The Whitening process Whitening (sometimes called "bleaching") is a common and popular chemical process used to whiten teeth. Some people get their teeth bleached to make stains disappear, while other just want a whiter shade. The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents is 10 percent carbamide peroxide, also known as urea peroxide; when water contacts this white crystal; the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth.
Teeth whitening In adolescence we generally have a white bright smile, but over the years teeth pick up stains and become discolored. When undergoing cosmetic procedures the question then is how pearly white do we want to make your teeth? Brilliantly white opaque teeth on older individuals captures attention and most often signal that they have undergone some type of cosmetic dentistry. Many people are choosing shades that are whiter than in years past. In our office we strive to give your smile a sense of realism. You will attain a beautiful white esthetic outcome, but there will still be a sense of realism. We call it perfect imperfections.
Alternative whitening There are a number of different ways to whiten teeth. There are accelerated in-office approaches using a light activated technique with the peroxide gel. There are also at-home whitening kits used with a peroxide gel. Porcelain veneers can have the amazing effect of whitening teeth to the shade determined by you and your cosmetic dentist.
Whitening durability Like skin tone, each person is different. In addition to genetics, it depends on how many cups of coffee, glasses of cola, red wine and other staining drinks and food that comes in contact with your teeth. Many people can go from one to three years without significant need for touch-ups in whitening. The ultimate whitening is through porcelain veneers, which can last much longer.
Expectations No one can really predict how much lighter your teeth will become. Every case is different. Typically, there is a two-shade improvement as seen on a dentist's shade guide. The success rate depends upon the type of stain involved and your compliance. Whitening can only provide a shift in color from gray to a lighter shade of gray, for example. Whitening does not lighten artificial materials such as resin, composite, or porcelain.
Over-the-counter products Frequently, dentists hear from people who have not gotten the results they’ve wanted through over-the-counter whiteners. In fact, I have never seen a patient that has gotten good results this way. Several factors can contribute to the darkening of teeth, including the effects of age, foods and drinks, smoking and some medications. Darkened teeth caused by oral supplements or medications pose more of a challenge. The whitening process involves placing a whitening solution in contact with the teeth, causing oxidation of stains and subsequent lightening. There are a variety of systems available, ranging from those done in the dental office to dentist supervised at-home systems.
Laser whitening really dark teeth Laser whitening is a procedure that is becoming less popular and is being replaced by light-activated in-office whitening systems. For a high percentage of our patients, this whitening technique has been very successful. It usually takes a couple of hours and costs about $500.00 (laser whitening used to cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,000).
Tray whitening
The more traditional tray whitening takes a little longer to complete. Tray whitening is accomplished by wearing a form-fitted matrix containing a whitening gel or whitening agent at home for two to four weeks. The take home systems tend to cost a little less than in-office systems. In the take-home system, we mold your teeth and make the trays to fit snugly to your teeth to prevent spillage of the whitening gel. Usually you place these trays over your teeth before going to sleep and take them out in the morning. With tray whitening most people will notice a change in the color of their teeth the first night they bleach. Tray whitening takes about seven to ten days to complete. A smile darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange responds better to whitening than brown or white spots caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline (grayed teeth). We can use whitening materials that are designed specifically for sensitive teeth, if you have very sensitive teeth or teeth with worn enamel.
Side effects A number of different studies have been performed over the years showing this method of whitening to be safe and effective. The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to a number of teeth whitening products. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.
Whitening procedures Whitening can be performed in the office by your dentist, or under dental supervision or at home. Many patients enjoy whitening at home because it’s more convenient. Treatment in our office begins when we create a custom mouthpiece to ensure the correct amount of whitening solution (composed of carbamide peroxide) is used and that your teeth are properly exposed. Typically, whitening at home takes two or three weeks, depending on the desired shade you wish to achieve. Whitening in the office may call for a one (1) hour visit to our dental office.
Whitening candidates Generally New York dental insurance plans cover costs associated with P PO dentist visits for most dental care, e.g. dentures, dental braces, fillings, root canals, bad breath etc, but not cosmetic teeth whitening. W hitening is successful in at least 90 percent of patients though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth whitening if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea, or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown, or orange respond better to whitening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline are lightened, but results are not as dramatic. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, we may discourage whitening.
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