Awareness to health and quality of life has gained great momentum in the last decade. Previously, a person whose teeth has darkened over time used to continue to live with that gloomy reality. Today, there is a simple, safe, quick and affordable solution for dark (yellow, gray and brown) teeth – tooth bleaching (also known as tooth whitening).
Dark, stained teeth may be brightened by tooth bleaching, which is done using an effective combination of a bleaching gel and light activation, reaching the desired tooth color within a short time, without any damage to teeth. The active substance, hydrogen peroxide, penetrates the tooth and oxidizes the organic tissue that caused staining. Tooth bleaching is considered one of the most highly demanded dental esthetic treatments.
Prior to teeth whitening, it is important to visit the dental hygienist to remove stains that have been caused by food coloring, nicotine, coffee, etc. Such treatment may improve the state of the teeth before starting the bleaching itself. The main reasons for darkening of the teeth are poor hygiene, drinking plenty of dark-colored drinks – cola, tea, coffee, etc., medications, smoking and genetics. The degree of brightening resulting from tooth bleaching treatment is not uniform, and depends on the staining source and severity. Therefore, sometimes it is necessary to combine several methods, and in cases of severe staining, the treatment may require multiple sessions. The dentist effectively knows what the starting point is, but only time can tell what degree of tooth bleaching the patient can reach.
This type of tooth bleaching is done at the dental clinic, using an effective combination of a bleaching gel and light activation, and reaching the desired tooth shade within a short time. The active substance, hydrogen peroxide, penetrates the tooth and oxidizes the organic tissue that caused staining. The bleaching is done in a single session at the clinic and its results last a long time.
Home tooth bleaching – using molds that have been especially prepared according to tooth trays. A less concentrated active substance is used, and daily use for several hours is necessary. The result is more precise, and considered by some to be longer-lasting.
Combined tooth bleaching is employed in cases of severe staining, in which the treatment may be done in multiple sessions at the clinic and complemented with molds for use at home.
Teeth that underwent root canal treatment require more attention and care. In these cases, the tooth tends to have a grayish shade. These teeth may be brightened internally in addition to external bleaching, thus avoiding the need for a dental crown when unnecessary.
1. The effect of the bleaching agent is limited to teeth, and we cannot bleach prosthetic crowns or restorations.
2. To keep the teeth healthy and white, it is important, first, to maintain good oral hygiene! This requires daily tooth brushing and frequent, regular visits to the dental hygienist.
3. In many cases, tooth bleaching by laser has proven to be dangerous and is therefore not recommended.
It is important to remember that the use of a high-quality materials that satisfies the strictest standards is vital and highly significant in tooth bleaching procedures.
Tooth bleaching is suitable for any person at any age, if the patient’s gums are in a good condition and his teeth have no cavities.
The bleaching affects only the natural tooth material. Existing prosthetic crowns and restorations will retain their original color and may need to be replaced.
Studies conducted in recent decades have proved that tooth bleaching using substances approved for use is safe and does not damage the teeth or surrounding tissues. However, there are certainly many products that are sold unregulated and are of dubious effectiveness and safety.
It is not possible to predict the final color unequivocally, and the level of improvement depends on the severity and cause of the staining. In any case, significant brightening may be expected in this process. If necessary, multiple methods may be used to achieve the closest result.
