Whitening

If you are not entirely happy with the color of your teeth, your dentist might recommend tooth whitening. Tooth whitening is actually a bleaching process that lightens discolorations of the enamel and dentin.

The tooth-whitening process is ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth. But just as some people have lighter teeth than others do, some people?s teeth will respond to the bleaching process to a greater degree.

There are many causes of tooth discoloration. Tooth color is mostly an inherited trait. But in addition to hereditary factors, tooth color also depends upon the condition of the teeth, general dental health, and lifestyle considerations.

The causes of tooth discoloration can be divided into two categories: Internal and External. External causes include the consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, and any tobacco products.

Internal causes include tetracycline discoloration, flourosis, disease, injury, previous dental work, and the aging process. It has been known for some time that the administration of the powerful antibiotic tetracycline to children can result in the permanent discoloration of their teeth.

Similarly, ingesting excessive amounts of fluoride during the developmental stage of the teeth can cause permanent discoloration, as illustrated by the photo to the left.

Discoloration may also occur as part of the normal aging process. Older teeth have been around longer, and have been exposed to a wider variety of staining substances for a longer period of time. These stains can accumulate in the small cracks and chips that commonly develop with age. Bleaching can be extremely effective at reducing these types of stains.

The Process - Your dentist will determine if you are a viable candidate for the bleaching process during a thorough oral examination. Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth. This impression is used to cast a model of your teeth.

After the model is prepared, a bleaching tray will be formed over it. This bleaching tray will accommodate the bleaching gel, and precisely fit around your teeth.

Once at home - on a daily basis - you will inject a small amount of the bleaching gel into the tray. You then place the tray over your teeth, and wear it for a few hours. You can wear the tray anywhere, but most people choose to wear it while they are sleeping.

Results can usually be seen after the first night, but maximum whiteness is usually achieved when the process is continued for 10 to 14 nights. The tooth whitening process will always leave the teeth whiter than they were. Some patients, however, may need periodic re-bleaching for one or two nights every four to twelve months.

Side Effects - Some people experience increased tooth sensitivity to cold during the treatment. Others have reported temporary discomfort such as gum or tooth sensitivity. These symptoms always disappear within 1 to 3 days after the treatment is interrupted or completed.