Teeth Whitening Treatments
Teeth whitening treatments are procedures to restore a clean white look to the teeth. In recent years there has been a growth in demand for teeth whitening products as people all over the world seek that perfect ‘Hollywood smile’, recognized as one with perfect and white teeth.
Teeth whitening treatments are designed to eradicate the discoloring and staining of teeth which occurs over a period of time; even for people who fastidiously clean and take care of their teeth. Whilst there are many products available commercially that will help to keep your teeth white there are also products aimed specifically at restoring the whiteness of your teeth. Some of these products can be bought for use ‘at-home’ whilst others are part of a treatment program only available at your dentist.
Office bleaching treatment - this is a technique to whiten your teeth; which would be carried out at and by a dentist. He or she will first coat your gums and other soft tissue in your mouth with a protective layer and then apply a strong peroxide based compound onto your teeth. The peroxide compound has the effect of bleaching your teeth by an oxidation process; thereby removing any staining and discoloring. The treatment is rarely successful after just one application and will probably require at least three visits to the dentist. Some dentists will also use a special light source as a catalyst to the process. This light source is not a laser; such light sources are not currently accepted for use in teeth whitening procedures.
‘At-home’ treatments - over the internet or from your High Street stores; you can buy ‘at-home’ teeth whitening kits. These invariably also use a peroxide based gel that will oxidize away the staining and discoloring. Three types of kit are usually available; ones that you pour a little of the gel into a trough which you then clamp between your teeth, strips impregnated with the gel that you apply across your teeth or a small brush with which you ‘paint’ the gel onto individual teeth. These ‘at-home’ products usually need applying twice a day, for between 15 and 30 minutes and over a two to three week period. You can also get whitening toothpastes. As these are formulated to have an abrasive action and only ones sanctioned by an authoritative national dental association should be used. This is important as abrasives can destroy the enamel on your teeth, which could lead to even worse dental problems.
Cosmetic dentistry treatment - the treatments described above will not whiten any fillings, crowns or veneers that might already be in place. If these also need whitening they will have to be replaced by your dentist.