Teeth Whitening

In Teeth whitening or bleaching, the discoloration of the teeth is done. This treatment helps to remove the stains from the stained teeth. Specific dental chemical agents are used by dental experts during the whitening process. Generally, 40 to 60 minutes are incurred for this treatment.

What is Teeth Whitening?

It is a way of lightening the teeth by using a chemical agent that breaks down stain producing chromogens on the surface of teeth. It is also called Bleaching since its done with a bleaching agent like Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide.

What causes tooth discoloration in adults?

The reason for treatment differs from person to person. Like variations in our hair and skin color ,teeth color is also different from one person to another. Indications includes:

  • Intrinsic tooth staining: Stains on Teeth
  • Aesthetics: Makes Teeth look whiter thereby improving your smile.
  • Fluorosis: Fluorosis causes pitting and yellow stains which can be made less evident by bleaching.
  • Tetracycline staining: Tetracycline stains can be made less evident.
  • Tobacco Staining: Stains due to tobacco can be made less visible by bleaching of teeth.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE OF TEETH WHITENING

1. PRE TREATMENT PREPARATION

A detailed consultation should be done with the dentist to understand the advantages and disadvantages. Find out the various methods for tooth whitening and which one is best suited for your teeth .Professional cleaning of teeth should be done prior to the tooth whitening procedure.

Don’t forget to ask your Cosmetic Dentist for His/ Her qualifications and experience in the field of veneers. Your Cosmetic Dentist can also show you before and after images of cases similar to yours, for you to get a better understanding of the final outcome and quality of work.

2. PROCEDURE

The procedure usually requires only one office visit. The dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect your gums. Bleaching gel is then applied to the teeth. A special light or laser might be used to enhance the action of the whitening agent. Not all offices offer this type of system so speak with your dentist and see if this is an option. This session lasts 10 to 15 minutes. Two or three of these sessions may be required varying from case to case. We offer two types of tooth whitening procedures:

In Office Bleach: 45-60 minutes is all it takes to get that sparkle in your smile that you have always wanted! It is done under our supervision where the gums and other soft tissues are isolated by either applying a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect your gums, bleaching gel is then applied to the teeth, followed by activation of the gel with a Plasma /LED light to enhance the action of the whitening agent. The session lasts 10 to 15 minutes. Two or three sessions may be required varying from case to case.

At Home Bleach: Customized transparent trays are prepared to fit the teeth which hold the whitening gel, to be worn at night. Since Home bleach gels contain a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the whitening process is slower as compared to the In-office power bleach technique.

3. POST TREATMENT CARE

For 24 hours after whitening of tooth:-

– Avoid any food / drinks that would leave a stain on teeth.

– No smoking for 24 hours.

– Avoid mouthwash for 24 hours.

– Use an anti-sensitive tooth paste if you experience sensitivity due to the procedure.

– Do touch ups or booster sessions to maintain the brightness of your whitened teeth.

– Don’t use over the counter products like tooth whitening pastes, strips, gels, pens or any other home remedy like baking soda to whiten your teeth. It may sometimes harm your teeth and gums. Get a recommendation from your dentist.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Generally, anyone with healthy gums and teeth that are looking to brighten up their smile can benefit from the professional teeth whitening system. It has been shown to be highly effective at removing stains from teeth, including tobacco, coffee, tea, tetracycline, and various other tooth stains. A professional teeth whitening system will not affect existing dental work.

The process was designed to enhance the natural whiteness of the enamel. Existing restorations such as tooth-colored fillings, dentures, crowns, bonding, veneers, and bridges do not lighten. This means that any pre-existing dental work may need to be replaced to match the new tooth shade achieved in the natural teeth, should a bleaching process proceed. Clients typically apply the gel product only to their natural teeth, allowing these treated teeth to lighten up to match a cap, crown, or veneer.

Studies of teeth whitening products using 10% carbamide peroxide showed no effect on the hardness or mineral content of a tooth’s enamel surface. Professional teeth whitening does not cause permanent damage to the enamel on your teeth, and is considered harmless by most dental health professionals.

The amount of whitening varies from client to client and cannot be predicted or guaranteed; but in general use, teeth may lighten anywhere from 6 to 12 shades on the whitening shade guide.  The results depend greatly on how discolored the teeth were originally.  Yellow or brown teeth, surface stains, and uniformly darkened teeth are easiest to whiten.  Additional whitening treatments may be needed in order to achieve the desired shade, especially with heavily stained teeth.

 Teeth whitening is not permanent. People who expose their teeth to foods and beverages that cause staining may see the whiteness start to fade in as little as one month. Those who avoid foods and beverages that stain may be able to wait one year or longer before another whitening treatment or touch-up is needed.

The process takes only 30-minutes, (2 – 15-minute applications) to achieve a whiter and brighter smile. It is broken down into two 15-minute applications to allow for maximum gel concentration and light exposure, without being under the light for too long of a period to cause gum irritation. Individuals with sensitive teeth may reduce the intensity of the bleaching unit by choosing a lower power setting and those with very heavy stains may need additional treatments.

When you visit your dental office for professional tooth whitening, your dentist will have you wear a tray during the treatment that will cover your teeth with a specially formulated whitening gel. Also, your dentist may use a type of light to enhance the whitening effects of the gel.

Teeth whitening may cause sensitivity during or after treatment and slight discomfort in the gums. Both of these side effects are usually temporary and will disappear a few days after treatment. It is important to tell your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms as the dentist will be able to advise how best to cope in the meantime.

The greatest benefit that you’ll gain by seeing a dentist for tooth whitening is speed. Unlike over-the-counter kits, professional whitening uses a stronger formula that can provide you with a noticeably whiter smile in a single treatment. At-home kits that you can pick up at the drugstore often take a week or longer to provide noticeable results.

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