Tooth Whitening is one of the
gifts of modern health care. It came as a revolutionary
treatment that could convert dark embarrassing smiles in to
pleasant adorable ones. Looking back to the advent of tooth
whitening, it can be viewed as a major milestone for cosmetic
dentistry. But wait! We are not here to discuss the history of
tooth whitening. You have, I estimate, landed on this article to
check out the advantages and disadvantages of tooth whitening so
that you can determine whether it is safe for you to go for
tooth whitening.Before I
pour you with advantages and disadvantages of different tooth
whitening systems, it might be worthwhile to understand how the
concept of tooth whitening works. So what's the magic chemical
that is in the various tooth whitening agents that make the
teeth whiter. Most tooth whitening agents that show good results
have a bleaching agent commonly hydrogen peroxide or sometimes
carbamide peroxide. This bleaching agent (oxidizing agent)
simply bleaches the teeth which makes them look whiter. So what
is bleached actually? Technically speaking, the bleaching agent
penetrates the teeth in to enamel and dentin and bleaches
(oxidizes) the stain deposits thus making the teeth look whiter.
Now moving on to the advantages and disadvantages of tooth
whitening, I will outline the pros and cons of different kinds
of tooth whitening systems. This is because, each whitening
system has its own share of advantages and disadvantages and
it's impossible to list them generally as a whole.
Tooth whitening chewing gums
Advantages
-Not an issue if you are a
regular gum chewer
-No side effects or hazards associated with it.
-Chewing gums are really easy on the pocket. -Gums improve
saliva flow in mouth which also maintains good oral hygiene.
Disadvantages
-If you plan to whiten your
teeth by starting to chew gums, you might be in for a tough task
as it takes long and is a tedious process.
-Long duration of treatment required (First signs of improvement
appear around 6 weeks)
-It is not much effective and a difference of around one shade
is generally seen.
Tooth Whitening tooth paste
Advantages
-Not required to do anything
fancy. Just brush away with the given tooth paste.
-No sensitivity, pain or irritation associated with whitening
pastes.
-They are priced slightly above your normal toothpaste and hence
bear no burden on your pocket.
Disadvantages
-Though promising much, most
tooth whitening pastes fail to deliver. The results are
disappointing for most people.
-Many experts have claimed normal toothpastes are just as
effective as these so called tooth whitening pastes.
In house teeth
whitening kits
Tooth Whitening Gels
Advantages
-Are reasonably effective
(Shade difference of 2-3 is often seen)
-Available over-the-counter and hence no hassle in getting them.
-No major side effects or problems associated with it except
temporary discomfort and sensitivity.
-Reasonably priced when compared to the expensive In-office
treatments by a Dental professional.
Disadvantages
-The one size fits all trays do
not fit every one comfortably and hence reducing its
effectiveness.
-If the gel coming in contact with gums, it may cause irritation
and pain.
-Results vary greatly depending on brand and individuals.
In office teeth whitening
systems
Advantages
-These are touted to be the
most effective with a shade difference of 8-10 being achieved.
-Performed by a dental professional so that you don't have worry
about being in safe hands .
-The procedure is painless with no complicated process you have
to go through.
-The results achieved are long lasting and can be reasonably
maintained by taking good care of your teeth.
Disadvantages
-Blisters, Cankers and swelling
on lips have been reported by some people.
-Teeth sensitivity is a common side effect but it lasts for a
few days.
-Excessive and repeated treatments wears your teeth.
-These professional whitening treatments costs a lot.
