Tooth Bleaching FAQ
What is tooth bleaching?
It is a chemical process that dentists use to whiten teeth. It can be performed entirely in one visit, or it can be performed in two visits. The procedure may vary based upon the condition of the teeth. Your dentist may first perform a tooth cleaning before bleaching them. A special whitening gel is used for this process and is activated by a special light when the process is complete.
Why do teeth stain in the first place?
Anything including prescription medication, coffee, tea, and cigarettes can stain your teeth. You may also have a genetic predisposition to staining, or it can simply be the results of aging.
How is it done?
Tooth bleaching can be done with over the counter products. We do not recommend these products as a general rule. Their quality of their contents can vary. The gel may be of a low viscosity that allows the gel to leak onto the gums and cause irritation. If the tray fits poorly, you may also swallow some of the whitening gel. Without a dentist to supervise the process, you may traumatize your gums if the trays do not fit properly.
It is much better to have cosmetic tooth bleaching performed by a licensed cosmetic dentist. Your dentist will make molds of your teeth that precisely match your bite and use a gel that is much more suitable to whitening your teeth. You will wear these molds every night as prescribed by your dentist, then return to our office for the final application of tooth bleaching product and hardening of it with a laser light.
Are there side effects to cosmetic tooth bleaching?
Like we mentioned, the use of over-the-counter products can damage your gums if the trays to not fit you well. You really need to protect your gums during this process because damaging them can lead to other complications like gum recession or gum disease.
In a professional setting, tooth bleaching should only cause some temporary sensitivity in the teeth themselves. You may feel sensitivity to temperature, pressure, and touch. It is nothing to be alarmed about.
Is the tooth bleach that is used by cosmetic dentists different than the bleach used in home whitening kits?
Yes. The bleach we use of in-office whitening has a much higher hydrogen peroxide concentration than that which is found in over-the-counter kits. This concentration may range as low as 9 percent to as high as 40 percent depending on how badly your teeth are stained.
The tooth bleaching material used in at-home tooth whitening is a carbamide peroxide that becomes hydrogen peroxide after it breaks down.
How long do the results of tooth bleaching last?
The new white color of your teeth should last for about six months to a year. Sometimes it lasts longer. Of course, if you do not change your dietary, coffee drinking and smoking habits the results will probably not last more than six months at best.
Change is required to get the best results. Repeat therapy is needed if no significant lifestyle change is made on your part. The choice is yours.
It is a chemical process that dentists use to whiten teeth. It can be performed entirely in one visit, or it can be performed in two visits. The procedure may vary based upon the condition of the teeth. Your dentist may first perform a tooth cleaning before bleaching them. A special whitening gel is used for this process and is activated by a special light when the process is complete.
Why do teeth stain in the first place?
Anything including prescription medication, coffee, tea, and cigarettes can stain your teeth. You may also have a genetic predisposition to staining, or it can simply be the results of aging.
How is it done?
Tooth bleaching can be done with over the counter products. We do not recommend these products as a general rule. Their quality of their contents can vary. The gel may be of a low viscosity that allows the gel to leak onto the gums and cause irritation. If the tray fits poorly, you may also swallow some of the whitening gel. Without a dentist to supervise the process, you may traumatize your gums if the trays do not fit properly.
It is much better to have cosmetic tooth bleaching performed by a licensed cosmetic dentist. Your dentist will make molds of your teeth that precisely match your bite and use a gel that is much more suitable to whitening your teeth. You will wear these molds every night as prescribed by your dentist, then return to our office for the final application of tooth bleaching product and hardening of it with a laser light.
Are there side effects to cosmetic tooth bleaching?
Like we mentioned, the use of over-the-counter products can damage your gums if the trays to not fit you well. You really need to protect your gums during this process because damaging them can lead to other complications like gum recession or gum disease.
In a professional setting, tooth bleaching should only cause some temporary sensitivity in the teeth themselves. You may feel sensitivity to temperature, pressure, and touch. It is nothing to be alarmed about.
Is the tooth bleach that is used by cosmetic dentists different than the bleach used in home whitening kits?
Yes. The bleach we use of in-office whitening has a much higher hydrogen peroxide concentration than that which is found in over-the-counter kits. This concentration may range as low as 9 percent to as high as 40 percent depending on how badly your teeth are stained.
The tooth bleaching material used in at-home tooth whitening is a carbamide peroxide that becomes hydrogen peroxide after it breaks down.
How long do the results of tooth bleaching last?
The new white color of your teeth should last for about six months to a year. Sometimes it lasts longer. Of course, if you do not change your dietary, coffee drinking and smoking habits the results will probably not last more than six months at best.
Change is required to get the best results. Repeat therapy is needed if no significant lifestyle change is made on your part. The choice is yours.
Labels: cosmetic tooth whitening, faq tooth bleach, tooth bleaching faq
posted by Dental Expert at
11:45 PM
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