Teeth Whitening Las Vegas or tooth bleaching is the lightening of the color of teeth. Typically it is achieved by using a bleaching chemical such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
To maintain the brightness of your teeth, avoid staining beverages and foods such as red wine and coffee. Regular visits to your dental team and a good oral hygiene routine are essential.
Each tooth has an inner dentin layer and a hard outer enamel layer that protects it. Over time, foreign material accumulates in the enamel layer, creating stains on your teeth. These stains can be classified as intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic stains are those that affect the inner layers of the tooth, while extrinsic stains are those that affect the outermost part of the enamel. Whitening treatments can remove both types of stains.
Some treatments use bleaching chemicals to oxidize the staining compounds in your teeth, which can make them lighter in color. Over-the-counter and in-office whitening treatments often contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are essentially the same chemicals used to bleach hair. These chemicals can be aggressive and irritate your mouth, so they must be used correctly.
The whitening solution is applied to your teeth and left on for a few minutes, then rinsed off. The treatment usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes to complete. In-office whitening is generally faster than over-the-counter products because it uses higher concentrations of the whitening agent and is under the direct supervision of a dentist.
Over-the-counter whitening is done at home and involves putting the whitening gel in a tray that fits in your mouth. You wear the tray for an hour or two a day, usually before you go to bed. You may need to do this for a few weeks to see the results you want.
There are some new whitening technologies that claim to speed up the process with special lights or lasers, but according to the American Dental Association, this does not add any extra benefit to the treatment. In fact, some studies have even found that light-activated whitening may actually increase the risk of gum irritation.
After your teeth are whitened, you can help maintain the results by following good oral health practices. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once a day to remove plaque and food debris that can cause stains. You should also rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash a few times a day to kill bacteria and prevent gingivitis.
In addition, you should avoid foods and beverages that can cause stains, including coffee, tea, red wine, dark fruits, and vegetables. If you do eat them, you should rinse with water afterward to wash away any remaining stains. You should also make sure to get a professional dental cleaning twice a year to keep your teeth in the best condition possible.
Preparation
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures available today. It is a relatively inexpensive way to brighten your smile and give you a boost of confidence. The whitening process involves using a peroxide-based bleaching agent that breaks down the discoloration molecules in your teeth. These molecules are called chromogens and they can be caused by food and beverages, smoking, or the natural aging process.
The whitening agent is usually hydrogen peroxide in concentrations of up to 35%. There are many different types of whitening products on the market that differ in how they work. There are cleansers that remove stains by removing the chromogens from the tooth surface; bleaches that react with the chromogens to lighten the color; and a combination of both. The type of product that is recommended by your dentist will depend on the nature and severity of your discoloration.
To prepare for a whitening treatment, it is best to avoid foods and drinks that can stain the teeth. Ideally you should avoid coffee, tea, red wine, soda and tobacco for up to 48 hours before the treatment. It is also a good idea to use sensitivity toothpaste before the procedure, since sensitive teeth are more susceptible to discomfort after the whitening.
Before the treatment, your dentist will review your medical history and evaluate the condition of your teeth. This will determine if the whitening procedure is appropriate for you. It is also important to discuss your expectations for the outcome of the whitening, and to find out whether any other treatments may be necessary or helpful in achieving your desired result.
If you have fillings or crowns, these should be removed before the whitening treatment begins. The whitening product can penetrate the porous materials and damage them. Additionally, these restorations can yellow over time due to a build up of plaque and tartar.
Lastly, it is important to have regular cleanings and exams before beginning the whitening process. This will ensure that any existing problems are addressed before they worsen. Additionally, these appointments will allow your dentist to identify any areas that are not responding well to whitening so they can be corrected before the treatment begins.
Treatment
The tooth whitening process can take a few days or several weeks, depending on the results desired. In general, the more intense the whitening treatment, the quicker the color will reach the target shade. Whitening treatments can be performed at home with kits that include bleaching gel and a custom-made tray that fits over your teeth like a mouthguard. This option is typically more expensive than over-the-counter drugstore whitening kits, but it also produces more comprehensive whitening results. In-office whitening methods are also available and may be more effective for certain types of discoloration, especially those that can’t be easily removed at home.
Tooth stains can be categorized into two sources: intrinsic and extrinsic (see Figure 1). Intrinsic staining occurs inside the tooth, while extrinsic staining occurs on the surface of the teeth. Extrinsic stains are usually caused by foods and beverages, including coffee, tea, red wine, yellow mustard, beets and black grapes. Intrinsic stains can occur due to ageing, dentin hypersensitivity, trauma or enamel fluorosis.
The whitening gel used in the dentist’s office is usually hydrogen peroxide based and is applied directly to the teeth. The whitening gel is typically left on for about a couple of minutes, and some whitening products require the use of a light tool, such as LED, halogen or laser to activate the bleaching agent. The whitening procedure is repeated until the desired whitening end point is reached.
After the whitening procedure is complete, you will be instructed to avoid foods and beverages that are known to cause re-staining. In most cases, the re-staining will begin within a month of the whitening procedure, but some stains, such as those caused by tobacco and certain antibiotics, may require more than one whitening session to completely remove.
While most bleaching regimens achieve their intended whitening end point, there is an increasing concern that whitening could have negative effects on the dental structure, particularly the enamel. In vitro studies have reported that some very aggressive whitening procedures can actually damage the tooth’s enamel, leading to dehydration and demineralization of the surface, even after the whitening is complete.
In addition, some people may experience temporary sensitivity of the teeth and gums while the whitening is occurring. This sensitivity should fade shortly after the whitening is completed. However, if the sensitivity persists, it’s important to contact your dentist. They can recommend ways to reduce the discomfort, and they can also tell you if the sensitivity is related to a dental condition. They can offer advice on safe and effective whitening treatments for your specific situation. In most cases, this will involve using a lower concentration of bleaching agent and shorter whitening sessions. They can also advise you on other whitening options that would not affect the enamel as much, such as a porcelain veneer or crown.