TOOTH WHITENING
Facial expressions are a large part of body language, and, like it or not, people judge you by your smile. An attractive smile can take you a long way. So what happens when your pearly whites aren't’t so pearly and white anymore? After years of eating, smoking, drinking coffee, wine or teas, teeth can lose their brilliance.
Your dentist has a variety of methods for restoring a bright white smile, including porcelain veneers, composite bonding, implants and whitening, also known as bleaching. However, of all the advances made in dentistry to enhance the appearance of the teeth, whitening is the easiest and least invasive, and effective for 3 out of 4 cases. The procedure is safe, easy to use, and more affordable than ever before. Because of these reasons and more, whitening has become very popular.
How does the process work?
The bleaching gel is usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide that breaks down into oxygen molecules. These molecules go into the tiny pores of the enamel and dentin and break up the stains that block out the light. As the stains are broken into smaller and smaller pieces, more light passes through the teeth and makes them look lighter. Stains that are accumulated over time that are yellow to slightly brown to blue-grey are the most difficult to bleach because the stain is deeply embedded into the tooth’s structure. These types of stains are usually caused by medicates taken during the development of the teeth such as tetracycline, and can take a minimum of three weeks to see results, and as much as six months for complete results.
Depending on the bleaching gel used and the length of time it is worn, results can be seen within an hour, overnight or within three to four days. Complete results can be achieved in as little as a week or as much as several months depending on the source of the stain and the ability of the teeth or tooth to be bleached. The whitening procedure may last for up to three years—even longer in some cases, depending on personal habits. To brighten the color back up, a simple process of bleaching for one or two nights with a single syringe is usually sufficient.
What will happen at the initial consultation?
At the first visit with your dentist, you’ll be able to talk with him about the changes you’d like to make in your appearance. Your dentist will explain the different option available to you, the procedures itself, and its risks and limitations.
Your dentist will begin with a complete medical history and examination of your teeth. He may also photos and/or x-rays and give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. Any large cavities may need to be addressed before bleaching can begin. Take this opportunity to ask all the questions you have about the procedure. Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision.
How are the treatments performed?
There are three types of bleaching procedures to choose from. Tow of them are performed in the dentist’s office and the third is a take-home, self-administered treatment.
In-office whitening procedures: For laser and power bleaching, a dentist begins by applying a protective material to your gums and lips in order to isolate the teeth. A special bleaching solution- usually containing hydrogen peroxide- is usually applied to the teeth. A high intensity light or laser is directed at the teeth and activates the bleaching agent, causing the gel to release the oxygen molecules. Treatments for both power and laser bleaching can take as little as 45 minutes, but usually last somewhere between one and two hours.
These techniques work great for a single discolored tooth as well. If the tooth has become dark due to trauma but has not had a root canal, the bleaching solution is placed on the outside of the tooth. If the tooth has had a root canal, the solution can be placed on the outside as well as the inside of the tooth. Leaving a bleaching solution inside the tooth and sealing the opening s referred to as “walking bleach”. The solution inside the tooth for a walking bleach is changed about once a week. Results can take several weeks but nothing has to be worn in the mouth.
Take-home whitening: Home bleaching is performed at home, under the indirect supervision of a dentist. At the first appointment, the dentist takes impressions of the patient’s teeth and then creates a perfectly fitted mouthpiece. This mouthpiece will allow the patient to apply a bleaching solution to the teeth while protecting the rest of the mouth from contact with the bleaching chemicals.
The concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in the gel is not as strong as that used in power or laser bleaching procedures. No strong light source or laser is needed to activate the bleaching agent. Instead, it is contact with something organic, in this case the teeth, that causes the gel to release oxygen. In most cases, home bleaching can take from one to three weeks to achieve maximum results. During this time, the dentist may want to check the progress of the treatment.