How can you brighten your smile?
Your wedding is coming up and you want your smile to be its brightest. Or maybe you have an important speaking engagement. Whatever the reason, tooth whitening isn't just for the movie stars, and it isn't just for one day. Many people have had their teeth whitened, and probably millions more are thinking about it. The desire for a brighter smile with whiter teeth is very strong, and tooth whitening safely lightens the color of the teeth, lasting for up to five years. The most effective and safest method of tooth whitening is under the supervision of your dentist.
What's involved?
First, the dentist will determine whether you are a candidate
for tooth whitening and what type of whitening system would provide the best
results.
If you're in a hurry for whiter teeth, you may decide to have
your teeth lightened immediately. Your dentist will use either an in-office
whitening system (see our Zoom page) while you sit in the dental chair. However,
most patients choose dentist-supervised at-home bleaching, which is more
economical and provides the same results.
At the next appointment,
even if you choose Zoom, the dentist or hygienist will make impressions of
your teeth to fabricate a mouthguard appliance for you. The mouthguard is custom
made for your mouth and is lightweight so that it can be worn comfortably while
you are awake or sleeping. The mouthguard is so thin that you should even be
able to talk and work while wearing your mouthguard. Along with the mouthguard,
you'll receive the bleaching materials. You'll be given instructions on how to
wear the mouthguard.
Some whitening systems recommend bleaching your
teeth from two to four hours a day. Generally this type of system requires three
to six weeks to complete, and works well on patients with sensitive teeth. Other
systems recommend bleaching at night while you sleep. This type of system
usually requires only 10-14 days to complete.
How long does it last?
Lightness
should last from one to five years, depending on your personal habits such as
smoking and drinking coffee and tea. At this point you may choose to get a touch
up. This procedure may not be as costly because you can probably still use the
same mouthguard. The retreatment time also is much shorter than the original
treatment time.
How does it work?
The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents is 10 percent carbamide peroxide (CH4N202), also known as urea peroxide; when water contacts this white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth.
Is it safe? Are there any side effects?
Several studies, during the past five years, have proven whitening to be safe and effective. The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to some tooth whitening products. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.
What are realistic 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 resins, silicates or porcelains