Bleaching
Teeth bleaching to whiten teeth:
There are many products currently on the market that promise whiter, brighter
teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that if you are a candidate
for a procedure, your dentist may suggest a procedure that can be done in a
dental office. Other options include at-home products, which may be dispensed by
your dentist or purchased over-the-counter. But, dental professionals, and the
ADA, issue a word of caution about the improper use of such over-the-counter
products, as they are sometimes too abrasive and can damage the teeth with
extended use.
The ADA describes "whitening" as any process that will make teeth appear whiter,
using one of two approaches. A product can bleach the tooth, therefore changing
the natural tooth color. A bleach contains peroxide that helps remove deep and
surface stains. However, a non-bleaching whitening product contains substances
that help remove surface stains only.
Who may benefit from teeth bleaching?
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Most beneficial
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Moderately beneficial
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Not recommended
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- yellow or orange spotting on teeth caused by coffees, teas, berries and other foods, or smoking
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- gray or brown stains caused by fluorosis (excessive intake of fluoridated water)
- gray stains caused by smoking and/or the use of certain medications
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- persons with a gum or mouth disease (periodontal disease or oral cancer)
- persons with worn tooth enamel
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What are some different teeth-whitening methods?
The dentist will use either an in-office bleaching system or laser bleaching while you are in the dental chair. Most patients, however, choose dentist-supervised at-home bleaching, which is more economical and, in most cases, provides the same results.
At-home bleaching involves using a custom-made mouthguard that 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 it. Some bleaching systems recommend bleaching your teeth from two to four hours a day - these usually take three to six weeks to complete and work best on patients with sensitive teeth. Other systems recommend bleaching your teeth at night, while you sleep, which may only take 10 to 14 days to complete.
Recently, more over-the-counter products are available that offer simple
whitening solutions. However, they may not provide the dramatic improvement that
a professional treatment option offers.
Teeth bleaching side effects and health risks:
The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval on some
teeth whitening products. Consult your dentist regarding which products are most
effective and safe to use.
Gum irritation and increased tooth sensitivity are the most common side effects of teeth bleaching. However, each individual may experience side effects differently.
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