Although home teeth whitening is considered one of the safest procedures among dental professionals it is essential that you know all the do`s and don`ts of this process.
Teeth whitening do`s:
 Know the condition of your teeth and oral tissues. A through examination and cleaning from your dentist is recommended BEFORE using teeth whitening products.
Do start your whitening process gradualy.Wear the bleaching trays for 1-2 hours on your first day.This will help you to determine level of sensitivity of your teeth.If no sensitivity occurs you can leave bleaching trays overnight.
The length of time it takes for teeth to change color is individually determined. "Bleach”until they are white.Remember to quit whitening when your teeth stop changing colour because at this point bleaching process is complete.
Do follow the whitening gel manufacturer`s instructions.
Keep your whitening gel in the fridge.This will prolong its shelf life
Teeth whitening don`ts
Fillings, crowns, dentures and other restorations.
Tooth-colored fillings and resin composite materials used in dental restorations (crowns, veneers, bonding, bridges) do not whiten. Therefore, using a whitening agent on teeth that contain them will results in uneven whitening-in this case, making the teeth without restorations appear lighter than those with restorations. Any whitening procedure should be done prior to the placement of such appliances. Individuals with numerous restorations that would result in uneven whitening may be better off considering bonding, veneers or crowns rather than a tooth whitening system. Ask your dentist what strategy is best for you.
Devitalized teeth (teeth undergone root canal treatment).
Teeth whitening only works on live teeth.It will not lighten devitalized teeth.These teeth changed their colour because the nerve and blood supply was removed during root canal treatment and not because of staining.
Pregnancy
Teeth whitening is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. No know adverse effects but avoid use as a precautionary measure.
Under 18`s
Teeth whitening is not recommended for under 18`s.
Sensitive teeth and allergies.
Individuals with sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums and/or defective restorations should consult with their dentist prior to using a teeth whitening system. Anyone allergic to hydrogen peroxide (the whitening agent) should not use a bleaching product.
Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots.
Individuals with gum disease or teeth with worn enamel are generally discouraged from undergoing a teeth whitening procedure. Cavities need to be treated before undergoing any bleaching process. This is because the whitening solutions penetrate into any existing decay and the inner areas of the tooth, which can cause sensitivity. Also, whitening procedures will not work on exposed tooth roots because roots do not have an enamel layer.
Unrealistic expectations.
Individuals who expect their teeth to be a new "blinding white" may be disappointed with their results. Smokers need to be aware that their results will be limited unless they refrain from continued smoking, particularly during the bleaching process. A healthy guide is to achieve a reasonable degree of whiteness with a whitening process that would give a natural appearance to your teeth which is a slightly whiter color than the whites of your eyes.
Darkly stained teeth.
Yellowish teeth respond well to bleaching, brownish-colored teeth respond less well and grayish-hue or purple-stained teeth may not respond to bleaching at all. Blue-gray staining caused by tetracycline is more difficult to lighten and may require up to 6 months of home treatments or several in-office appointments to successfully lighten. Teeth that have dark stains may be better candidates for another lightening option, such as veneers, bonding or crowns. Your dentist can discuss the options best suited for you.
Do not eat or drink anything after whitening that might cause a stain...coffee, tea, etc.
Brushing teeth right before whitening is not recommended as it might cause abrasion and sensitivity.
Teeth sensitivity.
The two side effects that occur most often during teeth whitening are a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth, particularly the gums. Tooth sensitivity often occurs during early stages of the bleaching treatment. Tissue irritation most commonly results from an ill-fitting mouthpiece tray rather than the tooth-bleaching agent. Both of these conditions usually are temporary and disappear within 1 to 3 days of stopping or completing treatment.
If you do experience sensitivity, you can reduce or eliminate it by:
- Wearing the tray for a shorter period of time (for example, two 30-minute sessions vs. two 60-minute sessions)
- Stop whitening your teeth for two to three days to allow your teeth to adjust to the whitening process
- Ask your dentist or pharmacist for a high fluoride-containing product, which can help remineralize your teeth. Apply the fluoride product to the tray and wear for 4 minutes prior to and following the whitening agent.
- Brush your teeth with toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain potassium nitrate, which helps soothe your teeth's nerve endings.
|
