Bleaching and Laser Teeth Whitening to Achieve a Gorgeous Smile
While many people are blessed with a mouth that is pearly white when they smile, this is not true of everyone. There are lots of things that can make the teeth more vulnerable to stains as we age. Discoloration can take place as a result of the foods and beverages we consume (such as coffee, black tea, red wine and colas) and also as a result of smoking. Even certain types of antibiotics can make the teeth more vulnerable to stains as can small cracks in the teeth that can provide an area for stains to take up residence in. All of these culprits can absorb stains into the teeth and affect the color you see when you look in a mirror.
Let us look at two of the most popular (and effective) forms of teeth whitening, that of bleaching and laser whitening. Once you understand both types you can then decide which one is most appropriate for you.
Bleaching
Bleaching of the teeth starts in the dentist’s chair. Impressions will be taken of your teeth by way of a special tray that fits into your mouth and is filled with a substance that hardens around your teeth. The dentist will then take out the tray and you will see what looks like a clay impression of all of your teeth. Most people have their top teeth bleached first and then later on have their lower teeth bleached.
The active ingredients in bleaching are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These ingredients break down once they are applied to the surface of the teeth. The oxygen from them then enters the tooth enamel and the result is lighter and whiter teeth.
Once you are given your mouth guard you wear it at home (usually at night while you are sleeping) and apply the bleach to your teeth from a small tube. You will have to apply the product to your teeth every day up to a period of three to four weeks.
Laser Whitening
Laser whitening, also sometimes referred to as power whitening is more pricey than bleaching but it is believed to be the most effective means of whitening the teeth. In this case a rubber dam is placed over the teeth in order to protect the gums (as the product should not come in contact with the gums). The whitening agent is then painted onto the top or bottom teeth. A laser is then used to stimulate the whitening chemical. What the light does is it supports and encourages a chemical reaction to take place that can make the process happen relatively quickly.
Some dentists believe that laser whitening can make the teeth as many as six shades lighter. It is important to be aware however that not everyone is an ideal candidate for the laser whitening procedure. Check with your dentist to find out if you are.