Teeth Bleaching Offers Patients A Brand New Smile

By Sherry Gross


Some people are self-conscious because their teeth are discolored, fortunately there are professional whitening options that can solve this problem. People can enjoy a lovely whiter smile by having either an in-office teeth bleaching procedure done or alternately by using a whitening kit at home which the dentist provides. Most of the popular commercial bleaching products for sale, cannot provide results of the same caliber as these treatments can.

The first step is to make sure that the patient is eligible for this treatment, which the dentist can tell by examining the mouth. People who have had restorative work done to a tooth in the front, suffer from deep stains, have worn enamel or highly sensitive teeth will be advised to try a different approach.

An in-office whitening treatment involves first applying a protective shield or gel to the gums, and next treating every tooth with a bleaching agent that will then be activated using a special blue light. This process takes about an hour and provides quick results, if the patient desires a lighter shade a second treatment will be needed.

Patients who choose the take-home kit will first visit the dentist to have a mouth impression made, which is sent to a dental lab where a custom-made whitening tray set will be fashioned. On the next appointment the patient will be given the trays, along with the bleaching agent, and the dentist will explain how to use it correctly. Generally, the trays need to be worn for at least a half-hour daily, over a period of two weeks.

This approach is becoming very popular with patients who want a whiter smile for numerous reasons. It gives dramatic results that can make a person look younger and more appealing. The procedure is also very easy to customize and can be used in combination with other dental work if necessary.

The relatively short treatment time is very appealing to most patients. Those who choose to undergo the in-office approach will often experience teeth that are as many as eight shades whiter in only an hour. Although the at-home system does take longer, it does provide effective whitening and also gives patients the convenience of being able to go about their usual activities at the same time.

Bleaching is also one of the most economical ways to improve one's smile and is certainly less time-consuming and invasive than other procedures used for this purpose such as porcelain veneers, crowns, and bridgework. It is a safe procedure, but occasionally some people may experience slight irritation afterwards if they are sensitive to the whitening agent used. There is still a lower chance of side effects with professional treatment than over the counter types.

Results vary amongst patients according to their initial enamel color, the degree and depth of staining, and the whitening method used. If the patient smokes, drinks beverages such as coffee, red wine, or tea, or takes some kinds of medications, this can undo the results and eventually a second treatment will be required.




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