Robert
Follweiler D.D.S. Periodontology
901
East Ocean Boulevard Stuart, FL 34994
772-283-1400
Patients ask us everyday about teeth bleaching. It appears
that white teeth are now another symbol of youth and attractiveness. Believe it
or not folks have been trying to lighten their teeth for over 100 years. Tooth
whitening procedures were first documented in dental literature in 1872. Although everyone would like to achieve that
movie star smile there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to
whitening your smile.
First and foremost is to have realistic expectations. While
tooth bleaching creates white smiles, people are sometimes disappointed with
the results. Many people expect their teeth to be as white as copy paper after
the procedure. Even with the most favorable outcome your teeth cannot approach
this degree of whiteness. Teeth this white look unnatural. The best results are achieved when the shade
you select fits your overall look and coloring.
The second thing that you should be aware of is the type of
staining and discoloration that you are attempting to remove. There are two
main reasons for stained or darkened teeth. One is extrinsic, (from the outside) and the other is intrinsic (from the inside).
Extrinsic stains are the yellow to brown discolorations that
result from years of consuming highly colored beverages, (coffee, tea &
wine) smoking or poor oral hygiene. Discoloration can also be the result of the
aging process and thinning of the enamel.
This type of staining usually responds well to the various types of
bleaching techniques.
Beaching is often less predictable in situations where the
origin of the stain comes from within. These stains can be the result of trauma,
congenital abnormalities (situations you are born with) and medications such as
tetracycline. Understanding the origin of the stain will help form realistic
expectations.
Finally, it is important to become an informed consumer.
Learn about the various types of bleaching techniques that are available. There are four basic methods of whitening
your teeth; in office power bleaching, laser bleaching, take home dentist
supervised bleaching and over the counter bleaching systems. The two main
categories of bleaching agent are peroxide- based whitening and nonperoxide
based stain removal.
The in office power bleaching uses a powerful light source
and a bleaching agent. The lips, gums, and inside of your mouth are isolated to
protect them from the chemical agent used.
This process takes about 1-2 hours. The laser bleaching takes about the
same amount of time as the power bleaching but a laser is the light
source that activates the bleaching agent.
The take home dentist supervised bleaching systems uses custom
made trays that fit very snuggly over the teeth. The bleaching agent is loaded
in the trays and can be worn for a few hours or overnight. This system requires
2-3 weeks to achieve the desired response.
Several over the
counter bleaching systems are also on the market. One type of bleaching system
comes as a kit with trays (one size fits all) and bleaching agent included.
This technique also requires 2-3 weeks to whiten the teeth. There are also
paint on gels, whitening strips and whitening toothpaste. Many of the over the
counter methods have not undergone the same amount of testing that the
professionally recommended products have and their results may vary quite a
bit.
There are several precautions to take before you bleach your
teeth. First, remember that the bleaching agent will NOT lighten your fillings
and crowns. Talk to your dentist before bleaching if your have fillings and
crowns that will show when you smile.
Next, remember that these bleaching agents can make your
teeth and gums very
sensitive. Usually this
sensitivity is only temporary. If you have sensitive teeth talk to your dentist
before you proceed.
Finally, according to the American Academy of Dentistry,
bleaching has not been proven to be harmful to your teeth and gums. No matter
what technique you chose to get that “Hollywood Smile”, even if you use over
the counter products, have a dentist examine your mouth before you begin a
program. With proper planning a bright
white smile may be just right for you!
Please
call our office with any questions.
Dr. Robert Follweiler D.D.S.
772-283-1400
