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You can’t seem to look anywhere on TV these days without noticing how brilliantly white and perfect the celebrities’ and movie stars’ teeth have become. We’re not just saying pretty; we’re talking flawless. Within the last few years it seems the old saying: “You can never be too thin or too rich,” has now become: “You can never be too thin or too rich and your teeth can never be too white.”
When you look into the mirror, do you see something less than dazzling? Have time, stress, old restorations, and years of consuming stained substances (coffee, tea, cola, red wine, various medications, and tobacco) been wreaking havoc on your previously awe-inspiring smile?
If you answered yes to more than one of these questions, you are a perfect candidate for cosmetic tooth whitening.
The Latest
on polishing up
those pearlies
Since the late 1800s, dentists have been whitening teeth by using various forms of the agent hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide used in the past were of a watery consistency and could only be used in an office setting.
Some years ago, a new form of peroxide called carbamide peroxide (CP) was developed . It is most often used in the form of a gel, placed into a special tray that is custom-fitted to your teeth, and worn in the mouth for anywhere from one to four hours a day per treatment. When in contact with the teeth, the carbamide process releases oxygen, and that is what releases the stain on your teeth. This safe and gentle process has proven extremely effective with only few temporary side effects.
Teeth tend to change shades, usually yellow, with age. The good news is that these superficial changes can be reversed. Whitening may not change the color of existing restorations, so cosmetic bonding combined with CP tooth whitening is a very popular choice. When whitening is completed, tooth-colored restorations are matched to now whitened teeth.
 
When will you be able to see the results? That depends on many factors such as the product used, method, and intensity of the pre- existing stains or discolorations you want to brighten. At-home whitening methods do work, but much more slowly so you will need to have more patience. Some people start to achieve results in just a few days, but normal treatment time is anywhere from three to six weeks.
Darker stains may occasionally require a much longer treatment. Remember that each person is different and results will vary due to stain type, how deep the stains extend, and your particular tooth structure.
If you’re in a hurry to polish your pearlies, you may want to consider one of the following techniques:
Dental Assisted Bleaching uses significantly higher amounts of carbamide peroxide (CP) than the at-home methods. The CP is brushed directly onto the teeth and placed into a custom–fitted tray under the direct supervision of your dentist.
Because of the higher concentrations of peroxide, it is possible to irritate the surrounding gum tissue, This should therefore be done only by a professional. Some patients have seen results in less than 30 minutes!
Most often, this procedure is used to “jump start” the at-home methods to give you much faster long-term effects.
Power Bleaching or Combination Treatment is the oldest form of whitening that is used today. This method uses the highest concentrated form of hydrogen peroxide (about 30% - 50%) and is used to treat patients with severe discolorations or those wanting immediate results. The dentist carefully applies the solution to your teeth, and a heat or light source is used to activate and accelerate the whitening process. These treatments take about 35 minutes to complete. Depending on the stains, additional visits or an at-home maintenance program may be suggested. Most patients see dramatic results on the very first day.
How long will the whitening last? From one to seven years, decreasing slowly, depending on your personal habits, of course. If you are a smoker or drink one or two cups of coffees, tea, red wine or cola a day, you may require periodic touch ups.
How do you know which treatment is right for you? Ask your dentist! He will evaluate your overall health as well as your teeth and gums and make recommendations as to which treatment will work best. Remember that a beautiful smile is measured by not only how white your teeth are, but rather how healthy your teeth and gums actually are.
So remember, an exquisitely bright smile isn’t just for celebrities anymore – it’s for everyone.
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