Most people are self-conscious about stained teeth and wish to improve their smile. Tooth whitening (bleaching) is a simple procedure that can help achieve this goal.
Generally speaking, bleaching works best on natural teeth without restorations (fillings, crowns, etc). Results can last from a few months to three years, but they do not persist indefinitely. Contact Teeth Whitening Las Vegas now!
There are a variety of teeth-whitening products that promise whiter, brighter smiles. Some work with bleaching chemicals (usually hydrogen peroxide), while others use abrasive materials to scrub away surface stains without affecting the underlying enamel. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends consulting a dentist before trying any over-the-counter whitening products. Some whitening treatments are done in the dental office, while others can be done at home with a whitening kit provided by your dentist or purchased from a beauty supply store.
Before a whitening treatment, teeth are cleaned to remove debris and make sure the bleaching gel will adhere evenly to the teeth. Then, a small amount of the whitening product is applied to the teeth for several minutes. The bleaching agent works by dissolving the dark pigments that stain the teeth. Some whitening systems also use light or lasers to accelerate and enhance the bleaching process.
Bleaching agents are a common ingredient in most commercially available tooth-whitening products. However, the ADA warns that not all bleaching products are safe, particularly those with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. The ADA recommends only using over-the-counter whitening products with low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.
First, only some people’s teeth will lighten the same. This is due to the natural aging process in which the core substance of the tooth (dentin) thickens. The dentin is yellow in color, and the enamel’s transparent nature shows the darkness through. A whitening procedure can lighten teeth up to five or more shades, but it is important to understand that the result may not be permanent.
A second factor to consider is the type of stain. Food and beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and soda can cause extrinsic stains. The staining compounds in these foods and drinks are absorbed into the teeth through the tiny holes on the surface of the enamel (called pores). Teeth whitening can lighten these stains, but it is difficult to lighten intrinsic stains (those that originate within the dentin) unless they are exposed to a strong bleaching agent, such as hydrofluoric acid or peroxide.
It is also important to realize that whitening only works on natural teeth. Porcelain veneers, composite resin fillings, and dental crowns will not lighten in response to whitening. Additionally, if you have large cavities or gum disease, whitening can actually aggravate these problems, making them appear more prominent. Lastly, the ADA notes that smoking can significantly reduce your chances of successfully whitening your teeth. If you decide to go through with a whitening treatment, it is important to follow a regular oral health regimen after the treatment. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once daily, and getting regular dental cleanings.
In order to achieve the best results, teeth whitening must be performed on healthy teeth. A dental professional will evaluate your smile to ensure that it is free from decay and cavities, as well as any other conditions that would interfere with the whitening procedure. If any problems are found, these will be addressed before the whitening treatment can begin.
In addition, the dentist may also recommend that you make certain lifestyle changes before undergoing the whitening treatment. This includes avoiding certain foods and drinks that can diminish the results of the whitening process, such as coffee, dark sodas, red wine, or tobacco products. Following these suggestions will enhance the effectiveness of your treatment and help you enjoy a whiter, brighter smile!
Before beginning the whitening treatment, your dentist will clean your teeth and may use a pumice tool to remove any present plaque. This will help to ensure that the whitening product is able to penetrate the tooth enamel and bleach the inside of your teeth. The dentist will also review your current tooth shade, using a shade guide to determine how many shades lighter you can expect your smile to be after the whitening process is complete.
A common in-office whitening technique uses a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel, which the dentist applies to each of your teeth. A special light, often referred to as a “Zoom light” or “Zoom laser,” is then used to activate the whitening gel. As the whitening agent breaks down, it releases oxygen, which helps to remove surface stains and brighten your smile.
There are many different whitening products on the market, each designed to target specific types of discoloration. The most effective whitening treatments are those that contain both cleaning agents to loosen and remove the accumulated chromogens, as well as bleaching chemicals that can react with the chromogens to lighten them.
As a result, there is no single whitening method that can effectively treat all types of tooth discoloration. Depending on the severity of your staining, your dentist will recommend the most suitable whitening product for you.
The whitening process will take about 30 minutes to one hour to reach your desired shade. After the designated time is complete, your dentist will rinse away the whitening agent and then apply fluoride to protect your tooth enamel from decay. The whitening treatment can be repeated as necessary to maintain your new, beautiful smile!
In order to achieve the whiter smiles often portrayed in television, movies, and electronic media, many people undergo teeth whitening. This process involves the bleaching of intrinsic and extrinsic stains that discolor the enamel of teeth. Different types of whitening products are available both over-the-counter and in the dentist office. Each type of product has a slightly different formula designed to tackle particular types of staining. Some whitening products utilize detergents and abrasives to remove chromogens from tooth surfaces; others use bleaching ingredients to lighten the color of intrinsic and extrinsic chromogens. Most whitening products contain one of these two main categories of ingredient; the specific type used will depend on the nature of the discoloration to be corrected.
Prior to whitening, the dental team will assess the patient’s oral health to ensure that no decay or other issues need correction. During this evaluation, a dental x-ray may also be taken to determine the depth of current stains. This information will be used to plan for future whitening treatments.
The treatment itself is relatively quick and simple. First, a protective gel is placed on the gums to prevent irritation. A special tray is then inserted into the mouth, which fits like a mouthguard. The whitening product is then applied to the enamel, and the whitening agent breaks down the oxygen molecules in the enamel, thus making teeth lighter. Most whitening products use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the active bleaching agent.
Following a short period of time (typically about 30 to 60 minutes) or until the desired shade is achieved, the whitening gel is rinsed from the teeth and a fluoride application may be used to combat tooth sensitivity. The whitening process is then repeated as needed until the desired results are achieved.
In addition to whitening, the dental team can also provide additional services that will help keep your teeth looking and feeling their best. Dental veneers, bonding materials and tooth-colored fillings can all be utilized to complement a whitening treatment or correct other cosmetic issues such as chipped or misshapen teeth.
It is important to remember that a whiter smile will not last forever, as teeth will eventually become stained again. However, it is also possible to extend the lifespan of a whitening treatment by avoiding certain foods and beverages that have been known to stain teeth and by maintaining good oral hygiene. Regular brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing, and the use of an antiseptic mouthwash will help to keep teeth white. In addition, patients should try to avoid excessive exposure to the sun and smoking, as these habits can also cause re-staining. By practicing these preventative measures, the beauty of a white smile can be maintained for as long as three years.
Shawn Natoli
