Effective Length of Time For Teeth Whiteners
The effects of teeth whitening can vary considerably based on a number of factors. Among them are the amount of discolouring that had occurred, the individual’s lifestyle and eating habits (smoking and a marked preference for dark-coloured drinks, for example) and even the thickness of their enamel. This means some teeth can whiten in just a matter of days (from 7-12 days) while some take longer.
A few individuals have teeth that are not susceptible to any whitening techniques currently available. A simple rule of thumb is that whiteners can effect changes that can last for months, normally six months or even longer. Another important fact to remember is that whitening done in a short time does not last very long also. This is because the plaque that caused the discolouration in the first place takes time to be effectively removed over a course of several treatments.
However, newer technologies like those using laser techniques that utilise the gas argon are now preferred over the previous dental whitening procedures that employ arc lamps (UV or ultraviolet light) or infra-red laser, because argon does not produce any accompanying heat that can damage the gums. The whitening process using bleaching agents is not ideal for everyone though. Those who have teeth with white spots (irregularity in the calcium deposits on the enamel layer), abscessed teeth or diseased gums are not advised to undergo this procedure. Those with teeth whose original colour is greyish are expected to see the least results, while those with yellowish (heavily-stained) teeth will see the dramatic improvements right away.
Since most teeth whiteners have an active ingredient, ordinarily a peroxide or acid (either the hydrogen or carbamide peroxide), it is normal to notice a slight thinning of the enamel layer. However, even a long term use of whiteners has only very minimal effects and should not be a cause for concern, particularly when taking into account the psychological and emotional benefits of having whiter teeth, which includes an increase in confidence.
As mentioned earlier, lifestyles and eating habits play a big role in how long the whitened teeth will last. A simple rule to follow is to whiten the teeth whenever you see discolouration begin to re-appear, but this will not be any more often than six months at the least. Dental practitioners have coined a term for teeth that lose their whiteness after a relatively short period – they call it a “rebound”, which often occurs with most intensive type of treatments done quickly. This is the result of tooth “dehydration” and the whiteness disappears when the set of teeth rehydrates.
At any rate, most of us need not worry about these things because the whiteness will last for months, assuming we do not belong to those who are chain-smokers or those who have a preference for dark-coloured liquid drinks like coffee, tea, chocolate or red wines (the last leaves a residual pigment).
A bit of good news for would-be users of teeth whitening kits is that these do not affect most fillings of teeth like porcelain, ceramics, gold and silver amalgam. It can, however, slightly alter the colour of the other filling materials used by dentists like cement and composite synthetic materials.
About the Author
Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For
Teeth Whitening Treatment Process,
he recommends Direct Whitening.
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