Dental Whitening, Indications And Contraindications
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In describing someone’s beauty or personality, a bright smile is decisive. Besides the aesthetic value, the smile is a defining factor of our mood. Today, teeth whitening methods are used by more and more people who want a perfect smile, but the techniques that can provide an immaculate white also involve certain risks. These are not only related to the enamel of the teeth, but certain teeth whitening products can also affect the gums.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Dental whitening is the procedure by which the color of the teeth is changed from their natural color to a lighter shade and can be done both in the office and at home. Most of the time, in the dental office, a gel with an active substance is applied to the surface of the tooth, which is then activated by a special lamp. The duration of the treatment is approximately an hour and a half, everything is usually done in one session, in which the patient will sit on the dental chair, wearing protective glasses so as not to be disturbed by the light of the whitening lamp.
On the other hand, there is also the option of teeth whitening done at home, on the advice of the dentist, only needing to make a mouthwash that is applied to the teeth. The mouthpiece is made in the dental laboratory and gel is applied inside it. This type of procedure is indicated for those who want gradual whitening. The braces are worn for several hours every day until the patient reaches the desired result and color.
Whitening Treatment – The Way To A Bright Smile
About Teeth Whitening
In recent years, teeth whitening has gained a lot of popularity. The best option for you may also be whitening if you desire a bright, white smile. This can radically change your teeth and improve your self-esteem.
The present tint of the teeth can be lightened using a variety of ways during teeth whitening. This will not make your teeth completely white, but it can lighten the white color by a few shades, making a significant difference.
Who Is It Addressed To?
Patients who have previously treated all their dental and gum diseases, such as caries, enamel lesions or marginal periodontitis, can apply for tooth whitening. Teeth whitening will only be applied to natural structures, the color of fillings and visible prosthetic works cannot be changed.
Contraindications
In some circumstances, the patient does not get the go-ahead for teeth whitening. For example, when it has several seals or fillings in the frontal area, which would require changing them with new ones, adapted to the new color.
Also, whitening is not recommended if the patient has tooth decay, defects in the tooth enamel structure or untreated gingivitis. However, even for such patients, there are solutions, such as ceramic veneers, which are applied through non-invasive procedures.
What Problems Can Arise?
Used too often, products that promise to whiten teeth can cause several problems. Thinning of tooth enamel is the most well-known. Also, peroxide has a strong effect on the gums, and if it is used in excess, the gums can bleed.
Moreover, over time it can even lead to receding gums. That is why it is recommended not to abuse teeth whitening, and this procedure should be performed only on the advice of the dentist and for periods of at least 6 months.
Moreover, the application of peroxide at least once every 6 months is free of side effects. At the same time, among the side effects of teeth whitening is the presence of pain when hot or cold, with sweet foods, but these disappear if a desensitization treatment is followed.
Who Is Qualified To Whiten Teeth?
Only a dentist should perform professional teeth whitening in order to ensure accuracy. Any dentist can and is trained for teeth whitening, as long as he is registered in the National College. The substance with which the whitening is performed is also chosen by the dentist, depending on your needs.
Perhaps you will notice the teeth whitening service offered by some beauty salons or other facilities; you should know that it is not recommended to whiten your teeth anywhere other than in a dental office.
Of course, there are also whitening methods that can be done at home, by you, these also have some peculiarities.
How Does The Whitening Procedure Work?
First of all, everything starts with a consultation with the dentist chosen and preferred by you, in which you communicate your wish. Together you will choose the shade of white you want to achieve and discuss the possible risks and dental health problems of the present. The current color will then be analyzed and you will find out how close you can get to the desired color. If everything is in order, you will be scheduled for the first whitening session or you will receive recommendations regarding whitening at home, depending on your preferences.
If you choose professional whitening in the dental office, you must know that the substance used is hydrogen peroxide. This is basically oxygenated water. Furthermore, there are 2 methods that use this substance for whitening: traditional, with the help of a photopolymerization lamp, or modern, with the help of laser technology.
In both situations, the hydrogen peroxide will be activated by a light source, at which point it acquires strong oxidative properties and removes the pigments from the dental surface. Currently, the laser version is more efficient, gives better results and takes less time (about an hour). This is, in fact, a little more aggressive than the photopolymerization lamp.
Dental Veneers
Expect to do one session or up to 3 sessions, depending on your needs and the concentration of peroxide used. This varies from 10%, 16% to 22% and will be chosen depending on the strength and strength of the dental enamel. It is healthier to start with small concentrations and do more sessions if needed.
Do not forget that whitening is not effective and therefore cannot be done on false teeth, dental veneers or implants.
It is important to know that although professional whitening is quick and effective, the results are not as durable in the long term. This is not permanent but can be kept in perfect condition for several months up to 3 years. If you smoke, and consume red wine, coffee, and tea frequently, the effect of professional whitening will last even less, as these are factors that stain the dental surface.
The combination of professional in-office whitening and professional home whitening offers the best long-term results.
Dental Whitening Procedures
Home whitening is what you can do at home, constantly, using products and techniques also recommended by a dentist. Thus, there are the following means of whitening: 1. Home whitening using gels and strips. Whitening gels and strips are effective, but the results appear after a long time. They contain hydrogen peroxide and are usually worn for several hours daily. By wearing them, the results will appear in a few days to a few weeks, depending on the dental pigmentation of each one. There are 2 types of whitening strips: those offered by the dentist and those that can be purchased without a prescription, from various pharmacies/stores. Although both propose the same effects, there are some notable differences. Gels and strips purchased from a dentist contain peroxide in higher concentration, being thus stronger; also, they will be made especially for your shape and size, while those from the trade come in pre-made sizes and there may be mismatches.
The major advantage of using these means is the low cost and ease of use by anyone. However, a professional whitening followed, after a few months, by home whitening is the most recommended method of maintaining a perfect smile.
- Whitening toothpaste. These special toothpastes, which do not contain hydrogen peroxide, but contain other slightly abrasive substances, are available commercially and in dental offices. They can help and maintain the whitening process, in the long term, better than an ordinary toothpaste.
- Other whitening products. Periodically, new products appear that promise whitening, from chewing gums, dental floss and mouthwash. Since they are relatively new products, there are no studies to certify their effectiveness.
The Risks Of Teeth Whitening
The first risk is that of treatment failure. Although unlikely in the case of professional whitening, this can happen when you choose teeth whitening at home. Maybe not the fact that it doesn’t work is the problem, but the fact that you didn’t wait long enough, that you didn’t give enough time to the treatment. On the other hand, some household products may contain too small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, making them ineffective.
Hygiene risks are also more likely in the case of whitening done at home. Make sure your hands are clean, the gels and strips are single-use and stored properly. Also, pay attention to the hygiene used by the dentist: he must wear gloves and sterilize each instrument before the whitening process. Abrasive substances used for whitening must not, as much as possible, reach other regions of the oral cavity: gums, tongue. They can cause small injuries, sensitivity and discomfort. Regarding the products used at home, always read the list of ingredients and consult your dentist regarding their safety.
Conclusion
Professional teeth whitening, then maintained by home whitening and proper dental hygiene, can do wonders for your smile. Today, there are very few risks, but be sure the entire treatment is carried out by a specialist.
Dental Clinic, we take care of your awesome smile.
