Tooth whitening makes teeth bright and helps to remove stains and discoloration. Whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can improves how your teeth look.
Whitening is not a one-time procedure. If you want to maintain brightness of teeth, whitening needs to be repeated from time to time.
teeth whitening removes stains on the enamel (external stains) and in the enamel.
- Using tobacco
- Drinking dark-colored liquids such as coffee, cola, tea and red wine
- Poor orah hygiene
- AGING: Aging makes teeth less bright as the enamel gets thinner and the dentin becomes darker
There are two main types of whitening procedures. OFFICE WHITENING is performed in a single visit in dental clinic. HOME WHITENING is done by patient at home.
The most effective type of tooth whitening is office whitening which is done by our dentist in DentaSculpt Dental Clinic.
It uses a gel that is applied directly to the tooth surface. A specialized light or laser activates the gel and allows bleaching to happen faster.
In-office whitening usually takes 30 to 90 minutes. You may need 1 to 3 appointments. The number will depend upon the method used, how severe your stains are and how white you want your teeth to be. Different types of stains respond differently to the treatment.
Whitening toothpastes are available as well. They contain abrasives that remove stains on the enamel.
For in-home whitening, your dentist will take measurements of your upper and lower teeth and will make custom transparent bleaching trays to fit you.
At home, you will fill each tray with a whitening gel given by your dentist. You will wear the tray for several hours every day. Many people achieve the result within a 4 to 8 days. However, you may need to wear the tray for long time for desired results.
If you find that your gums are white or sore, consult your dentist.
Whitening is not a permanent solution. The stains will recur. If you are a smoker or consume a lot of staining foods or drinks, you may see the whiteness start to fade in as little as one month. If you avoid these sources of staining, whitening can last for 6 to 12 months.
Re-whitening can be done in the dental clinic or at home.
Whitening is unlikely to cause serious side effects, although some people's teeth may become more sensitive. You may get mild gum irritation as well. Women should not have their teeth whitened while pregnant. Since the procedure is cosmetic, it should be postponed until after delivery.