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and it isn't just for one day. Many people have had
their teeth bleached, and probably millions more are thinking about
it. The desire for a brighter smile with whiter teeth is very strong,
and tooth bleaching safely lightens the color of the teeth, lasting
up to five years. The most effective and safest method of tooth
bleaching is dentist-supervised
Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients,
thought it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth bleaching
if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. Teeth
darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better
to lightening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, periodontal
disease, or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage
bleaching.
First, the dentist will determine whether you are a candidate for
tooth bleaching and what type of bleaching 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 bleaching system or laser bleachingwhile
you sit in the dental chair. However, most patients choose dentist-supervised
at-home bleaching, which is more economical and provided the same
results. At the next appointment if you don't choose laser bleaching,
the dentist or hygienist will make impressions of your teeth to
fabricate a mouthgard appliance for you. The mouthgard 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
bleaching systems recomment bleaching your teeth for two to four
hours a day. Generally this type of system requires three to six
weeks to complete, and works best on patients with sensitive teeth.
Other systems recomment bleaching at night while you sleep. This
type of system usually requires only 10-14 days to complete.
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.
Several studies, during the past five years, have proven bleaching
to be safe and effective. The american Dental Association has granted
its seal of approval to some tooth bleaching products. Some patients
may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which
will resolve when the treatment ends.
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. Bleaching can only
provide a shift in color from gray to a lighter shade of gray, for
example. Bleaching does not lighten artificial materials such as
resins, silicants, or porcelains.
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