Tooth whitening:
Tooth whitening is a cosmetic procedure performed for patients who desire a brighter and whiter sparkling smile.Tooth whitening is done to reduce discoloration and staining, which are caused by smoking, tea, coffee, other drinks and poor oral hygiene or simply to provide the patient with whiter, brighter teeth.
Tooth Enamel is the hardest tissue that protects the tooth from wear and tear. But as age progresses the enamel is worn off due to chewing, trauma and acids that are released from the food. The Enamel becomes thin and shows off the yellow color of the Dentin. During chewing many cracks occur over the Enamel because of the chewing forces. These cracks are filled up with stains and debris that gives the tooth a dull, lifeless appearance.
Teeth whitening or Bleaching remove the stains and debris from the cracks and they are left opened. Some of the cracks are remineralized by the saliva; some are left opened in which the organic debris get collected. So tooth whitening cracked tooth should be crowned and make you whiter smile.
Teeth whitening procedure or bleaching:
Two types of Bleaching or tooth whitening system are available. They are
- In office Bleaching system (done in the dental clinic by the dentist).
- Home Bleaching system (done in home by the patient itself).
Advantages:
- People typically have their teeth whitened to improve their appearance. Whiter teeth are associated with beauty and a healthier lifestyle. When people have a brighter smile, they tend to smile more often and are less self-conscious.
- In addition, a whiter smile tends to minimize the appearance of facial wrinkles, giving way to a more youthful and energetic appearance.
- Finally, a whiter smile gives people to whom you are speaking a place to focus on and gives you a friendlier appearance.
Disadvantages:
- Although bleaching is very effective, there can be short term disadvantages, such as sore gums or sensitivity of teeth from the bleach. This disappears when bleach use is discontinued. Some individuals are more chemically sensitive. If you are one of them, inform your cosmetic dentist so that you can be tested for sensitivity to the bleaching agent.
- Research indicates that bleaching is completely effective in more than 78% of people. In cases of serious teeth discoloration, bleaching may not be the best choice. Veneers or crowns may be the superior choice. Bleaching is usually the first solution to try due to its lower cost.