Obvious discoloration of teeth can be a physical handicap that impacts on a person’s self-image, self confidence, physical attractiveness. A person due to cosmetic dental problems may profoundly be affected in their self-esteem, interactions, environmental adaptations, personal relationships, job opportunities, and other fundamental aspects thus affecting their quality of life.
The overwhelming evidence indicates that tooth bleaching is effective if supervised by a professional dentist.
The professional teeth whitening process starts with a consultation, since bleaching treatments are affected by a number of factors including the actual cause of tooth discoloration.
• You have decayed teeth in your mouth. Those decayed teeth need to be treated prior to whitening procedures
• You have gingivitis or periodontitis- gum diseases (again, treat them first!)
• Your teeth have abrasions, attritions or erosions. (Defects of teeth enamel as a result of aggressive brushing, teeth grinding or improper diet with excessive use of citrus fruits or carbonate drinks)
• You are pregnant.
But other than that, one of the most critical aspects of an aesthetically pleasing smile is tooth color. And if you do not fall into the contraindications area, bleaching might be a very satisfying option for you.
There are different types of teeth whitening procedures. In-office and home bleaching.
In-office
The protocol include one session of treatment with three applications of 15 minutes of whitening gel (Totally 60 minutes, cleaning included).
The area where tooth and gums are meeting is covered with a gel and then hardened it with a high-powered light. This is called a gingival barrier, and it protects your gums from the bleaching chemicals during the whitening process.
The actual whitening process involves the dentist applying a gel made of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide penetrates the porous outer layer of your teeth and break apart stain compounds using a chemical reaction called oxidation.
The gels are in full contact with the tooth surface and then removed with moistened cotton pellets between each application. At the end of the third application, the gels are removed, all the excess is rinsed with copious water, and finally the gingival barrier is removed.
Home Bleaching
Your dentist makes a cast and prepares transparent “Essix” trays for you to use at home.
Here usually Carbamide peroxide is preferred.
Treatment protocol is between 4-6 hours a day for 2 weeks. You will also be provided with a desensitizing agent to put on each day after your bleaching session.
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