The concept of dental bleaching
Dental bleaching, also known as tooth whitening, is an effective way of lightening the natural colour of the teeth without any removal of the tooth surface. There cannot be a complete colour change but the existing shade can be lightened.
Why dental bleaching?
There are many factors due to which, dental bleaching service may be sought. Everybody has different teeth colour; very few have shining white teeth, but mostly the teeth get discoloured with growing age.
Teeth can be stained due to food and beverages like tea, coffee, red wine and black currant. Even smoking can stain the teeth. Tartar can also affect the colour of the teeth. There may be staining under the surface caused by certain antibiotics or tiny cracks in the teeth which take up stains.
What does dental bleaching involve?
The dentist judges whether your teeth are suitable for the dental bleaching treatment. Firstly, the dentist will put a rubber shield or a gel on the gums to protect them. They will then apply the bleaching product to the teeth with a specially made tray which fits into the mouth like the gum-shield. The active ingredient in the product is broken down and the oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth by which the tooth colour is made lighter.
Duration of Treatment
The total treatment mostly takes 3-4 weeks. Initially, the dentist takes impressions to make a cheek retractor and the treatment shall continue at home with application of whitening product for around 2-4 weeks.
Other procedures
There is a procedure of laser whitening or power whitening, in which, a rubber dam is put over the teeth to protect the gums and a bleaching product is painted on the teeth. The light or laser is shone on the teeth to activate the chemical and that speeds up the reaction of the whitening product and the colour change is achieved quickly. This procedure is known to make the teeth up to five or six shades lighter.
How long do the teeth stay whiter?
The effect of whitening can last almost up to 3 years in general cases but can vary from person to person. The effect can start fading if intake of such food items and beverages which stain teeth is frequent along with smoking.
How long do the teeth stay whiter?
The effect of whitening can last almost up to 3 years in general cases but can vary from person to person. The effect can start fading if intake of such food items and beverages which stain teeth is frequent along with smoking.
What can be the side effects?
Some people may find that their teeth become sensitive to cold during or after the treatment. Others may have discomfort in the gums, a sore throat or white patches on the gum line. These symptoms are usually temporary and should disappear within a few days of the finishing of treatment.
When might tooth whitening not work?
Tooth whitening can only lighten your existing tooth colour. Also it only works on natural teeth. It will not work on any types of ‘false' teeth such as dentures, crowns and veneers.
If your dentures are stained or discoloured visit your dentist and ask for them to be cleaned.
When might dental bleaching not work?
Tooth whitening can only lighten the existing tooth colour. Also, it only works on natural teeth. It will not work on any type of false teeth such as dentures, crowns or veneers.