Ask any individual tasked with the charge of capturing happy memories in a still frame, and they will tell you that nothing grabs attention better than the words ‘Smile, please!’. Here, one of the most basic yet important oral health checks come into place. What kind of smiles will brace the camera? Will it be one of those smiles that toothpaste advertisements always show at the end of a commercial, or will disappointment grace the lens? Whatever the outcome turns out to be, it’s enough to drive people to the Internet or the dentist clinic for solutions, whichever suits them best.

However, it’s important to note that as the years go by, it is only natural that your teeth can lose their brightness and shine. This is because the enamel, the visible outer covering of the teeth that offers protection, shine and colour, gets its texture affected over the years. Don’t take it too hard, it is only a natural process that takes place. You see, there are numerous factors that play a role in your teeth’s discolouration, a few key factors which include dietary consumption and lifestyle habits that trigger teeth yellowing. There could also be a buildup of surface stains that darken the teeth and hide their natural tooth colour. In any case, when faced with similar issues, there’s only one logical conclusion it can arrive at, i.e. tooth whitening.

Known as one of the most widespread cosmetic dental procedures that one can avail of, it is essentially a treatment that helps eliminate teeth discolouration and stains, bringing the lustre back to your tooth enamel and enhancing their overall appearance at the same time. However, before moving forward with the treatment, one must remember that it only works on natural tooth enamel; hence, it is advised to get your teeth cleaned, either by way of polishing or scaling, in order to get rid of tartar and plaque beforehand. 

Let’s help break down the process and make things clear. As solid as your teeth may be in resemblance, they have small pores in them that absorb whatever you consume, be it food or drink, the particles of which settle in your teeth as the years go by, resulting in the staining that you witness. Through the expertise of trained dental professionals, teeth whitening treatments generally open the pores and remove the stains that occupy them, requiring the use of specialised tools. Though many are left with a sensitive sensation in their teeth once the treatment is over, the condition always reverts to normal in a matter of a few hours.

Since the need for having whiter teeth has arisen among most patients, there are several ways that one can get the procedure done. Some of these treatments include:

• Teeth Whitening Strips

Simply referred to as ‘whitening strips’, they are the common choice among patients looking to bring the brightness back in their smiles. Easily available in stores, they are usually small plastic strips that deliver a thin layer of peroxide which need to be placed on the top and bottom row of teeth. Teeth whitening strips are most preferred in instances where there is slight to moderate discolouration. However, due to the lower level of peroxide present in the strips, it tends to have a limited whitening ability as compared to other teeth whitening treatments. It is also important to remember that one should avoid making too much contact between the strips and the delicate gum areas.

• Teeth Whitening Gels and Trays

Teeth whitening trays and gels are almost always available in two primary types, i.e. the ones that you can get from your trusted dentist, or the type that you can purchase over the counter from medical stores in your vicinity. Here, the difference between the two lies in the amount of time it takes for the results to show. These kits, when procured from a dentist, usually contain a stronger peroxide bleaching agent as compared to the ones you’d purchase on your own, guaranteeing effective and faster results than the ones you could get for yourself. An added benefit of undergoing this treatment from a dental professional is that the trays can be custom-made to fit your teeth exactly, allowing you to wear them comfortably for a couple of hours a day or overnight. In this instance, it is best to avoid generic-sized trays that could cause irritation in your gums due to contact with the bleaching agent. The results can take anywhere between a few days to a few weeks to show. 

• Laser Bleaching

Where there are leaps and bounds in technological developments, there are good chances that the same will happen in the dental industry. In this treatment, guards are placed over the gums and the lips for protection. The dentist then proceeds to use the laser to help activate the whitening agent used for the procedure, allowing for the targeted removal of microscopic stains in your teeth. Though this treatment is more effective than most peroxide-based treatments, it tends to border on the more expensive side for patients looking to keep their treatment within a budget. However, let there be no doubts on how effective the procedure can be in the least amount of time.

No matter what form of teeth whitening treatment in Mumbai you choose, it is important to do your own research and discover the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure. Whether it is a matter of getting it done in the least amount of time, or whether you just feel the need to address minor staining issues, it is necessary to be sure how you wish to address those needs. Opting for products from over the counter might be more convenient to follow through at home in the most cost-effective manner, but it may not always turn out the way you desire it to. Once you visit your trusted dental clinic, allow the professionals to take a comprehensive study of your medical history, your lifestyle habits and other required details; it will help them establish which teeth whitening treatment will suit your needs best.