Cosmetic teeth whitening, by definition, is a scientifically proven and highly effective cosmetic dental treatment that is able to restore the original whiteness of discolored teeth. Teeth whitening is perfectly safe when it is done by a licensed cosmetic dentist. It will produce results that will last anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on how many dietary and lifestyle changes the patient is willing to make.
Teeth are actually whitened from beneath the outer, translucent layer known as dental enamel. The dentin layer that lies just beneath the enamel, is the part of the tooth that actually becomes stained. This is because the enamel itself is porous. Tooth stains are typically yellow, although it is not uncommon for some of them to be gray, brown, or even black.
This staining of the enamel is what appears to the naked eye as tooth discoloration. Dentists must use a strong peroxide solution that can penetrate the pores of the enamel and bleach the dentin, resulting in the end in whiter looking teeth.
The most comfortable and cost effective approach to cosmetic teeth whitening is to do it in two appointments spaced between three and four weeks apart. During the first visit, dentists teeth and apply the initial application of tooth bleaching gel. They then harden this gel with a special high intensity light and take impressions of the patients teeth.
With these impressions, they make teeth whitening trays that the patient takes home. The patient then uses the trays to apply a special take-home bleaching agent for 30 to an hour at a time every night. This home bleaching process may last anywhere from two to four weeks.
When the home teeth whitening process is complete, the patient returns for a final coating of gel and another treatment of high intensity light to seal it.
The cost of cosmetic teeth whitening depends on the condition of the patients teeth. Many cosmetic dentists in Houston cost more than others because they bleach teeth in a single appointment and use a laser to harden the bleach. However, many people feel acute and unnecessary discomfort when a laser is used on their teeth. Research has shown that a high intensity light works just as well, and that it does not cause the same degree of sensitivity.
For people who take extraordinarily good care of their teeth, teeth can stay white for up to three years. It is more typical for results to last a little over a year-provided a person does not smoke, drinks only a little coffee and strong tea, and eats a healthy diet.
However, smoking and drinking coffee daily will stain the teeth all over again. The entire process will then need to be repeated in 4 to 6 months to maintain the whiteness of the teeth. Some people choose to keep paying for this, while others make radical lifestyle changes.
Cosmetic tooth whitening only works on natural tooth dentin. Therefore, it has no cosmetic or medical value for cosmetic tooth restorations such as dental implants, porcelain dental veneers, dentures, crowns, or porcelain onlays.
The most important thing to be mindful of when seeking cosmetic teeth whitening is realistic expectations of the outcome. Teeth that are badly stained may need several treatments. Also, lifestyle changes will need to be made in order to sustain the results for the maximum possible period of time.
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