Teeth Whitening And Veneers

Teeth whitening can be done with several methods, at home or in the dentist’s office, and the whitening depends on applying a tooth whitening substance for a specific period of time or applying thin white coverings on the teeth that are called veneers.

Teeth whitening at home

• You can use whitening toothpastes and mouth washes, but their effect is mild, and you can’t use them for a long time because they can damage the teeth.
• Teeth whitening with strips or trays: you apply a whitening substance to a strip or a tray that is put on the teeth for some hours a day for 2-4 weeks, depending on the type.

Teeth whitening in the dentist’s office

• You can whiten the teeth the same way as at home, but the concentration of the whitening substance is higher at the office, so you’ll have the result more quickly and with fewer sessions.
• Laser teeth whitening: it’s the quickest method to whiten the teeth, and it’s done in one session. A whitening substance is applied to the teeth, and then a laser is directed at the teeth to make it stick.
• Veneer: it’s a thin layer that’s made of different substances, such as porcelain, composite, or others, and this layer is put on the tooth surface. Veneers are permanent because part of the outer layer of the teeth (enamel) is removed in order to fit the veneer. Veneers aren’t used only for having white teeth, they’re also used in other cases, such as broken teeth, gaps between teeth, and others, and veneers require several sessions to be made and put on. There is a type of veneer that’s called a removable veneer, which is like a retainer that you can put on or remove when you need it.

• The dentist examines the teeth to make sure that the person is eligible for teeth whitening, depending on the type.
• The mouth, gum, and teeth must be healthy.
• Women can’t be pregnant or breastfeeding.
• The age mustn’t be under 16 years old.

• Temporary tooth sensitivity.
• Irritated mouth and gum.
• In laser teeth whitening, the person might suffer from damage to the tooth pulp or mouth tissue, loss of fluoride and minerals in the teeth, and an increased risk of tooth erosion or decay.
• In veneers, the teeth might become weaker because a part of the enamel is lost, the teeth might become more sensitive to heat and cold, and it’s possible that a veneer might fall off.

• Teeth whitening lasts 1-3 years, and veneers last 7-14 years, depending on the type and how the person takes care of the teeth.
• You must take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing.
• You must avoid smoking and limit having drinks and foods that might affect the teeth and their color, such as tea, coffee, colored beverages, citrus, and others.
• Have foods that are good for the mouth and teeth, such as dairy products, vegetables, and fruit.