Teeth Whitening

Human teeth naturally vary in color. Not all people are lucky to have a bright white as the natural color of their teeth. Many persons have slightly yellow teeth by nature.

Stained teeth is a very common dental problem that makes a lot of people to feel uncomfortable when they have to talk or smile, due to the color of their teeth. Stained or discolored teeth are caused by many different reasons but the acquisition of colored substances onto the tooth pellicle is the main reason that makes teeth to lose their natural white color.

Regular tooth brushing can only remove some of the extrinsic stains from the outer surface of the tooth enamel. Only ‘teeth bleaching’ can actually whiten teeth removing deep intrinsic stains and lightening their color. The procedure can be done in the dental office or at home.

Professional whitening of your teeth is achieved using oxidising agents such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These agents teeth and gradually bleach them over time. The oxidising agents penetrate the enamel and bleach the dentine. The degree of color change that occurs during bleaching depends on the types of stains present, the peroxide dose, the amount of time on the teeth and how frequently it is performed.

Advances in modern cosmetic dentistry have made available a wide variety of treatment options for people who are unhappy with their smile. Teeth Whitening methods used will vary in effectiveness, cost, durability, and side effects.

Before you start Teeth Whitening

A dental examination is necessary to help determine if the patient is a good candidate for bleaching and what treatments are best. This examination will include a dental history focusing on the factors that may have caused the stains. People with gum disease and worn tooth enamel, and pregnant women are not good candidates. Some areas, including artificial crowns, veneers and the roots of the teeth, cannot be whitened by bleaching.

The most common methods used for teeth whitening treatments are the following:

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-Office Teeth whitening also known as "power bleaching" is the quickest and the most effective method, but it is also the most expensive one. It is also referred to as Chair-side bleaching. It usually requires two or more visits to a cosmetic dentist. A usual treatment appointment might last from 30 minutes to an hour, making it the quickest type available today. However, it can be accomplished in a single one-hour appointment for certain patients.

The treatments available in a dentist’s office are far more effective, as they are usually about 5-10 times stronger than commercial products. In office treatments offer teeth whitening of around 7-10 shades. and their effects last for several years much more than any other procedure. It also provides immediate results.

Laser teeth whitening is considered the top of the line treatment. It is the fastest and safer way to whiten your teeth, but it's also the most expensive. Laser teeth whitening is the most modern bleaching method that can offer you the Hollywood smile you always dreamed of.

Take Home whitening kits

At-home dentist supervised teeth whitening (bleaching trays)

It's also possible to remove discoloration with at-home bleaching trays and gel given to you by your dentist to whiten your teeth at home. The bleaching gels designed for use at home aren't as strong as those applied by your dentist (usually 10% carbamide peroxide or 3% hydrogen peroxide), so the process takes longer.

Over the counter teeth whitening

Over the counter treatments are designed to be cheaper and convenient. Out of office treatments, ranging from tray treatments, pen treatments, gel treatments, strips and more, are designed in a fashion where even the busiest individual will have enough time to get the whiter smile they want. Unlike the office treatments, these treatments take time and effort over a longer period of time in order to get the results that you want.

There are several types of over-the-counter tooth whitening products :

• Whitening Trays
• Whitening Strips
• Paint-on teeth whiteners
• Whitening Toothpastes

If you want to improve your smile’s appearance you should first visit a cosmetic dentist for consultation. Cosmetic dentists have the expertise to analyze your cosmetic needs, and propose a complete plan of cosmetic dental procedures that will best fit your expectations and finances.