What is Teeth Whitening? Current Teeth Whitening Methods

Teeth whitening is the most optimal solution for cases where teeth are discolored or yellow. It will give you bright white and even teeth.

1. WHAT IS TEETH WHITENING?

Teeth whitening is a dental technique used to help improve the color of teeth. When implementing this option, the doctor will use substances that create an oxidation-reduction reaction combined with light energy to penetrate the tooth enamel and cut off the colored molecular chains in the dentin. At this time, the teeth will become whiter and brighter and the tooth structure will not be affected at all.

Teeth will stay bright white for a period of 6 months to 1 year. Then the whiteness of teeth gradually decreases over time after 1.5 - 2 years. Some people with a reasonable diet and good oral hygiene can keep their bright white color for 3-4 years.

2. IS TEETH WHITENING HARMFUL?

Although it is a popular dental cosmetic option, many people still wonder if teeth whitening is harmful? Does this option cause tooth enamel erosion or weaken teeth?

From clinical studies, it has been shown that, if performed correctly with the correct technique and using quality bleaching agents, the teeth whitening method is completely harmless to the body, nor does it affect tooth enamel. tooth structure.

In case you want to whiten your teeth at home, you need to be guided by a doctor. Because using poor quality bleach or using incorrect techniques can seriously affect your teeth.

No matter where you whiten your teeth, you should pay attention to the origin of the whitening agent used. Medicines must have quality inspection stamps and labels and clear origin.

Do not use medicine of unknown origin because it can have a negative impact on your gums and teeth. Or unfortunately, the drug enters the digestive system and there is a risk of damaging this organ.

3. POPULAR TEETH WHITENING METHODS

3.1 Teeth whitening at the dentist's office

Teeth whitening at the dentist's office has the advantage of being quick, safe and easy to see results right away, even in cases of teeth discoloration due to Tetracycline, Fluor... After examination, doctors will choose the treatment method. Teeth whitening treatment suitable for your oral condition.

Before performing the whitening process, the doctor will wear lip and gum protectors and apply anti-numbness medication. Then use bleach with a concentration of 35 - 37%, combined with strong light to whiten your teeth.

3.2 Teeth whitening at home using a personal tray

The doctor will take tooth impressions to make a pair of whitening trays suitable for your oral condition. The bleaching tray ensures that a sufficient amount of medicine is stored and is easy to use, so you can do it yourself at home. In addition, the material of the tray is made transparent, helping you work and talk as usual.

Bleaching agents used at home usually have a concentration of 10-15% peroxide, placed in a tray and worn every day for 6-8 hours. The part of the tooth exposed to the medicine will become white after 2-3 days. However, it needs to be done for up to 7 days for the tooth color to be maintained for a long time.

3.3 Whitening teeth with dead pulp

In some cases, teeth with dead pulp and deep discoloration in the tooth structure cannot be whitened from the tooth surface but must be treated from inside the root canal.

The doctor will place the filling material in the appropriate position to cover the dentinal tubules in the tooth neck area leading from the pulp chamber to the periodontal area, avoiding the bleach coming into contact with the gums causing painful inflammation. The doctor then places bleach into the pulp chamber and temporarily fills it. Bleach will be renewed every week.

When the tooth reaches the desired whiteness, the doctor takes out the bleaching agent, cleans the pulp chamber and places calcium hydroxide in the pulp chamber. After 2 weeks of calcium hydroxide placement, your tooth will be filled with a permanent cosmetic material.

4. TOOTH WHITENING PROCESS AT PHUONG DENTIST DENTIST

At PHUONG DENTIST dentistry, teeth whitening is performed using modern Lamacool (USA) technology, ensuring bright white teeth after just 2 hours. The process includes 5 steps as follows:

• Step 1: Before teeth whitening, the doctor cleans the teeth (scales, polishes teeth) and compares the color of the customer's teeth before doing so. After that, the customer will take 1 pill (Efferalgan Codeine) to prevent tooth sensitivity during the whitening process.

• Step 2: The customer is applied a layer of vaseline to the lips to moisturize, then the doctor uses a cotton roll to place between the teeth and cheeks to avoid the medicine coming into contact with these locations. Teeth in the gum area are isolated by composite block material. At the same time, customers will wear goggles to protect their eyes from the light of the bleaching lamp.
• Step 3: 35% peroxide whitening agent is placed directly on the tooth surface to be whitened. The energy from the whitening light will impact and make teeth whiter and brighter.
• Step 4: After one light treatment, the old bleach is removed and replaced with new bleach. The light activation process is repeated two more times.
• Step 5: Finally, take out the medicine and clean your teeth. At this time, the doctor will compare the color of the teeth after whitening, showing the customer that the whiteness of their teeth has increased by 3 - 8 color levels.

5. NOTES WHEN WHEN WHEN WHITENING YOUR TEETH

During the first 24 hours after whitening, teeth are very susceptible to discoloration. Therefore, you should limit the use of colored foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, soy sauce, smoothies, soft drinks, etc. and especially do not smoke.

Teeth may be slightly sensitive for 1 - 3 days after teeth whitening, but if the sensitivity persists, you should return to the dentist for examination. You should also limit eating and drinking foods that are too cold, too hot or sour.
When whitening your teeth with a bleaching tray at home, you need to follow your doctor's instructions to get the best results. Do not give too much bleach because it may spill out and affect other parts.
During oral care, you can change teeth whitening toothpaste about 1-2 days a week. On the remaining days, you should use toothpaste containing fluoride to strengthen your teeth.