Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure to eliminate stains and discolorations from the teeth. If you have been scheduled for a teeth-whitening appointment, then it is reasonable to have questions about the procedure and what is expected from you. This article answers some of the frequently asked questions about teeth whitening.
The following are questions that are often asked about teeth whitening procedure:
No. Bleaching works well for yellowish teeth, is less effective on brownish teeth and may not even work for grayish-hue or purple-stained teeth at all. Blue-gray staining due to tetracycline is harder to lighten and may need several in-office whitening procedures or six months of at-home whitening for any significant result. Teeth with dark, stubborn stains may be suitable for other cosmetic procedures such as bonding, veneers or crowns.
The results from a teeth-whitening procedure are not permanent. Constant exposure to teeth-staining foods or beverages may cause the sparkle to fade within a few weeks. With proper precautions, patients may be able to maintain the whiteness for up to a year before needing retreatment.
After the whitening treatment, the patient will need to revisit the dentist after a few days to check the condition of the gums. For at-home teeth whitening supervised by the dentist, the dentist will need to examine the gums and the teeth for the treatment progress, probably after a week and again, several weeks later.
Two major side effects of teeth whitening are tooth sensitivity and minor irritation of the soft tissues in the oral cavity, especially the gums. Both conditions are temporary and typically disappear soon after the treatment completes.
Bleaching products are given by the dental office, and in-office teeth-whitening products typically have the ADA seal of acceptance. This means that the product conforms with the ADA’s guidelines for safety and effectiveness. Many over-the-counter teeth whiteners do not have the seal and are not recommended.
Whitening products containing 10 percent carbamide have no detrimental effect on the enamel and existing dental restorations. Instead, restorations such as crowns, bonding, tooth-colored fillings and veneers do not respond to whitening. This means that the patient may need to replace existing restoration to match the new teeth color after a whitening treatment.
Patients must avoid teeth-staining foods and preferably, use a straw when drinking colored beverages to limit contact to the teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly as well as routine dental cleaning is essential to keep the teeth healthy. Regular touch-up treatments every year can help preserve the results of the procedure.
Irrespective of the teeth whitening method, the extent of whiteness varies with each individual and depends on the state of the teeth, nature and extent of the stain, the concentration of the leaching product, and the duration of treatment. The cosmetic dentist will provide a suitable recommendation after examining the patient’s dentition.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com or call Gables Exceptional Dentistry at (305) 203-4132 for an appointment in our Coral Gables office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Worried about dental emergencies and what you should do if one occurs? Continue reading to find out more. Dental emergencies can be frightening, especially when they involve a broken tooth. However, it is important to know that modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of a lot of different treatments to address and treat dental…
You could be a candidate for dental bonding if you have gaps in your front teeth. This minimally invasive procedure will close your tooth gap and enhance your smile's appearance. The composite blends in with your natural teeth, so it will not be noticeable. Continue reading to learn more about the application process and see…
Dental bonding is an effective restorative procedure for many dental issues, including tooth sensitivity. Read on to learn more about dental bonding. Dental sensitivity affects almost everyone at some point in their lives. Very hot or cold foods or liquids may cause a person’s teeth to become irritated. Knowing how to manage or approach sensitivity…
At some time or another, most individuals will need dental restoration. Restoring teeth is necessary when the teeth are in poor condition due to decay or a lack of proper oral care. Modern dentistry offers a wide variety of options for dental restorations.There are so many fantastic alternatives when it comes to dental restorations that…
Worried about dental emergencies and what you should do if one occurs? Continue reading to find out more. Dental emergencies can be frightening, especially when they involve a broken tooth. However, it is important to know that modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of a lot of different treatments to address and treat dental…
You could be a candidate for dental bonding if you have gaps in your front teeth. This minimally invasive procedure will close your tooth gap and enhance your smile's appearance. The composite blends in with your natural teeth, so it will not be noticeable. Continue reading to learn more about the application process and see…
