Shine Bright Like a Diamond
Everyone dreams of having a Hollywood smile, but few people naturally possess bright, white teeth. Factors such as diet (coffee, tea, soda) and lifestyle choices (smoking) can cause teeth to yellow over time. If you’re looking to eliminate unsightly stains and discoloration, you’ve come to the right place!
What is Teeth Bleaching?
Teeth bleaching involves lightening the color of teeth by applying a chemical agent that oxidizes the organic pigmentation within the tooth. This treatment is known for being conservative, safe, effective, and minimally invasive, making it an ideal solution for both external and internal tooth discoloration. The key advantage of teeth bleaching is that it preserves the dental structure while providing significant cosmetic improvements. With modern bleaching agents, the process is both quick and safe.
Bleaching Procedures
Teeth whitening is widely applicable and popular among patients who desire a whiter smile. While there are few contraindications, special care should be taken in cases involving sensitivity, children, or pregnancy. Existing tooth sensitivity can be a potential contraindication.
Bleaching techniques can be categorized based on whether they involve vital (living) or non-vital (non-living) teeth and whether the procedure is performed in-office or at home.
In-Office Bleaching
In-office bleaching is a popular method for whitening vital teeth and can also be supervised by a dentist for home use or done with over-the-counter products. In an in-office bleaching procedure, hydrogen peroxide (ranging from 15% to 38% concentration) is applied directly to the tooth surface. To speed up the bleaching process, the agent may be “photo-activated” using light-emitting diodes (LED), plasma arc, quartz halogen, ultraviolet units, or lasers, a method known as “power bleaching.” Light activation reduces both treatment time and the adverse effects of bleaching materials. Typically, LED applications are performed in three to four sessions, spaced one week apart.
Home Bleaching
Professionally prescribed home bleaching agents are also effective for whitening discolored teeth. This method is closely monitored by a dentist to ensure safety and effectiveness. Home vital bleaching usually employs carbamide peroxide at concentrations of 10% to 16%, which equates to low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide but is applied over a longer duration. Patients use custom trays at night (nightguard) for four to eight hours or during the day for two to five weeks.
Walking Bleaching
Walking bleaching is a reliable technique specifically for teeth that have undergone endodontic treatment. This method commonly uses 30%-35% hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate, either combined or separately. The bleaching agents cause an oxidation reaction that degrades pigment molecules, effectively whitening the tooth.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to transform your smile and remove stains and discoloration, teeth bleaching offers a range of safe and effective methods to achieve a radiant, Hollywood-worthy smile. Whether you opt for in-office, home, or walking bleaching, Dentsolute is here to help you shine bright like a diamond!
