With a variety of methods available, achieving those pearly whites has never been more accessible. Before considering the procedure, book an appointment for a check-up and cleaning with your dentist.
Surface stains will need to be removed before the procedure to achieve optimum results. Your dentist will then determine if you are a candidate for tooth whitening.
Not everyone can use the standard tooth whitening solution. Dentils that have restorations, such as veneers, or have been bonded with ivory fillings, cannot be bleached with hydrogen peroxide.
These materials do not clean past the color they were originally made. The color of these types of restorations was determined by the surrounding teeth.
If the surrounding dentils are whitened, the restorations will stand out and look artificial. Replacing old or discolored restorations will allow you to change their appearance.
Teeth that have internal staining, discoloration from developmental conditions or have been root canalled may not be affected by the typical bleaching process. Internal tooth whitening or permanent restorations may be an option to consider.
Natural dentil colors that are brown or gray in hue may not produce desired results. Typically, teeth with a yellow hue will produce the best results.
Pregnant or nursing mothers should avoid whitening their dentils as there is not enough research to determine the safety of tooth whitening products during pregnancy or lactation. People with hypersensitive teeth should avoid this, because this process may enhance the level of sensitivity they experience.
Enamel, the first layer of tooth surface, is actually semi-translucent, or clear. The layer underneath the enamel, known as dentin, is typically yellow, but may be gray, brown or black.
This hue is what is seen penetrating through the enamel. In order to whiten the dentin, a peroxide solution is placed on the enamel. This process opens the pores of the enamel, allowing the solution to reach the layer of dentin.
The solution will then begin to lighten the dentin, resulting in the appearance of ivory teeth. Several brands of tooth-whitening products are on the market that all promise noticeable results.
Professional in-office, professional take-home, and over-the-counter products remain the most common ways to whiten your dentils. It is important to have realistic expectations when evaluating your final results.
Keep in mind that it may take several treatments to achieve a whiter smile. These results may not be permanent, as your teeth will naturally pick up stain from foods or beverages or from tobacco use.
Remember to brush and floss daily, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings and examinations. The results will vary from person to person, so chose an option that will suit your specific need and budget.
Teeth are polished with pumice, a grainy material used to remove any plaque on the surface of the tooth. Your mouth will be isolated with gauze to keep your dentils dry during the procedure.
Retractors may also be used to keep your cheeks, lips and tongue away from the cleaning solution. A barrier is placed along your gum line to protect it from the cleaning solution.
The teeth are then coated with the solution on the front surface of the tooth. Your office may choose to use hydrogen peroxide as the bleaching agent.
Many products require a curing light or laser to be used to add heat to the solution to activate the peroxide. It will then be left on the teeth for 30 to 60 minutes, or reapplied in specific increments of time for up to one hour, depending on the brand.
Once the optimum shade has been reached, or the maximum application time has passed, the teeth are rinsed with water. A fluoride application may then be used to help ease the sensitivity some people experience with tooth whitening.
You will then be instructed to avoid foods and beverages that have a high level of pigment, such as coffee, tomato sauce or juice, yellow mustard, or red wine, and tobacco. You will need to avoid these for 24 hours after the procedure to allow the enamel pores to close to prevent re-staining.
Author Resource:-
Tommy Greene has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and dentistry. He recommends dentist wichita falls for laser dentistry. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
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