Teeth Whitening
Tooth Whitening Procedures and Resources on ToothWhitening.eu
Teeth whitening is performed mainly using peroxide “bleaching” which removes discoloration from your teeth. The discoloration can be the result of coffee, tea, tobacco, or other factors that affect the teeth over time. Treatment typically includes using a carbamide peroxide solution with a strength of 10% in over the counter remedies. This solution is usually a gel applied to a tray. The tray resembles a sports mouthpiece that fits in snugly against the teeth. With the gel in the tray, it coats the teeth as it is placed in the mouth and left in for a period of time that the package mandates. In other formulations, other versions of peroxides are used with options that include a range of concentrations from 3% (mild) to 30% (prescription strength). Some of the concerns center around the abuse of teeth whitening products. If the instructions are not followed or if the product is used improperly, the result can be permanent tooth damage and sensitivity. Additionally, the soft tissue surrounding the teeth in your mouth can become damaged if a stronger product is used or the gel is left on for too much time. This improper self treatment is part of the reason that specific forms of teeth whitening have been banned for self treatment in some European countries. Check the type of bleaching available based on the most recent legislation.
Laser whitening is an option available to the patient that is done in the dental office by qualified professionals. This practice has as an advantage much faster whitening but is often used in combination with bleaching. The dentist will typically put a gel on the teeth and activate it with the laser for chemical bleaching. This is reputedly the more expensive option.
If these methods aren’t enough, there is also the option of a veneer. The price will vary depending on how extensively you wish to have it applied. A veneer is a covering that is glued in place on each tooth so they are covered with a thin coating of material that resembles the tooth. This veneer both conceals stains and reinforces the tooth. Veneers have the ability to cover up pitting and carries after treatment that other methods cannot conceal. Most patients veneer more than one tooth at a time for an even appearance.