[Dental Health] Want to reverse yellow teeth? Don't miss these three teeth whitening methods!
Are you hesitant to smile because of your yellow teeth? If you want to eliminate yellowing teeth and laugh heartily, learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of the following three teeth whitening methods!
Why do teeth turn yellow?
Poor oral hygiene can indeed cause teeth to yellow, but some patients still experience yellowing teeth even with daily cleaning. The causes of yellowing teeth can be divided into external and internal factors:
(1) Food pigments
Excessive consumption of dark-colored foods, such as cola, coffee, tea, cherries, curry, and other staining foods, can lead to tooth staining.
(2) Smoking
Smoking also affects teeth; yellow stains are easily visible on the teeth of smokers.
(3) Drug and radiotherapy
Tetracycline use during teething can cause teeth to turn yellow. Additionally, some radiation treatments can reduce saliva production, increasing the risk of cavities and yellowing teeth.
(4) Increased age
As we age, teeth naturally become more transparent after absorbing fluoride from food and saliva, exposing the dentin inside and making the tooth surface appear yellowish.
What are some methods for whitening teeth? What are their respective benefits and side effects?
1) Blue light whitening / Home whitening
Blue light teeth whitening uses blue light technology and a specific teeth whitening agent (hydrogen peroxide) to improve tooth color. Hydrogen peroxide is used on the tooth surface to oxidize dirt in the micro-ducts of the teeth, while the energy wavelength of blue light helps to activate the active ingredients in the teeth whitening agent, accelerating the whitening process.
Different types of blue light teeth whitening machines are available, mainly falling into two categories. The first type is a blue light teeth whitening machine specifically designed for dental clinics. These machines have higher power and more precise control functions, using a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide for faster and more effective whitening results. Clinics typically use hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of approximately 35% to 38%. Due to its corrosive nature, this concentration must be operated by a dentist.
The second type is a home-use blue light teeth whitening machine, which is simpler and easier to use and can be done at home. It generally includes a blue light lamp and teeth whitening agent. The doctor will prescribe a home-use hydrogen peroxide concentration of about 3% and a mold for the patient to wear for 4 to 6 hours a day. Teeth will gradually whiten after about 2 weeks.
•✔️BenefitsBlue light teeth whitening typically allows patients to break down stubborn stains on the tooth surface faster and more effectively than traditional teeth whitening methods; blue light teeth whitening can reduce tooth sensitivity during and after treatment; it helps prevent tooth stains from redepositing and improves the tooth surface.
•✖️Side effectsSome patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation after undergoing blue light teeth whitening treatment; if overused or used improperly, blue light teeth whitening may affect tooth enamel, making teeth more sensitive.
(2) Ceramic patches/resin patches
Veneers are thin sheets that mimic the appearance of natural teeth, and they come in ceramic and resin varieties. Dentists custom-make veneers based on the shape of the patient's teeth and then bond them to the enamel. Before installation, the dentist cleans the teeth, determines the desired veneer color, slightly thins the tooth surface, and then customizes the appropriate veneer and applies temporary veneers. Once the custom veneer is complete, it is rinsed with water before the final veneer is installed. After air drying and trial placement, the veneer is fixed with adhesive. All veneer surfaces are cured under a UV lamp for 60 seconds to ensure complete adhesion. Afterward, excess material is removed and the edges of the veneer are sanded down.
・✔️BenefitsCeramic veneers offer several advantages: the color can be adjusted for a more natural whitening effect; the surface of ceramic veneers is stain-resistant, preventing re-staining; resin veneers are cheaper than ceramic veneers; the application process is quick, and ceramic/resin veneers can effectively conceal discoloration and improve severely stained or damaged teeth, as well as tetracycline-stained teeth.
・✖️Side effectsCeramic veneers require tooth grinding; resin veneers require little or no grinding, but they may yellow. Sensitivity may occur for several days after the procedure. If the veneer is not firmly attached to the tooth, it can easily fall off, causing inflammation and other problems. Regular checkups every six months are recommended.
(3) Whitening toothpaste
Simply brushing your teeth won't whiten them. Brushing primarily removes plaque, preventing tartar buildup, swollen gums, and periodontal disease. If you want to whiten your teeth through daily brushing, whitening toothpaste is an option. Whitening toothpaste contains trace amounts of whitening ingredients and hydrogen peroxide, along with fine abrasive particles, which can remove stains and dirt from the tooth surface during brushing, preventing further buildup.
・✔️BenefitsRelatively easy to learn; simple and easy to use
・✖️Side effectsThe whitening chemicals used in whitening toothpaste are present in extremely small amounts and at very low concentrations; they have a surface effect; the whitening effect is slow and varies from person to person; long-term use can wear down the healthy enamel of teeth. There have been cases where patients who used whitening toothpaste for a long time experienced complete enamel loss, resulting in long-term and permanent tooth sensitivity.
Author: Dr. Chen Haoxian
