What is teeth whitening?
The color of natural tooth is created by the reflection and scattering of light off the enamel, which is the outer layer of a tooth, combined with the color of the dentin under it.
Teeth whitening can be achieved by either changing the intrinsic color or by removing and controlling the formation of extrinsic stains.
Whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can greatly improve how the teeth look.
Indication and advantages of Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening lightens the smile by improving the color of the teeth by removing stains and discoloration. Current research shows that it is safe and effective when manufacturer’s protocol is followed.
Whitening can be applied for yellow or stained teeth caused by
- Smoking
- Drinking dark-colored liquids such as coffee, cola, tea and red wine.
- Not taking good care of teeth.
- Aging, in which teeth becomes less bright as the enamel gets thinner and the dentin becomes darker.
Also notice that whitening doesn’t work for everyone. In case of intrinsic discoloration such as medications or injury, teeth whitening cannot be effective. It does not work on caps, veneers, crowns or fillings as well.
There are 2 ways to effectively whitening: in-office whitening and home whitening.
Teeth whitening procedure at Udental Clinic
IN-OFFICE WHITENING
Step 1: Cleaning teeth
- Removal of all debris, surface staining and accumulated tartar.
Step 2: Determining the pretreatment tooth shade
- In order to compare the color between Before and After procedure to determine how effective the whitening session will have been, the pretreatment color of natural teeth is recorded using a dental shade guide.
Step 3: Isolating teeth and gum
- The peroxide whiteners used with professional whitening systems are caustic in nature and can irritate or even seriously damage soft tissues.
- As a way of protecting oral tissues, liquid dental dam will be applied around the teeth.
Step 4: Application of the whitener
- At this point, the teeth will be applied the bleaching agent.
- Professional-grade whiteners are usually a thick paste or gel. It’s generously dabbed or painted onto the surface of each of your teeth being treated.
Step 5: “Activation” of the whitener (optional)
- Some systems recommend “light activation” of the whitener.
- The protocol used with some in-office systems includes “activation” of the whitener via the use of a bleaching light or laser.
Step 6: The whitener is given time to work
In-office bleaching appointments are usually completed within 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the specific product that’s being used and the original color of the teeth.
Sensitivity
It’s possible that you may experience some sensitivity during the treatment process. Depending on what occurs, the decision may be made to cut treatment time short or skip one or more cycles of applying the whitener.
Step 7: Finishing
- Once the teeth have been exposed to the whitener for the proper amount of time, it will be suctioned off and thoroughly washed too. Then the dental dam, and any other isolation materials or devices that have been used, will be removed.
Step 8: Fluoride treatment (optional)
A professional fluoride treatment after the completion of your whitening session may be indicated in some cases. Here’s why:
- The application of fluoride can help to minimize tooth thermal sensitivity (like that triggered by hot and cold foods and beverages).
- Some whiteners are mildly acidic and tend to leach mineral content from the surface of teeth. Fluoride can help to promote the re-mineralization of these areas.
HOME WHITENING WITH DENTIST’S SUPERVISION
Teeth whitening at home is sometimes chosen in case of financial reason. Rather than following DIY home remedy which bears potential risks, at-home teeth whitening should be done under dentist’s supervision.
The procedure will be as following:
Step 1: Cleaning teeth
- Removal of all debris, surface staining and accumulated tartar.
Step 2: Determining the pretreatment tooth shade
- In order to compare the color between Before and After procedure to determine how effective the bleaching session will have been, the pretreatment color of natural teeth is recorded using a dental shade guide.
- Impression to produce the custom trays which fit individual teeth perfectly.
- Customer will be provided with custom trays and whitening gels as well as instructions of usage to apply at home.
Step 3: At home procedure
- The length of this step may vary from one to two weeks depending the pretreatment teeth color shade and particular situations.
- Whitening trays containing whitener should be applied on teeth at least 4 hours a day.
- Dark color food like coffee, tea should be avoided during the treatment time.
Step 4: Finish whitening process with dentist’s re-check
- The process will finish after teeth are checked by dentist to make sure that the target color has been reached and the natural enamel stays healthy as plan.
Teeth whitening cases were made at Udental Clinic
ILLUSTRATION OF TEETH WHITENING DONE AT UDENTAL CLINIC
Cosmetic fillings of two central incisors and ceramic crown of two lateral incisors to close the spaces between upper front teeth. Teeth whitening for all the remaining teeth.
Teeth whitening changes color of natural teeth from dark shade (3M) to light shade (1M) in one hour.
(*Note: The result may get different according to each individual’s condition)
