We all desire a beautiful smile, which includes having bright white teeth. Baby teeth, as their name suggests, are lighter than permanent teeth, as they have a milky color. These shades are similar for most children, while permanent teeth can vary more in color among individuals.
Several factors can influence the color of teeth. The primary factor is genetic and depends on the structure, thickness of enamel, and dentin. The thinner the enamel, the more yellow the teeth appear. With age, due to this thinning, teeth can become more yellowish or grayish.
Food and drink, particularly coffee, true (green) tea, and tobacco, can also stain teeth over time. Stains on the enamel can be removed with surface treatments like air polishing and tooth polishing. For deeper stains, teeth whitening is necessary.
Teeth whitening can be performed in various ways. The main distinction is between in-office and at home whitening. In-office whitening uses higher concentrations of whitening agents applied to the teeth and activated with light, resulting in greater tooth sensitivity.
At Modri Zob, we use at-home whitening with custom trays. This method is safe and effective. We take an impression of your teeth in the office, which is sent to a technician to create a custom tray. Whitening gel is applied to the tray, which is worn at night for up to 10 days. The process can be stopped earlier, depending on the desired shade. The new color can last 2 to 3 years, or longer, depending on habits and lifestyle. The whitening process can then be repeated using the existing trays.
The main active ingredient in whitening products is carbamide peroxide, with concentrations in gels ranging from 10 to 16 percent (equivalent to 3 or 6 percent hydrogen peroxide, the legally permitted limit). Fears of whitening damage are unfounded, as studies have shown that enamel damage is minimal, even less than that caused by sugary soft drinks and carbonated beverages.
However, whitening is not recommended for people with teeth stained by medication, heavily worn teeth, or numerous fillings in the front visible area. Whitening gel only whitens natural enamel and not artificial materials in the mouth. It is advisable to replace these materials or consider veneers before whitening.
