Everyone wants to showcase clean, stain free and spotless teeth; hence is the high demand for tooth whitening treatments. The use of teeth whitening treatment has increased considerably over the years. Tooth whitening is carried out on patients who have discolored teeth due to one of the following reasons: genetics, aging, consumption of staining substances such as smoking, coffee, tea, and colas, tetracycline (antibiotic) staining, excessive fluoride, and old fillings.
Whitening of teeth is carried out by placing a tray over teeth that contains a whitening gel. The major content of this whitening gel is Carbamide Peroxide. When this compound breaks down Oxygen enters the enamel and bleaches the teeth. This process never alters the structure of teeth and only changes their color to white or to a considerable lighter shade. Teeth whitening treatment turns the color of teeth at least 2-5 shades lighter in just few days. The tray used in the process is customized for each patient separately. Since the trays are long lasting it may be used again for whitening at least one year after the first whitening treatment.
On the other hand laser teeth whitening is a contemporary whitening technique. Hydrogen peroxide solution is applied to teeth and a laser light is directed by the dentist at the teeth to speed up the chemical reaction.
However the discoloration of teeth begins after a year of the treatment even after normal food consumption. This means that the patient needs to renew the treatment. This turns out to be expensive. The treatment using the dental tray is an economical mean of whitening. Both of these aforementioned treatments take a time of approximately 90 minutes and 2-3 visits to the dentist is required for follow up.
There are also a few side effects of tooth whitening hence one should always consult a dentist before relying on the in-home self whitening treatments.
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