Teeth Whitening
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a process used to increase the color of teeth and make them whiter. Teeth whitening can have a huge positive impact on your smile and self-confidence. Factors such as aging, drinking colored beverages, and dietary habits cause teeth to change color over time. With teeth whitening treatment in the office or at home, great results can be achieved. It is an effective and safe way to restore white teeth and a charming smile. It is always best to perform this procedure under the supervision of dental experts to ensure optimal results.
What is the importance of teeth whitening at the doctor?
Teeth whitening sessions at the doctor provide fast and amazing results using the strongest and best whitening solutions available. The gums and tooth surfaces are carefully protected using a protective barrier called a retractor, before the hydrogen peroxide gel is applied. Leave this gel for approximately one hour, taking care to protect the lips.
After teeth whitening sessions, the dentist provides advice on sustainable care to maintain the whitening results for as long as possible. These tips include maintaining a daily routine of brushing teeth and regular visits to the doctor, avoiding substances that stain teeth, and refraining from smoking.
The most appropriate type of treatment depends on the position and condition of the teeth and the patient’s personal needs. In some cases, teeth whitening is combined with other procedures to achieve better cosmetic results. Remember that teeth also need to be evaluated and treated for problems such as cavities, cracks, infections, and gum problems to ensure they are ready for whitening. In short, the power of whitening lies in its ability to overcome the problems of stained teeth, both externally and internally.
The teeth whitening process at the doctor goes through several basic stages:
1. Removing tartar: Tartar is an accumulated layer on the surface of the teeth and under the gums. Removal requires special dental tools due to its adherence to the surface.
2. Plaque removal: Plaque is an invisible sticky layer that forms on the teeth and contains bacteria, food debris, and saliva. These bacteria are a cause of inflammation in the gums, which may lead to bigger problems such as gum disease.
3. Teeth polishing: During this stage, stains and pigmentation that cannot be removed by a daily toothbrush and paste are removed.
To increase the effectiveness of the teeth whitening process and maintain its results for a longer period, you can follow these instructions:
1. Avoid substances and foods rich in pigments that can stain teeth.
2. After eating dyed foods, brush your teeth and use a paste containing bleaching agents to maintain the white color.
3. Use a straw while drinking colored drinks to prevent tooth staining.
4. It is preferable to perform teeth whitening sessions approximately every six months, depending on the method used for whitening. For smokers, it is recommended to increase the number of whitening sessions per year or reduce consumption of tobacco products.
There are some potential risks of teeth whitening, including the following:
1. Chemical burns from teeth whitening gel**: This can happen if the strong whitening agent reacts with unprotected soft tissue in the mouth.
2. Tissue irritation: Tissue irritation can occur as a result of inappropriate use of the bleaching agent.
3. Overbleaching: It may occur when using bleaching products that cause extreme color changes in a short time.
4. Bleachorexia: It refers to an unhealthy addiction to teeth whitening procedures.
