Teeth Whitening and Bleaching
Having a beautiful smile depends on many factors. One of them is having bright and white teeth. Having bright and whiter teeth gives people self confidence in their everyday living when dealing with loved ones, colleagues and at work. Teeth whitening and bleaching as a solution can provide the self confidence as you desired.
Some Teeth Whitening and Bleaching Techniques:
Both take home and in-office teeth whitening and bleaching options use peroxide-based bleaching agents. At-home systems contain from 3% to 20% peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxides). In-office systems contain from 15% to 43% peroxide. Generally, the longer you keep a stronger solution on your teeth, the whiter your teeth become. However, the higher the concentration of peroxide in the whitening solution, the shorter it should be applied to the teeth. Keeping the gel on longer will dehydrate the tooth and increase tooth sensitivity. There are pros and cons to each option, but before you try at-home teeth whitening and bleaching kits, be sure to talk to your dentist. Not everyone will see good results. Bleaching will not whiten porcelain crowns or composite tooth-colored bonding.
What Do We Do In Our Office to Provide Teeth Whitening and Bleaching?
Teeth whitening and bleaching strips and gels. Applied directly to the teeth with a brush or a thin strip, these peroxide-based teeth whitening and bleaching products usually need to be applied once or twice a day for 10 to 14 days. Results usually last for at least four months and may cost from $10 to $55.
- Zoom in office teeth whitening system
This process takes about an hour in the office. Once patient leaves the office the teeth are as white as they can be. A strong peroxide solution is placed on the teeth and the light will activate the solution. Since the concentration of the solution is really high and can burn the gums and tissue, it has to be done under supervision of your dentist. After the treatment, it is best to stay away from stains for 2-3 days. Some people may become sensitive to cold for few days but it is temporarily and will go away.
- Tray-based teeth bleaching systems
With this teeth whitening option, a custom made mouth guard-like tray is filled with a peroxide-based bleaching gel or paste and placed over the teeth for several hours a day for up to four weeks. The cost can range from $250 to $500.
- Tooth whitening toothpastes
Because they’re mildly abrasive, every toothpaste helps remove stains from teeth. Whitening toothpastes, however, also contain chemicals or polishing agents that help scrub stains from teeth without the aid of a bleaching agent. Tooth-whitening toothpastes are relatively inexpensive and brighten teeth by about one shade. Some whitening toothpastes contain peroxides, but they aren’t left on the teeth long enough to have a whitening benefit.
- Tooth Bleaching: Keeping Teeth White
Whether you use an at-home teeth whitening and bleaching system, or have your teeth bleached by a dentist, you can help maintain the results by flossing and brushing daily. Also, avoid acidic and tannin-rich foods and beverages such as:
- Black teas and coffee.
- White and red wine.
- Sports drinks.
- Carbonated beverages (dark and light-colored sodas).
- Berries and other strongly-colored foods.
- Sauces (soy, tomato, curries).