Teeth aren’t naturally white but with a growing trend among celebrities and social media influencers for instagram worthy white teeth, the demand has never been greater. While teeth bleaching cannot make the teeth brilliant white, it can significantly lighten the existing shade and is a popular choice among those hoping for that dazzling smile.
It’s important to understand what’s involved in teeth bleaching before you decide to go ahead. Knowing what alternative options are out there might also help you to decide if it’s the right treatment for you.
Teeth bleaching is the type of whitening treatment that involves using bleach that contains peroxide-based ingredients. There are two ways it can be done: either at home or in the dental practice. Both methods need to be overseen by a dental professional and will involve visits to the dentist before the treatment can begin.
During the process of home teeth bleaching, the dentist will either take an impression or a scan of the teeth and make a tray which fits comfortably in the mouth and sits neatly against the teeth. The patient will be instructed to squeeze a small amount of the peroxide-based bleaching agent into the tray every day and push it into place either for a few hours during the day or overnight. The process is repeated usually for a period of two to four weeks or until the desired shade is reached.
In the case of teeth bleaching that is carried out in the dental office, the bleaching agent is painted onto the teeth and a blue light or laser is shone onto it to. The light activates the bleach speeding up the bleaching process by allowing the whitening agents to penetrate the enamel more quickly. The treatment takes about an hour to complete and is usually dived into four 15 minutes sessions performed back to back. The bleach is wiped away and reapplied every 15 minutes until the process is complete. Results from in-surgery teeth bleaching achieve more rapid results initially but tend not to last as long as the treatments that are carried out at home over a longer period of time.
The effects of any teeth bleaching are not permanent and can last anything from a couple of months to a couple of years. Smoking, drinking tea, coffee or red wine and consuming foods with strong colourings can cause the effects of tooth bleaching to fade more quickly.
It's very important that teeth bleaching is only carried out in a healthy mouth and by a registered and properly trained dental professional using approved products. In most countries you must be over 18 and will need to have a dental consultation to ensure the teeth and gums are healthy ahead of treatment.
You should take all benefits and risks into consideration when opting for any teeth bleaching application. The higher the concentration of peroxide, the more likely the patient will incur side effects. The most common side effect of teeth bleaching is tooth sensitivity and gum irritation or gum burns. This can vary from mild to moderate depending on individual tolerance, the strength of the bleach used, the condition of the teeth and gums prior to whitening, frequency of use and the duration the bleaching agent is left in contact with the tissues. Any sensitivity will be temporary and should subside within a few days of stopping treatment if exposure to the bleaching material is limited in the recommended time and quantity. Occasionally patients may also report minor upsets to the stomach or gastrointestinal tract for the duration of the teeth bleaching process.
More research needs to be done on the long-term effects of bleaching on the teeth. There is some controversy over the effects on enamel, dentine and restorations with some studies suggesting it may affect the hardness and wear resistance of the teeth. More research is required to establish if this is linked to the duration and/or frequency of use.
Stains from substances such as tea, coffee, tobacco & red wine, can be removed by professional dental cleaning without the need for whitening. Guided Biofilm Therapy is one of the quickest and most effective ways to clean teeth. It is safe, effective, predictable and there is no age limit for treatment.
Airflow technology combines soft erythritol based powder with warm water to penetrate deep between the intricate enamel prisms lifting debris from microscopic and otherwise inaccessible areas. It is pain-free, will leave the mouth looking and feeling clean & fresh without the need for abrasive pastes or harsh chemicals. AIRFLOW® removes surface stains without damaging the tooth and there is no limit to the frequency of which you can have the treatment carried out.
Removing surface stains can leave teeth looking several shades whiter and can improve the overall appearance of the teeth leaving them lighter and brighter without the need for bleaching. In addition, removing the sticky film of plaque bacteria and yellow coloured tartar from the teeth, not only improves the shade but also allows light to bounce off the teeth more easily giving them a glossier, brighter appearance.
Removing stains and deposits from the teeth is an important part of maintaining a healthy smile. It is not uncommon for patients to try guided biofilm therapy first and decide they no longer feel teeth bleaching is necessary after they experience the effects of GBT.
Teeth bleaching treatments aren’t right for everyone and ultimately which option is best for you depends on your circumstances, needs, and budget. Talk to your dentist or explore the switchtoGBT website to learn more about Guided Biofilm Therapy as a safer alternative to teeth bleaching.
