Teeth whitening is a popular procedure that is very popular in our time. When a person has an impeccable white smile, he feels confident, causes a feeling of sympathy in the interlocutor.
At the moment, different methods are available on how to whiten teeth in Kyiv. The choice of the optimal method depends on a combination of factors – individual indications, pricing policy, time frames and restrictions.
How the shade of the teeth is formed, how it affects the whitening procedure
By nature, people do not have perfectly white teeth – this is due to their structure and the influence of various factors. The next layer after enamel, dentin is yellow in color, and enamel is almost transparent, so its shade also reflects the color of dentin. Enamel can have different shades: from gray-white tones to yellow-white, depending on the genetic predisposition, lifestyle. For example, a dark coating appears on the smoker’s teeth; people who abuse coffee, tea, red wine, fruit juices are also at risk of pigmentation.
The color of the enamel also changes with intoxication, the use of certain drugs, and when chewing tobacco. The natural shade of the teeth also differs in people of different nationalities and races.
Teeth whitening at home – why you should refuse
In pursuit of white teeth, not everyone turns to professional whitening in dentistry in Kyiv (or in another city), which is absolutely wrong. The question of the safety of home whitening is very acute, because it can cause severe harm to the health of the teeth.
Why whitening teeth is better after consulting a doctor?
- You cannot independently visually determine the condition of the enamel, its thickness and the presence of microcracks, and this must be known before whitening in order to select the most appropriate method.
- You are not very knowledgeable about how to properly control the effects of whitening products – gels, pastes, which include special ingredients. Therefore, it is quite difficult to predict the effectiveness of a particular method.
- A very popular and by no means safe method of home whitening is the use of hydrogen peroxide or soda, which cause great harm to the condition of the teeth.
For the safety of the procedure (teeth whitening in the clinic), it is necessary to undergo an examination by a specialist, choose the most appropriate method, evaluate all associated factors and risks.
Indications and contraindications for teeth whitening
Despite the effectiveness of the procedure, there are a number of indications and contraindications for whitening.
Indications for teeth whitening in dentistry:
- The desire of the patient, the unsatisfactory appearance of the teeth.
- The deterioration of the shade of the teeth associated with age-related changes.
- Congenital discoloration, high level of enamel transparency.
- Discoloration of teeth due to carious lesions.
- Teeth staining.
Contraindications for teeth whitening:
- Contraindications for teeth whitening:
- Diseases associated with tooth decay.
- Gum disease.
- Carious lesions of the teeth.
- Wearing braces.
- The patient’s age is up to 16 years.
- Allergy to the components of the drugs used.
- Cracks in the enamel.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Poor quality, poor oral hygiene.
The main methods of teeth whitening
- A mechanical method of teeth whitening, which has been actively used in dentistry for many years. Its essence lies in mechanical cleaning using special nozzles. During the procedure, plaque and deposits are removed, caries and inflammation of the gum tissue are prevented. This method is based on cleaning the tissues of the tooth from the external accumulation of pigments.
- Photobleaching of teeth – using this method, it is possible to achieve lightening of teeth by several tones. The procedure is as follows: the teeth are isolated, a special gel is applied, which contains hydrogen peroxide (in an individually selected concentration), and the teeth are exposed to halogen, ultraviolet or LED radiation. Most whitening techniques (Zoom, Magic Smile, Beyond) are based on this physical response. Acceleration of processes with a lamp reduces the time of procedures, but, on the other hand, causes microdamage to tooth structures. The sensitivity of the teeth depends on the degree of whitening. The usual period for which the effect of such a procedure is enough is from 2-3 weeks to 6 months.
- Teeth whitening Zoom is a kind of photo whitening (with the same “cons”). There are 3rd and 4th generations – with the use of hot and cold light, respectively. When teeth whitening is completed, the enamel is treated with a fluorine-containing agent to reduce their sensitivity.
- Chemical teeth whitening – a more gentle technology is used. The essence of such teeth whitening is as follows: soft tissues are protected with latex material, a special gel with the required concentration of whitening components is applied to the tooth enamel. There is no need for laser or UV light. Gel teeth whitening is not used in our dentistry, as it has a harmful effect on tooth enamel and causes severe sensitivity.
- Laser teeth whitening is considered a safer method for whitening enamel. It gives a quick result immediately after the procedure, and the effect lasts longer. Disadvantages – the same as photobleaching (see above).
- Intra-canal bleaching is used after treatment with old materials, when the sealed canal and the walls of the tooth have turned black. In this case, the doctor removes the filling, creates a container for the material with a special whitening composition and re-fills. In this case, the doctor removes the filling, creates a container for the material with a special whitening composition and re-fills. The procedure is very demanding on the manual skills and knowledge of the doctor, since a violation of the protocol can lead to resorption and removal of the root.
- Whitening with gel and cap is the safest teeth whitening. Teeth whitening with caps consists in the manufacture of special caps, into which a very low concentration of gel is introduced. A cap is put on the teeth, isolating soft tissues and root areas. In a few weeks of phased application, not only the enamel is whitened, but also the dentin – that very “colored” layer of the tooth. Such professional teeth whitening gives an unsurpassed result for at least 3 years, and with proper dental care – even more than 10 years. The low concentration of the whitening agent ensures that there is no sensitivity after the procedure, and the tooth structures are not damaged!
- Magic Smile whitening is another of the photo whitening techniques developed in the USA. Its essence is that a special gel is applied to the teeth, which is based on hydrogen peroxide. The gel is then activated with a cold blue LED lamp. The session includes three successive stages of application. Such LED teeth whitening gives a quick effect. All the disadvantages of this technique are indicated above in the column “Photobleaching”.
- Express teeth whitening is a superficial method, the essence of which is the use of a special gel and lamp. Данный способ способствует незначительному осветлению зубов – на 1 тон.
Of all the presented methods of teeth whitening, the dentist will tell you which one is better to choose in a given situation, which one will be the most effective and safe.
Teeth whitening procedure
Before you decide on the whitening procedure, you need to visit the dentist’s office and get professional advice. The doctor finds out what factors influenced the change in the shade of the teeth. They also examine the gums, take an x-ray to assess the condition of all channels.
Before teeth whitening is carried out at the dentist, a professional cleaning is carried out.
Does it hurt to whiten your teeth? This question is asked by many clients. If there are no contraindications, such as – carious lesions, enamel necrosis, then the correctly selected option should not cause pain. The appearance of significant pain and sensitivity indicates a negative impact on the tooth tissue.
How to behave after teeth whitening
To prolong the effect of photobleaching of teeth, within 7-10 days after the procedure, it is necessary to adhere to the “white diet” – do not eat coloring foods, in particular – tea, coffee, red wine, berries and chocolate. It is important to carry out thorough oral hygiene. If you properly care for your teeth, the result can last up to six months.
Please note that each case is individual. The result and duration of the effect are influenced by the initial data and the condition of the teeth. Of no small importance are taste preferences – if you eat a large amount of coloring foods, then photobleaching will have to be done more often.
In the case of professional teeth whitening with caps, you will not have to adhere to the classic white diet – it is not at all necessary to give up your favorite berries and fruits. For the period of wearing a cap, it is enough to exclude only aggressive chemical dyes from the diet. The effect of the procedure will last at least 3 years, and with proper care and good hygiene – more than 10 years!
The whitening procedure may not be carried out in all cases, since the active substances do not change the color and shade of crowns, fillings, veneers, implants. To change their color, they will need to be completely replaced. There are also other difficult situations when it will not be possible to achieve the expected result.