It is one of the most widely used technique in dentistry for getting a brighter smile and an overall improvement in the general looks of the patient concerned.
The tooth is composed of several layers of which the outermost layer is called enamel which imparts a white color to the tooth. The enamel is thick on the surface and decreases to a knife edge on the neck of the tooth.
The color of the tooth is due to the reflection of light from the surface and is greatly influenced by the genetics of the individual.
The discoloration of enamel can be attributed to a number of factors, namely food stains, tobacco stains, tea or coffee stains and last but not the least improper or non-brushing by the individual.
With the advancement of age, the enamel wear and tear makes the tooth surface lose its color making it appear yellowish in color. Systemic intake of medicines like tetracycline etc and increased intake of fluoride-rich water can lead to stains which are intrinsic in nature and are impossible to be treated by bleaching.
Bleaching can effectively remove external stains from the tooth surface. Gum recession leads to exposure of the root surface of the tooth which appears yellow in color or discolored.
These surfaces cannot be bleached and will retain their color even after the procedure. Prior to performing the procedure, any cavity present in the teeth should undergo a filling.
Bleaching procedure can be done by two techniques namely:- In office bleach and Home Bleach. In Office Bleach technique a picture of the teeth is taken.
The procedure begins with the pumice application and cleaning of teeth. This is followed by application of gingival protector/shield which is then cured using curing light.
Once the gingival shield is hardened the material i.e Hydrogen peroxide which has been mixed is applied on to the tooth for beaching procedure and is light-cured for a specified period of time as mentioned in the product manual.
This marks the end of the procedure which can be repeated again for multiple settings to improve the color of the teeth as desired by the patient.
Home bleach as a method of bleaching is used at home in which trays are made by taking an impression of the mouth of the patient. Home bleach material is placed inside the trays which are to be worn overnight for best results.
Over the counter, kits are available for home use in the market. In the case of Home bleach, the recommendations of the dentist should be followed religiously so as to prevent your teeth from getting damaged due to excessive use of bleaching agent.
Results achieved from the bleaching procedure are not permanent as smoking or eating pan /gutka can lead to re-staining of the teeth.
The color of the teeth attained after the procedure begins to fade away with the passage of time which requires a re-bleach after 6-12 months if you require those sparkling white teeth again.
Bleaching procedure often leads to sensitivity in teeth and mild gum irritation which can be negated by the use of anti-sensitivity kinds of toothpaste and gum paints that are prescribed by the dentist after the completion of the bleaching treatment.
For a brighter looking teeth and a beautiful smile, u can undergo the bleach treatment at our Dental Clinic in Dwarka where we provide for the best bleaching agent available in the market and that too at economical costs