The increasing esthetic concern of people has made them more aware and conscious. People with tea, coffee, tobacco or smoking habit tend to get their teeth discolored resulting in unaesthetic smile. Dark or discolored teeth are a contributing factor in the under-confident personality of an individual.
Teeth whitening can be done by a dentist using a bleaching agent. Teeth whitening canalso be done at home using over the counter products like strips, gels, toothpastes, etc. Protocol needs to be followed, else complications may occur. Customized tray may be fabricated to hold the gel in contact with teeth to lighten the tooth color.
The commonly used bleaching agent is hydrogen peroxide ranging from32-40%. It is available in powder liquid for to be readily mixed at the time of procedure. The syringe systems allow hassle-free application. Teeth whitening is a single visit procedure wherein the dentist first cleans the teeth to remove any deposits from the tooth surface like plaque, calculus or extrinsic stains to make it more receptive for the treatment. Following this, a protective layer of gel is applied on the soft tissues to avoid contact with bleach. The gums are also protected by gingival barrier to avoid percolation of bleach through the sulcus. The bleach is then readily mixed and a coat is applied on the tooth for a prescribed time depending on the system of bleach being used. Some systems need photo activationfor 8- 10 minutes as well to improve the outcome.
Teeth whitening is a quick fix to elevate confidence and esthetics of a conscious individual. The percolation of dental bleach may result in blanching or burning of the soft tissues. Therefore,cautious application of whitening agent and proper isolation is very essential. It is a precise procedure where under treatment may not produce desired results and prolonging the same may result in severe sensitivity.
Post treatment care includes avoiding colored foods and beverages for 48-72 hours. Desensitizing toothpastes are recommended in case of sensitivity. The longevity of the treatment depends on the post-treatment care taken by the patient. This being a temporary treatment may need a booster dose to prolong the result.
Case selection plays a crucial role since in patient with moderate to severe fluorosis are not preferred to treat with bleaching instead veneers is the treatment of choice. Bleaching in such cases may worsen the tooth condition. Patients already having sensitivity are also not indicated for the treatment.
Zoom Teeth whitening is a very precise, efficient, and safe procedure if done with proper care and technique. Therefore, it is important to find the best cosmetic dentist with precise knowledge of the various systems available and the ability to select the best option for the patient and deliver the desired results. The treatment can be repeated but a prior consultation with the dentist should be considered as too much excessive whitening might result in damage to the enamel layer.