Monday, June 30, 2014

Teeth Bleaching Offers Patients A Brand New Smile

By Sherry Gross


People who long for a whiter smile, should consult their dentist about professional whitening. Teeth bleaching provides an effective way for many people to enjoy whiter teeth and can be done either as an in-office procedure or by using a take-home kit available from the dentist. Commercial products cannot offer the same results that these professional grade 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.

In-office whitening is a procedure performed by the dentist or hygienist which takes about an hour. Some patients may decide to undergo a second application for even whiter teeth, but the results are typically quite satisfying. The gum tissues are protected using a shield or gel, and the whitening formula is then applied and a blue light is aimed at it to activate the ingredients. It is rinsed off after an hour to reveal the final results.

Those who prefer the take-home method, will first need to have an impression taken of their mouth which will be used by a dental lab to fabricate a set of whitening trays. When the trays are ready, the dentist will instruct the patient how to use them with the whitening solution. Patients normally apply the trays for at least thirty minutes every day over a course of two weeks.

There are many reasons to choose this option, for one, it improves a person's confidence and self-image, making one look younger and more attractive. It's a versatile approach that is highly customizable and can easily be combined with other cosmetic dental procedures if needed, and above all it gives dramatic results in a short time.

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 of the whitening can vary from one patient to another depending on several factors. The extent and depth of the staining, natural enamel shade, and method of whitening used all affect the final outcome of the procedure. The patient's lifestyle habits will also influence the results as well and can contribute to how quickly they will fade. Smoking, drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, and certain medications can cause new stains over time.




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