What is it?

Teeth whitening is a highly popular cosmetic procedure done to lighten the surface colour of teeth and get rid of any stains or discolouration. 

There exist two principal approaches to whitening teeth. 

The slower method, which provides less dramatic results, involves the action of brushing one's pearly whites with teeth whitening toothpaste. 

The paste features more abrasive ingredients that serve to "scrape off" and polish any superficial bacteria and stains. 

For best results, this process should be incorporated into one’s daily routine, optimally after breakfast and before bed.

The second approach provides much quicker and more noticeable results. The active ingredient at work here would be carbamide peroxide, a widely used chemical known to bleach teeth and remove stubborn stains. 

Depending on the client’s request, their dentist will provide them with an at-home kit or do it in his or her office. 

The latter demands less of the patient’s time and is overseen by specialists to assure the well-being of the client’s enamel. 

The at-home kit provides a more gradual change and is preferred for those unable to attend regular set-appointments due to their busy schedules. 

Note that different products contain different concentrations of this ingredient.

 

Types of Bleaching

The kind of bleaching performed can be classified under two general categories:

1. Vital Bleaching - Practiced on “living” teeth that have darkened due to external factors such as food, age, or tobacco.

1. Non-vital Bleaching - Practiced on “Lifeless” teeth which have darkened in colour due to internal factors such as a root canal or past cavities. 

 

Why is it done?

Teeth whitening, similar to most other cosmetic treatments, is done to improve an individual’s outward appearance and enhance their smile’s natural radiance. 

Now you may be asking “How does teeth whitening benefit people in their daily lives?”.

After extensive in-depth research on the topic, researchers have found that one’s dental appearance impacts the way their personality is initially perceived.  

There were significant increases in favourability and ratings of charisma, popularity, intelligence, kindness, and career success (among other attributes) towards those who had undergone aesthetic teeth treatments. 

Furthermore, based on the anecdotes of our patients at Maple Dental Health, there proves to be a tendency of increased care for patients' oral health routine after undergoing this cosmetic procedure.

This often stems from a desire to maintain their new tint of teeth.