Comparing bleaching with dental scaling

Teeth whitening or bleaching is one of the common dental services. According to the definitions provided by reputable dental authorities, to compare bleaching with tooth scaling, it can be said that tooth scaling, as a tooth whitening process, restores the natural color of the teeth, while bleaching makes the teeth lighter than their natural color. The tooth whitening process includes the following steps:

• Cleaning the teeth with whitening toothpaste
• Laser teeth whitening
• Using whitening strips
• Using whitening gel

Today, whitening services are one of the most popular dental services around the world. As people age, small cracks appear on their teeth. Over time, bacteria accumulate in these cracks and cause tooth discoloration. Teeth whitening methods are designed to remove these bacteria from the teeth and return them to their white color.

Bleaching is the whitening of teeth beyond their natural color. While the process of restoring teeth to their original color is called “teeth whitening,” even whitening toothpaste may help with this process. However, teeth bleaching requires special whitening agents and cannot be done with regular teeth whiteners.

Causes of tooth discoloration and discoloration

Teeth discoloration is divided into two categories, internal or external, depending on the cause. The reasons for internal or external discoloration are as follows.

Teeth discoloration includes discoloration and damage to the tooth enamel. This is affected by several factors such as the consumption of inappropriate foods and drinks. Alcohol, tobacco, and colored drinks cause tooth discoloration and discoloration of the outer layer of the tooth.

If this problem is treated immediately and the teeth become white, there will be no need for bleaching. In addition, leaving external discoloration untreated can damage the inner layer of the tooth.

The cause of internal discoloration and tooth discoloration may be inherent or acquired factors. Some people develop inevitable internal discoloration as they age. However, in most people, internal discoloration is caused by acquired factors such as medications, trauma, or tooth decay. Taking tetracyclines at some stages of life and excessive use of fluoride can lead to significant changes in the teeth. Typically, this type of discoloration cannot be treated with bleaching and blepharoplasty methods. Therefore, restorative measures such as veneers and composites are recommended.

Instant teeth whitening using light

Teeth whitening using laser or light is done with high-intensity light. This method can only be done in dental clinics and not at home. In this method, a plasma arc or lamp is used. LED is the most effective among the lamps used for teeth whitening, halogen lamps. Halogen light has shown a more effective whitening effect on teeth. The appropriate light for this method is light that activates peroxide particles without damaging the tooth pulp.

In this method, a blue lamp with different wavelengths that can be adjusted is used. Each wavelength is adjusted for hydrogen peroxide reactions. These steps are performed in a period of 6 to 15 minutes at a rate of 25 to 38%.

The interesting thing is that ultraviolet rays and heat are eliminated from this light and laser. The duration of each teeth whitening session in the dental office is from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Teeth Whitening and Bleaching Durability

To extend the life of your teeth whitening results, your dentist will likely recommend the following:

Avoid foods and drinks that discolor your teeth.

Use a straw to drink beverages that may stain your teeth.

Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after every meal and before bed.

Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Sensitive toothpastes are made with ingredients like potassium nitrate, which can reduce the pain of sensitivity.

Scientists have found that more saliva is produced when you chew gum, and chewing distracts people from the pain.

Give your teeth a break and avoid using whitening products.

Avoid eating very hot or very cold foods for several days in a row.

Using a soft toothbrush helps treat sensitive teeth and gums.

Can sensitive teeth be whitened?

It is your dentist in Windsor who makes the final decision. After examining the physiological condition of the applicant’s teeth, he decides whether he can whiten his sensitive teeth or not. Usually, weaker materials are used for this group of people at long intervals. You may be hypersensitive to materials containing peroxide, in which case the doctor will suggest ways other than using whitening materials to whiten your teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions Comparing Bleaching with Dental Scaling

1- Is bleaching or teeth whitening suitable for any dental problem?

Teeth that turn yellow due to eating colored foods respond best to whitening.

2- Can bleaching be done for children and adolescents?

Bleaching is generally not prescribed for baby teeth, but bleaching with carbamide peroxide may be prescribed for teeth that have changed color due to trauma and damage.

3- How long does tooth whitening take?

Many factors affect the lifespan of bleaching. The minimum lifespan of bleaching is usually 1 to 3 years and sometimes up to 10 years. Excessive coffee and tea consumption, smoking, excessive use of beverages, and lack of attention to oral hygiene reduce the duration of whitening.

4- Can discoloration caused by smoking and nicotine be treated with bleaching?

Removing stains and discoloration caused by smoking and nicotine is not easy. These stains are superficial at first and if left untreated, they penetrate the teeth and turn into internal discoloration. Nicotine stains can be removed with 10% carbamide peroxide overnight for 1 to 3 months.

5- How does bleaching whiten teeth?

Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide penetrate the enamel and dentin and not only change the surface discoloration but also change the internal color of the tooth. This treatment method whitens the teeth without affecting the hardness of the tooth during the procedure.

6- What are the main side effects of bleaching?

One of the most common problems is the sensitivity of a person’s teeth to hot and cold foods (dental sensitivity). The next issue is the failure to meet the wishes of patients who want very white teeth.

7- What care should be taken after bleaching?

After whitening your teeth, reduce your consumption of cigarettes and food coloring such as tea and coffee, and if you do, be sure to rinse your mouth immediately.

8- What are the measures before bleaching?

Damaged teeth must be repaired before whitening. You should know that bleaching does not affect fillings and crowns. Before the whitening process, if there is dental plaque, removing it will help to achieve a better result.