Teeth Whitening
Your wedding is coming up and you want
your smile to be it’s brightest. Or maybe you have an
important speaking engagement. Whatever the reason, tooth
bleaching isn't just for movie stars, and it isn't just
for one day. Many people have had their teeth bleached,
and probably millions more are thinking about it. The
desire for a brighter smile with whiter teeth is very
strong, and tooth bleaching safely lightens the color
of the teeth, lasting up to five years. The most effective
and safest method of tooth bleaching is dentist-supervised.
Is bleaching
for you? Generally, bleaching is successful in
at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be
an option for everyone. Consider tooth bleaching if your
teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. Teeth
darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond
better to lightening. Other types of gray stains caused
by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline can be lightened,
but results are not as dramatic. If you have very sensitive
teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel,
your dentist may discourage bleaching.
What's involved?
First, your dentist will determine whether you are a candidate
for tooth bleaching and what type of bleaching system
would provide the best results. The best results are achieved
with an in-office bleaching system using a laser or plasma
arc light while you sit in the dental chair. Sometimes,
best results are seen after two or three in-office sessions.
This is sometimes done in combination with dentist-supervised
at-home bleaching and requires impressions of your mouth.
The dentist or hygienist
will then fabricate a mouthguard appliance for you. The
mouthguard is custom made for your mouth and is lightweight
so that it can be worn comfortably while you are awake
or sleeping. The mouthguard is so thin that you should
even be able to talk and work while wearing it. Along
with the mouthguard, you'll receive the bleaching materials.
You'll be given instructions on how to wear the mouthguard
and use the bleaching materials with it. The newest at
home bleaching systems recommend bleaching your teeth
for two individual 15 minute sessions per day for two
weeks.
How long does
it last? Lightness should last from one to five
years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking
and drinking coffee and tea. At this point you may choose
to get a touch up. This procedure may not be as costly
because you can probably still use the same mouthguard.
The retreatment time also is much shorter than the original
treatment time.
How does it
work? The active ingredient in most of the whitening
agents is carbamide peroxide. When water contacts this
white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens
the teeth.
Is it safe?
Are there any side effects? Several studies,
during the past five years, have proven bleaching to be
safe and effective. The American Dental Association has
granted its seal of approval to some tooth bleaching products.
Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or
tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment
ends.
What are
realistic expectations?
No one can really predict how much lighter your teeth
will become. Every case is different. The success rate
depends upon the type of stain involved and your compliance.
Bleaching can provide a very dramatic improvement in your
smile when done properly under a professionals care. Bleaching
does not lighten artificial materials such as white fillings,
bonding, porcelain, or crowns. However, once your smile
has whitened, you can have these drab artificial fillings
resurfaced to match their new whiter surroundings.
