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Teeth whitening treatments are simple, fast and generally safe procedures. The techniques involved are painless and the dentist will determine what method and what colour is most appropriate in each case.
Variety of Colours
The colour of your teeth is based on a wide range of tones, which is determined by the colour of your skin or hair and by genetic inheritance. The colour hue is given by the core of the tooth or dentin, which never varies, and the tone is given by the enamel which is transparent and able to reflect light.
The colour of the enamel may be obscured by intrinsic or extrinsic causes, and can affect one tooth, several or all of them.
The most common intrinsic causes are internal bleeding, deposits of particles within the glaze, or structural damage to the tooth. Our teeth will darken with age, but there are substances which catalyze the formation of stains, such as coffee, tea, red wine, certain foods and medicines.
The colour of your teeth after the whitening treatment depends largely on the original tone and the causes of the discolouration. After being bleached, your teeth will have a lighter shade depending on the original tooth colour as the natural colour can not be changed; only clarified.
Dentists usually have a large display of colours, so that the patient can have a rough idea of what the outcome of the treatment will be.
Pre Teeth Whitening Treatment
Teeth whitening treatments can only be performed on a person with good dental health. Before the treatment, the dentist must ensure that you have no cavities, the gums are in good condition and that the sensitivity of the teeth is not excessive.
These precautions are taken to prevent possible infections or higher tooth sensitivity after the treatment.
Cleaning of the teeth is also recommended before starting the treatment. This is done to remove any stains and to prepare your teeth for an effective treatment.
The crowns and fillings of your teeth do not change colour during the bleaching process, so it is advisable to change them to match the new shade of your teeth.
The Treatment
Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the two substances most commonly used for teeth whitening.
One of the most common methods of teeth whitening is the combination of what the dentist does and further in-home treatment. During the consultation, your dentist will apply hydrogen peroxide gel and grind your teeth to remove any impurities. Hydrogen peroxide is very abrasive and only the dentist should apply it on your teeth to prevent any damage to your teeth and gums.
The dentist will also give you a plastic mould of your teeth for which he would have taken your measurement previously for. The mould will be filled with carbamide peroxide and you will need to wear it for several hours a day and for about four weeks. Finally your dentist will polish your teeth and apply a coat of fluoride to strengthen the enamel.
The fast bleaching service is performed by a dentist and includes covering your teeth with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, as appropriate. Your new white teeth will not last forever so you should return for another teeth whitening treatment once a year.
Teeth Whitening At Home
There are pastes, gels, rinses and toothpastes that help whiten your teeth at home, but the results will never be as good as the whitening treatment done by a professional. These home methods have good immediate results but do not last for long, since it only covers the stains rather than removing them.
