TOOTH WHITENING or Tooth Bleaching
Tooth whitening, also known as tooth bleaching, is a common and very attractive cosmetic dental procedure. With white tooth bleaching, the enamel is sparkling and shining. The teeth look youthful, brilliant, healthier and brighter.
Baby, milk or deciduous teeth
are generally whiter than the
permanent (adult) teeth
that follow. As white teeth are associated with youth, they have become desirable.Many people believe white teeth are an eye-catching feature of a beautiful smile. Worldwide, white smile is coined a "Hollywood smile" or an
"American smile".
Indications for Tooth Bleaching
- As a person ages the teeth become darker.
- Teeth can also turn into stained by bacterial pigments, foodstuffs and tobacco.
- Dental or
tooth erosion
could change normal color of the tooth in visible dull and yellowish appearance.
Two Main Methods of Bleaching
- In-office system: applying a high concentration of tooth whitener for a short period of time with a laser bleaching light.
- At-home technique: using a thin nightguard (mouthguard) or custom bleaching trays to hold a low concentration of tooth whitener for as long as several hours a day for a period of 5 to 14 days.
Tooth Whitener or Bleaching Agent
- Either carbamide peroxide, which breaks down in the mouth to form hydrogen peroxide, or hydrogen peroxide itself.
- Typically less than 10% hydrogen peroxide equivalent.
Side Effects
or tooth hypersensitivity often occurs during early stages of the bleaching treatment. Usually is temporary and disappears within 1 to 3 days of stopping or completing treatment.Mild
irritation of the gum.
Also is temporary and disappears within 1 to 3 days of stopping or completing treatment.Bleaching is least effective if your teeth have white spots,
tooth decay,
tetracycline staining, tooth color is grayish, or if you have
gum disease.
If you have
sensitive teeth
and gums, and/or
tooth decay
and defective restorations you should
consult a dentist
prior to using any tooth whitening system!Sometimes, the teeth losing the bleached effect and darkening over 30 days.Anyone allergic to hydrogen peroxide (the whitening agent) should NOT USE a bleaching product!Bleaching is not recommended in children under the age of 16.Teeth whitening is also not recommended in pregnant or lactating women.
Contact Dentist
Looking forward to hearing from youAleksandr V. Melekhin, DDS
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