Have you ever wondered what cosmetic dentistry teeth whitening is? Or what it can be used for? This is one of the frequently asked questions we receive in our dental office, and there are many reasons why people want to whiten their teeth. If you want whiter teeth and don’t whether it is safe or not, please read further.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry Teeth Whitening?
What is Cosmetic Dentistry Teeth Whitening? Teeth whitening has become popular as a way to improve the appearance of your smile. The process involves the application of a bleaching agent, which is designed to remove or reduce stains on your teeth.
The chemical nature of these ingredients means that they cannot penetrate below the surface of the tooth, therefore producing only a superficial change in colour.
The long-term effectiveness of these products depends upon the patient’s ability to maintain a well-controlled diet, in order to minimize staining from beverages and foods containing dietary pigments.
Cosmetic dentistry teeth whitening is most commonly carried out using either hydrogen peroxide gel or carbamide peroxide gel. Each of these products can be applied by your dentist at your convenience and it will be carried out after an initial consultation and assessment are carried out.
How does it work?
Here’s how whitening works: The tooth-whitening process involves abrasives (or chemical solvents) that remove discolouration from the enamel of your teeth. Enamel is the hard outer coating of your tooth; it protects your softer dentin underneath from bacteria and decay.
Tooth enamel begins to thin as early as age 12, leaving behind yellowish spots called “tartar” or “dental stain,” a result of everyday food and beverage consumption. In-office dental bleaching sessions typically last about an hour.
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What areas of the mouth are treated?
The inside of the mouth (the oral mucosa) is the part of the mouth, which is normally visible when a person smiles. This area of the mouth only is whitened, as it will provide the most dramatic effect. The outside of your teeth and gums, which are normally not visible when you smile, do not respond to bleaching. The results of whitening are usually best on the front teeth, which are most visible in a smile.
Three things to consider before the procedure begins.
There are three things you need to know before teeth whitening: The first is the cost. You should expect it to be costly because it involves bleaching your teeth.
You have to remember that no matter how much you try whitening your teeth, you will never be able to out-bleach coffee, tea, tobacco or any other food items that are dark in colour and stain the teeth. If you want a brighter smile that is more natural-looking for cosmetic reasons, then teeth whitening may be worth it.
The second factor to consider is if you’re a good candidate for this procedure. Your dentist can tell by looking at your teeth. If they appear yellowish or brownish and have discolouration on them, then your dentist can probably help with treatment.
If everything looks fine and you’d just like to brighten the colour up a bit, then the treatment may not work for you. Lastly, think about whether or not it’s safe for you to undergo this procedure.
If you have any medical conditions where blood thinners are needed, such as haemophilia or if there is a possibility of organ transplant in the future, it may not be safe for you to use these products on your teeth due to the bleeding risks involved with these procedures
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