Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Tooth whitening
How to achieve a perfect white smile? When you consult a dentist, she/he would usually recommend 3 types of bleaching procedures:- In-house whitening procedures done in the dentist's clinic. For laser and power bleaching, a special bleaching solution – usually containing hydrogen peroxide - is applied to the teeth. A high intensity light or laser is directed at the teeth and activates the bleaching agent, causing the gel to release the oxygen molecules. Treatments for both power and laser bleaching can take as little as 45 minutes, but usually last somewhere between one and two hours.
- Home bleaching is performed at home, under the indirect supervision of a dentist. At the first appointment, the dentist takes impressions of the patient's teeth and then creates a perfectly fitted mouthpiece. This mouthpiece will allow the patient to apply a bleaching solution to the teeth while protecting the rest of the mouth from contact with the bleaching chemicals. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in the gel is not as strong as that used in power or laser bleaching procedures. No strong light source or laser is needed to activate the bleaching agent. Instead, it is contact with something organic, in this case the teeth, which causes the gel to release oxygen. In most cases, home bleaching can take from one to three weeks to achieve maximum results.
- Alternatives. There are over-the-counter home bleaching kits available in pharmacies and groceries like the popular Crest Whitening products. However, even with its popularity, it is still best to consult this to your dentist to avoid risks.
More Info:
Enamel reshaping or Tooth contouring
Porcelain veneers
Dental Bonding
Dental Implants
