothpaste and a gentle brush.
2. Flossing is important to get every bit of your food out of your teeth.
3. Daily intake of nutrients like calcium is going to make your teeth stronger and your gums healthier.
4. Dental care is very important. A regular visit to the dentist and checking for cavities and sensitivity issues is always advisable. A good dentist and the tools and meds from his drug cabinet are enough to work the magic on your teeth.
Healthy teeth are a man’s best accessory. That smile needs a bright and white set of teeth. As they say, a smile can win the world; it is indeed true.
Alex is fascinated with “understanding” people. It’s actually what drives everything he does. He believes in a thoughtful exploration of how you shape your thoughts, experience of the world.