Teeth whitening process is an effective way to get back the attractiveness of teeth. All of us different types of teeth. While some of us can be blessed with sparkling white teeth, many of us cannot be that lucky. Teeth also tend to get discolored over a period of time with increasing age. Certain types of food and drink like coffee, red wine, tea or ice cream can adversely affect the color of the teeth. What damages teeth intensely is the habit of smoking. Another reason to quit smoking!
Tartar or calculus can also damage the teeth. Some staining on the teeth is also caused by certain medications or minute cracks on the teeth that attract stain.
Tooth whitening involves the process of professional bleaching. Your doctor will advise you accordingly if the process is suitable for you. The team will first apply a gel or a rubber shield to protect the gums. The teeth whitening substance is then applied that fits conveniently into the teeth just like a mouth-guard. This substance is comprised of hydrogen peroxide. As it breaks down in the teeth, oxygen gets inside the mouth and the teeth get brighter and whiter.
The usual time of conducting the treatment takes about three to four weeks. Initially, two or three appointments to your dentist is required. During the first appointment, the dental team will take the impression of the teeth and prepare the mouth-guard. Once the mouth-guard is prepared, the teeth whitening process will begin at home. The patient needs to apply the teeth whitening product two to three times in a week. Within a week you will receive positive results.
Other than the above procedure, power whitening or laser whitening technique is also opted for. This is a much quicker process that uses laser to activate the teeth whitening agent. The use of light speeds up the process of brightening the teeth. Laser whitening effectively makes the teeth three to five times brighter.
The effects of teeth whitening process stays for about three to five years. The longevity of the effect will depend in each case. Smoking, drinking, consuming caffeine or any other product that stains the teeth will reduce the longevity of the effect of teeth whitening. It is strongly recommended to abstain from these habits in order to let the teeth whitening process yield optimum result. It is also necessary to visit the dentist at regular intervals to keep a check on the health of the teeth.