Teeth Bleaching
Teeth bleaching or teeth whitening is an aesthetic procedure used to make the surface of the teeth appear whiter. Although the appearance of the teeth cannot be brilliant white, but this can be an effective way to brighten the color of yellow teeth. Don’t worry, the teeth bleaching procedure does not cause damage to the surface of the teeth.
However, it should be noted that the effects of teeth bleaching are not permanent and can last for several months to three years. The duration of the effect varies from person to person, but generally, the effect of bright teeth does not last long if someone often does habits that can stain their teeth. For example, smoking, drinking tea, or drinking alcohol.
Benefits of Teeth Bleaching
Some of the benefits of teeth bleaching that make people want to do it are:
- Overcoming tooth discoloration
Teeth discoloration can occur as you age or due to certain lifestyles and habits. Teeth bleaching can address discoloration, so you can feel confident about the appearance of your smile. Learn 7 Safe Ways to Whiten Your Teeth.
- Remove stains on teeth
Stains can occur due to the food you eat, or due to improper brushing and flossing habits. The teeth bleaching products used are specifically designed to lighten and dissolve these stains, making them invisible.
- Increase self-confidence
A smile with yellow and dull teeth can interfere with self-confidence. When you do teeth bleaching, your smile will look better. That way your self-confidence will also increase.
- Reduces bacterial growth
Some of the ingredients used in teeth bleaching are designed to kill bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. When you bleach your teeth, your dental health is well maintained.
- Mouth becomes healthier
When teeth are whitened by a dentist, stains on the teeth will be removed so that the teeth become stronger and of course healthier.
- Increase self-confidence
Teeth bleaching can also increase self-confidence. Yellow and black teeth can trigger stress due to inadequate physical appearance. With whiter teeth, you will definitely not be embarrassed to smile anymore.
- Longer lasting results
If oral hygiene is always maintained, teeth bleaching can provide long-lasting results. Make sure you do teeth bleaching with a trusted dentist.
Purpose of Teeth Bleaching
There are several reasons why someone does teeth bleaching. One of them is that it is very difficult for them to have bright white teeth because the color of the teeth can change with age. The surface of the teeth can be stained by food and drinks such as tea, coffee, and other drinks. In addition, smoking habits can also stain teeth.
Calculus or tartar can also affect the color of teeth. Some people may have stains below the surface. This is usually caused by certain antibiotics or small cracks in the teeth that remove stains.
Meanwhile, for some people, having yellow teeth can lower their self-confidence. By doing teeth bleaching, the self-confidence to smile, speak, or appear in public will increase. This is what places teeth bleaching as an aesthetic goal.
When Should You Do Teeth Bleaching?
A person usually bleaches their teeth when they realize their teeth are turning yellow and are bothered by it. Some people bleach their teeth when they are going to do or attend an important event, such as a wedding.
It is best to schedule this cosmetic procedure about four to six weeks before the special event. That way, you will have enough time to whiten your teeth.
Teeth Bleaching Procedure
Teeth bleaching procedures must be performed by a dentist. To perform this teeth whitening, several visits to the dentist are required over several months. The dentist will take a dental impression that is used to create a special container that fits the teeth. The container is filled with whitening gel and you will be shown how to perform the procedure.
Whitening gels are applied for a specific length of time, depending on the severity of the discoloration and how white you want your teeth to be. Typically, the gel is applied for between 30 and 60 minutes each day, for a total duration of between two and four weeks. Some products can be applied for up to eight hours at a time.
In addition to whitening gel, bleaching can also be done with a laser. The method is to paint the whitening product onto the teeth, which is then activated by a laser to speed up the whitening reaction.
This laser procedure only takes about an hour. After the bleaching procedure is done, the doctor will recommend using a whitening toothpaste to prolong the effects of the teeth bleaching procedure.
Things to Know Before Teeth Bleaching
There are several things you need to know before doing teeth bleaching :
- Teeth whitening will only whiten natural teeth.
Teeth whitening will only whiten natural teeth. If you already have crowns, fillings, dentures, or veneers, teeth whitening will not work and the color will not change.
- Teeth can become more sensitive
No matter what dental treatment you do, there is a chance that your teeth and gums will become sensitive. This is because of the chemicals used. For those who already have sensitive teeth problems, the level of sensitivity can be even higher. How to deal with sensitive teeth?
- Teeth whitening is not permanent
Teeth whitening treatment can give good results for up to three years. However, this is certainly different for each person. If you are a smoker, drink coffee, wine, or tea, this can reduce the durability of the white color on your teeth.
- Must be done by a dentist
Teeth whitening can only be done legally by a professional dental care professional. Avoid doing your own teeth whitening, because this action needs to be done by a professional medical doctor.
Side Effects of Teeth Bleaching
The most common side effect of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. This usually subsides within a few days to a week after treatment. Other possible side effects include:
- Gum irritation.
- Redness.
- Pain in the mouth.
- A slight electric shock-like sensation on newly whitened teeth.
- Inflammation of the tooth pulp, especially if the tooth is cracked or broken.
- Irritation when bleach comes into contact with skin and gums.
Places to Do Teeth Bleaching
To make sure that teeth bleaching is worth the time and money you spend, it is best to talk to your dentist before doing the procedure. You can have your teeth bleached at a health facility or at a dental clinic.