Saturday, February 28, 2009

Tooth Whitening Procedures

By Shauna Peterson

A number of people desire a brilliant smile with sparkling white teeth. In an attempt to achieve this whitening effect, they consume lots of money on teeth whitening products. Tooth bleaching is just one of the few teeth whitening treatments available that can substantially transform one's teeth.

One of the most requested teeth whitening procedures is tooth bleaching. The low price of this treatment and the fact that it doesn't remove tooth enamel makes it one of the best ways to have your teeth whitened. It is also the most widely known treatment, so detailed information about it and the dental offices which provide the service is readily available.

As every person is different, so is the color of their teeth. Some persons have pearly white teeth, while others have not been so lucky. That is why, before choosing such a whitening procedure, a visit to the dentist is compulsory. Smokers, persons who drink a lot of coffee and tea and those who fail to brush their teeth properly are the one who frequently undergo such treatments.

Your dentist will tell you if you're a good candidate for teeth whitening and will recommend an appropriate treatment. During a whitening procedure, the dentist will first apply a gel or rubber shield to your gums so that the soft tissue will not be damaged. Then he/she will apply the bleaching product to your teeth by means of a tray. The tray should fit the shape of your mouth. After your in-office treatment is complete, the dentist will give you some instructions and additional whitening trays so you can continue the treatment at home.

The active ingredients used in bleaching include carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. When the active ingredient starts to break apart, the oxygen goes inside the enamel of the teeth and the tooth is subsequently whitened. Treatments like this can produce results in short or long periods of time, depending on whether the patient receives self-treatment or professional treatment.

Patients who cannot afford professional-grade whitening but wish to have quick results aren't quite out of luck. You can shorten the time you have to wait for whiter teeth by choosing a product that can be left on the teeth for eight hours a day. You can put the tray into your mouth when it's time to sleep. This treatment will show its results in no more than a week.

You still have another option for whitening your teeth which is laser teeth whitening. During laser teeth whitening, a rubber dam is be placed over the teeth as to shield the gums from being damaged. The whitening product is then applied to your teeth. A laser is used to trigger the chemical reaction required for whitening. It boosts the chemical effect of the bleaching product so that the change of color can be achieved quickly. The dentist needs to check your teeth to ensure that you're suitable candidate for the treatment. It is the fastest procedure that may only take about an hour.

Following the treatment, the teeth may be more sensitive to cold and hot foods and beverages, but this sensation will pass in few days.

It is good to know that the effects of the treatment will not last forever. That is why the patients need to take good care of their teeth afterwards. - 15255

About the Author: