How is teeth whitening done?

 

When you visit the dentist, an impression of your teeth is taken in the first appointment to make a bleaching tray. The tray is custom made and fits comfortably to the patient’s teeth set. Bleaching or whitening agent is applied to the tray and worn by the patient for the given time period. Patients may wear this tray every night before bed for the advised time duration and brush normally afterwards. This comprises home bleach.

 

 

What is Laser teeth whitening?

 

In laser assisted whitening, the whitening or bleaching agent is activated using laser. The result is achieved faster than home bleach procedure thus reducing treatment time.

 

 

How long whitening lasts?

 

The whitening effect may vary for different patients but at an average the effect lasts for 1-2 years. Habits like smoking, pan chewing or intake of products that stain teeth, further accelerates the staining process, minimizing the duration of whitening effect.

 

 

What are the side effects of teeth whitening?

 

Patients may complain of sensitivity, blotches on gums etc. after whitening procedure, but these are temporary and disappear with time. If persist, consult your dentist.

 

 

How harmful are whitening toothpastes?

 

How is a whitening toothpaste different from daily use regular toothpastes?

The main components of whitening toothpaste are –a whitening agent, most commonly carbamide peroxide or sodium tripolyphospate, in combination with an abrasive agent like silica or calcium carbonate. While the whitening agent gets all the glories, it’s actually the silica that does maximum work in whitening toothpastes. The concentration of whitening agents in toothpastes is very little and while brushing with it for a few minutes doesn’t have enough effect on teeth. It’s the silica that actually eliminates stains from teeth creating the abrasive action. While all regular toothpastes remove stains, teeth whitening toothpastes have more concentration of abrasive components and thus work more rapidly, so patients see quicker results.

 

 

Dangers of Whitening Toothpastes

 

While silica rubs off your surface stains, they remove little bit of enamel as well, exposing dentin, leaning to sensitivity.

 

 

How much teeth whitening cost?

 

Anything between Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 depending upon the technique and system used.

 

 

What cannot be whitened?

 

Artificial teeth, porcelain crowns, dentures and veneers cannot be whitened. Patients with severe sensitivity are also contradicted for whitening treatment.

 

 

After Treatment Precautions

 

Avoid food or beverages that cause staining like cola, tobacco, paan, wine etc.

Maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing and keep visiting your dentist regularly for routine check-up.