Teeth whitening is a highly effective, aesthetic procedure for brightening your natural tooth color without removing any tooth substance. With this procedure, the color of the tooth cannot be completely changed, but its existing color can be made brighter.
There are many reasons for teeth whitening. During life, teeth lose their brightness and become darker. They can be discolored on the surface as a result of smoking, consuming colored food and drinks, or under the surface as a result of the use of certain antibiotics or root canal treatment.
The teeth whitening procedure itself is carried out by the oxidation process. Oxygen that is released from hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, the active ingredients of whitening agents, enters the enamel and oxidizes the stains, thereby lightening the color of the teeth.
Before the start of the treatment, it is necessary that all the teeth to be whitened are completely sanitized. The patient is asked not to smoke or consume heavily pigmented food and drinks during the treatment period and for 14 days after its completion. After 14 days, complete remineralization of the teeth occurs and the patient returns to his usual way of life.
There are several techniques for professional teeth whitening. With each of them, it is possible to achieve an optimal whitening effect. What differs from method to method is the duration of the treatment and the concentration of the bleaching agent, i.e. the aggressiveness of the treatment.
I Home teeth whitening under the control of a dentist
Home teeth whitening under the control of a dentist is the longest and least aggressive method of teeth whitening. After preparing the patient’s teeth, the dentist takes impressions of the jaws and makes foils for teeth whitening. The patient receives the necessary instructions and instructions on how to use the foil and preparation and begins the whitening treatment at home. Depending on the type and concentration of the whitening preparation, the recommended daily periods of wearing foils with the preparation also differ. The treatment itself lasts from one to three weeks and its advantage is that optimal results are achieved by using preparations of lower concentration for a longer period of time, which minimizes the possibility of side effects.
II Office teeth whitening
Office teeth whitening is a much faster, but also more aggressive method. For this method, the dentist must first protect the patient’s gums, lips and tongue, and then apply a whitening preparation to the previously repaired teeth. The treatment lasts one hour, and can be repeated if necessary until the optimal effect is achieved. The disadvantage of this method is that preparations of extremely high concentrations are used and thus the possibility of side effects increases.
III Laser whitening or “Power bleach”
Laser whitening or “Power bleach” is an even faster, but also more aggressive method of teeth whitening. The preparation for this method is the same as in the case of in-office teeth whitening. Protection is placed over the gingiva and a whitening agent is applied to the previously repaired teeth. Then the teeth are illuminated with the light of a lamp or laser, which activates the preparation and enhances the release and effect of oxygen, which further enhances and accelerates the whitening procedure itself.
IV Teeth whitening with root canal treatment
Teeth whitening with a treated root canal has its own specifics. For this method, it is necessary to remove part of the filling and filling from the tooth until entering the root canal and to seal the entrance to the canal. Then the tooth whitening agent is applied to both the outer and inner surface of the crown. The treatment lasts one hour, and can be repeated if necessary until the optimal effect is achieved.
The teeth whitening procedure can also have certain unwanted effects. During the treatment or immediately after its completion, increased tooth sensitivity may occur. It is also possible to have a sore throat, as well as a feeling of discomfort and white seals on the mucous membrane around the teeth. All these symptoms are temporary and disappear completely within 24 hours of the end of the treatment.
The teeth whitening effect can last up to three years, but it should be emphasized that the duration of the effect varies significantly from person to person. The chances of the effect lasting are reduced if you are a smoker, or if you drink or eat foods that can discolor your teeth. On the other hand, the whitening effect can be extended with occasional retreatment or tooth whitening pastes.
Teeth whitening is a highly effective, aesthetic procedure for brightening your natural tooth color without removing any tooth substance. With this procedure, the color of the tooth cannot be completely changed, but its existing color can be made brighter.