White teeth are important for most of the people as they are the key factor of a beautiful smile. Teeth whitening is the bleaching of teeth to make them whiter. It can lighten your existing colour by several shades. Teeth enamel are damaged due to poor oral hygiene, factors such as excessive tea, coffee, acidic liquids and smoking. Because of this, the teeth start to get yellow and lose their original colour. Yellow teeth can returned to their original color with teeth whitening. Dental whitening should be performed by a dentist or a hygienist. Teeth should be checked always by a dentist, for cavities, gum recessions or abrasions. In addition, all the conservative treatments like root canals, cavities gum diseases should be finished just before the whitening process. Otherwise, patient will feel a lot of sensitivity and pain during the whitening process.
HOW IS TEETH WHITENING PROCESS PERFORMED?
Teeth whitening treatment can be applied in two ways. Home bleaching and office bleaching methods. Application of these two methods will be decided by the consultation and analysis of the case.
OFFICE BLEACHING
Whitening is done clinically. Teeth should be cleaned first before the whitening process, gums should be protected and covered, a special whitening gel is applied to the outer surfaces of the teeth and activation is started by using a special light. The whole whitening procedure takes around 45-50 minutes. The light is applied to the teeth during the whole application.
HOME BLEACHING
Whitening process is applied at home during day time or night time at sleep. Teeth impressions are taken, transparent plates are prepared In the laboratory. Whitening gel is applied in the plates and fitted to the teeth by the patient. Application. time for this process is approximately 5-7 hours and should be continued for 5-7 days or nights.
WHAT TO DO AFTER TEETH WHITENING
It is normal to develop sensitivity in the teeth after or during the whitening treatment. For the first 48 hours cold drinks should be avoided. Special tooth paste or gels should be given to the or patient to stop the sensitivity. Food and beverages consisting dye substance, coffee, tea or cigarette should not be consumed again for the first 48 hours.
WHO CAN HAVE TEETH WHITENING
All individuals over 18 years of age can have teeth whitening procedures. Patients having caries, cavities, periodontal disease, gum recessions, enamel abrasions should have treated before the teeth whitening process.