Teeth Bleaching and Whitening
Stained teeth may distract from your best qualities; they can cause embarrassment and a lack of self-esteem. Just about everyone wishes they had whiter teeth.Fortunately, there is an easy, painless way to make your teeth whiter with bleaching - a dental technique that can give you a dazzling, bright smile! Tooth whitening is a bleaching process that safely removes the discolorations of tooth enamel.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure designed to remove stains and discoloration , as well as lighten pigmentation within the teeth. The level of whiteness that can be achieved by teeth bleaching will depend on the level of discoloration of the teeth and how they came to be stained. Regardless, your teeth will be noticeably whiter after bleaching.
What causes discoloration of the teeth?
Teeth enamel discoloration can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Some of the more common causes of teeth discoloration are medications (tetracycline), coffee, tea or cigarettes . People who drink significant amounts of cola soft drinks can experience similar staining.
Aside from staining, there are other factors that can affect the color of an individual's teeth.
Genetics can play a role. Some people have naturally brighter enamel than others. Disease can also be a factor and certain medications can cause a discoloration of the teeth.
Professional teeth whitening techniques:
in-office bleaching
at-home application of tooth whitening gel.
Both of these teeth bleaching methods are done under a cosmetic dentist's supervision, so the chance of negative side effects is reduced.
In-office bleaching The LED Tooth Whitening Procedure
In just one visit, you can have a stunningly smile with our LED (blue light) bleaching techniques.
For Those who do not want to bother with the tray and bleaching gel at home, our tooth whitening or LED bleaching service is an alternative. This is done entirely in the dentist's office.
The cosmetic dentist begins by cleaning each tooth to remove plaque. Once the plaque has been removed, the dentist covers the patient's gums with a protective barrier and applies a 35 percent hydrogen peroxide gel onto the teeth. A blue light activates the peroxide gel. The gel stays on the teeth for about 40 minutes, and then is rinsed off. The patient must not eat or drink staining foods for several days because the teeth are still "highly oxygenated" from our tooth whitening process.
How effective are bleaching systems?
The degree of whitening will vary from individual to individual, depending on the cause of the discoloration, enamel thickness, tooth structure and age. Teeth with deep gray staining generally will not respond as well as yellow shaded teeth, but our tooth whitening process will certainly make a positive difference in the smile of every patient.
Bleaching is effective in lightning most stains caused by age, tobacco, coffee, and tea. Based on clinical studies, 96 percent of patients with these kinds of stains experience some lightening effect.
Other types of stains, such as those produced by tetracycline use or fluorosis (too much fluoride), respond to bleaching less reliably. And one cosmetic dentist points out that bleaching systems are not fully predictable.
Teeth that are brown or yellow due to coffee, tea, or smoking stains will generally lighten four to five shades. Teeth that are gray due to natural pigmentation will lighten two to three shades.
Likewise, bleaching may not enhance your smile if you have had crowns or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth. The whitener will not effect the color of these materials, and they will stand out in your newly whitened smile. In these cases, you may want to investigate other options, like porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
Are there any side effects to tooth bleaching?
In some studies, patients have experienced uncomfortable short-term side effects when having teeth bleached. Hydrogen peroxide can increase temperature sensitivity in the teeth, particularly at higher concentrations, and night guards often cause gum irritation.
How long does tooth whitening last? Tooth whitening should last for approximately 18 months to 3 years. The length of time depends on your eating, drinking and smoking habits: tea, coffee, red wine and smoking cause teeth to discolour more.
Whether you are self-conscious because of yellowed teeth from smoking or drinking coffee - or just want to look your best - whitening your teeth is a sure way to brighten your smile and gain increased confidence in your appearance. While there are a number of over-the-counter teeth whitening products that make various claims, only a dental professional can recommend the most effective treatment for you.
