Cosmetic Bleaching
Cosmetic bleaching is a practice in general dentistry that has become more and more affordable over the years. With the number of people who believe that white teeth are the single biggest contributors to a bright and healthy smile, it is no wonder why the number of these procedures taking place each year continues to rise.
As a person ages, teeth naturally become darker and stained—this is a process of wear and tear that cannot be avoided, only remedied. A number of factors contribute to this deterioration of the quality of teeth; these include stains from food, coffee and tobacco.
Cosmetic bleaching has come a long way over the years, with bleaching agents now safer and more effective than ever before. Cosmetic bleaching, despite being criticized for its risks, has yielded amazing results without compromising safety and health. In addition, tooth bleaching is now inexpensive and more effective considering its non-invasive approach.
Facts you might want to know
If you are thinking about undergoing cosmetic bleaching for your teeth but do not know all that much about the process, here are some facts to guide you along the way to making an informed decision.
- Cosmetic bleaching does not result in ultra-white teeth—this is a common misconception amongst patients who end up disappointed over their “lackluster” whitening results. As a general rule of thumb, your teeth can only be as white as the whites of your eyes are. Remember that yellow teeth are not bad. In fact, nature intended them to have a slight yellowish to off-white shade.
- Individuals with dark yellow teeth can expect cosmetic bleaching to whiten their teeth up to two shades whiter. Remember that there are no guarantees when it comes to cosmetic bleaching as the results will depend on the severity of stains and plaque.
- Cosmetic bleaching results are not permanent. In fact, the best way to think about dental bleaching is to compare it with other cosmetic procedures, which naturally fade over time. Cosmetic bleaching simply delays the inevitable darkening of your teeth.
- The results of cosmetic bleaching can last more than a decade, but as with all things, common sense will come into play when it comes to prolonging its effects. If you frequently smoke, consume acidic food and beverages such as coffee and wines, your teeth would eventually turn darker over time.
- Individuals with sensitive teeth are advised to avoid any type of cosmetic bleaching procedure. Although highly effective in lightening teeth into a few shades whiter, cosmetic bleaching can increase teeth sensitivity in individuals suffering from the problem. The problem can be so severe with these individuals that it is not unheard of for extreme pain to be felt, particularly when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. If you have sensitive teeth and still want to undergo dental bleaching, we suggest that you allow us to correct your sensitivity issues.
- Tooth fillings that have come to match the color of yellow teeth cannot be bleached with cosmetic bleaching. The only solution is to have these fillings replaced after the cosmetic bleaching procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cosmetic teeth bleaching is a form of professional teeth whitening that focuses on enhancing the overall aesthetics of the smile. It often involves a more personalized approach to achieve the desired level of brightness.
The duration varies, but a typical cosmetic teeth bleaching session takes about one to two hours. The process involves the application of a high-strength bleaching agent and may include additional techniques to enhance results.
Cosmetic teeth bleaching is effective for many types of discoloration, but severe cases may require additional cosmetic treatments such as veneers or crowns. A dentist can assess the best approach based on individual needs.
While temporary tooth sensitivity is common, professional cosmetic teeth bleaching is generally safe when performed by a qualified dentist. Adhering to post-treatment care instructions helps minimize any potential risks.
Once a cavity has formed, it typically requires a filling to prevent further decay. However, early stages of demineralization can sometimes be reversed with fluoride treatment and improved oral hygiene.
A simple root canal typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, but more complex cases could take longer or require multiple visits.
The longevity of results varies, but with proper oral care and occasional touch-ups, the effects of cosmetic teeth bleaching can last for a significant period, providing a prolonged enhancement to the brightness of the smile.
