What is teeth whitening? Tooth whitening or tooth bleaching is the process of lightening the color of human teeth. Whitening is often desirable when teeth become yellowed over time for many reasons and can be achieved by changing the intrinsic or extrinsic color of the tooth enamel. Candidates who can get teeth whitening: Teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy, unrestored teeth and gums. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond best. However, this cosmetic procedure is not recommended for everyone. At-home whitening with custom trays provided by a dentist Custom-fitted whitening trays are included in the teeth whitening regime to keep the whitening solution on the tooth's surface and limit the solution's exposure to the sensitive gum area. Professional in-home kits are relatively easy to use and offer exceptional results after just one to two weeks of use. Using Home Whitening Kits: Professional in-home whitening kits are not something anyone can pull off so easily. Custom-made trays must be manufactured to ensure the whitening solution is distributed correctly. Without these, a lot of the solution could be wasted or put onto areas of the mouth that may be damaged. There are several steps to obtaining and using an in-home teeth whitening kit: *Step 1: Impressions would first be taken of both the upper and lower teeth using non-toxic dental putty. These would be sent to a specialty dental lab to make the trays. *Step 2: In the meantime, the initial shade of the patient’s teeth would be recorded in the dental chart for comparison when the whitening is completed. *Step 3: When the trays are ready, an appointment would be set to show the patient how to properly dispense and apply the solution and other instructions needed to obtain the optimal results. *Step 4: Before starting the at-home procedure, the patient would need to brush, floss, and rinse thoroughly. *Step 5: The procedure itself is typically performed an hour per day for two weeks, certain brands can be worn overnight. They would need to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while wearing the trays and continue to do the same for 30 minutes after. *Step 6: After two weeks of treatment, a follow-up appointment would be made to track the results and see how they compare to the reference shade. Additional whitening solution can be used for touch-ups if needed.

Other at-home products Apart from the custom trays for at-home teeth whitening, the following are the rest of the at-home products: *Whitening rinses: They are easy to use. All the patient has to do is swirl it around in their mouth for a minute. The whitening agent in the product is in contact with the teeth for just a short time, the teeth get brighter gradually. Rinses can help prevent new stains after whitening your teeth. *Whitening toothpaste: It has ingredients that remove surface stains with gentle brushing and may provide gradual brightening. But some people get sensitive teeth if they use these products. *Gel strips: The patient usually puts them on their teeth once a day for up to 2 hours. Depending on the product's strength, they may need to wear them for 10 to 20 days. *Whitening trays: These are filled with a gel that fits over the patient's teeth. They can whiten the teeth faster. But the trays sold in at-home kits are not custom-made, so they are more likely to rub and irritate the gums. Make sure you follow the directions on the package carefully.

Tips to keep teeth white after teeth whitening There are a few simple preventive steps you can take to help maintain your beautiful white smile: *Rinse your mouth immediately after eating or drinking. *Drink plenty of water throughout the day. *Do not smoke or use tobacco. *Avoid common staining beverages, such as wine, coffee, or tea. *Use a straw when drinking acidic beverages. *Enjoy foods proven to be good for your teeth, such as apples, strawberries, celery, and leafy greens. In addition to the preventive measures you can take to avoid staining, it is vital to keep your smile healthy to help your whitening last as long as possible. Achieve optimum oral health with simple habits: *Brush at least twice a day using fluoridated toothpaste. *Bring a toothbrush and toothpaste with you to be able to brush after meals on the go. *Floss daily to prevent plaque from building up. *Maintain your 6-month check-ups and cleanings with your dentist. Regular, professional cleaning and polishing will help keep your teeth white after whitening. During your appointment, your hygienist will polish away surface stains, which will help you avoid discoloration. The dentist will give you personalized recommendations to help you keep your teeth white so you can maintain your gorgeous, confident smile longer. The first 48 hours after the treatment is critical. So you need to be more aware of your food intake as certain types of food discolor your teeth. Avoid them during this time. These include but are not limited to the following: *Tea and coffee. These brews can stain your teeth instantly *Dark-coloured sauces. Avoid red pasta sauce, soy sauce, barbecue sauce *Fruit juice. *Dark chocolate. This contains caffeine and thus could stain your teeth *Acidic food that includes lemons, oranges, and other citrus fruits should be avoided. These acidic or sour foods can weaken the enamel To sum up: Tooth whitening is a procedure that is used to whiten the teeth of the patient. This can be done both in the dental office and at home with the use of custom trays for teeth whitening. Other home products include whitening gels, strips, pastes, and whitening rinses. Whitened teeth can be maintained by avoiding drinking excessive tea and coffee and acidic food.