In the world we live in, we have an untold number of ways to stain our teeth. Curry and berries, coffee, red wine, and black tea will do the trick. So will tobacco products. Even extremely cold or hot liquids can stain the teeth by causing them to contract and expand. This allows stains to penetrate the teeth. And last, though not as common, the antibiotic tetracycline stains teeth while they’re still forming. This makes teeth appear gray in color as soon as they pop the gum line.
Just as there are many ways to stain your teeth, there are many ways to whiten them. There are whitening agents in toothpaste and whitening strips purchased from the store. However, these products leave people unsatisfied with the results because they either take longer than expected, or don’t get the teeth as white as they should.
Tooth whitening procedures performed by cosmetic dentists are more likely to get the results people want. As long as proper oral hygiene is part of your daily regimen, your teeth will stay whiter longer, and may even be the shade you were expecting.
Many tooth whitening procedures are a combination of in-office appointments and take-home trays. The take-home trays are customized to fit your teeth, and are filled with a whitening gel. Sometimes you wear the trays while you sleep, other times you only wear them for 30 or 40 minutes. One of the common complaints people have with this type of tooth whitening is that their teeth are sensitive, and the process is uncomfortable. Another problem that still occurs is that people whose teeth are stained by tetracycline don’t have much luck with most tooth whitening procedures. These may now be problems of the past.
Deep Bleaching
One of the latest whitening procedures offered is Deep Bleaching. This option is one that may keep you happy with how white and bright your teeth are for a very long time, and possibly for the rest of your life. Through “power bleaching,” it can get rid of the stains caused by pigmented food and drink, as well as tetracycline stains. And those with tooth sensitivity issues will be glad to know that Deep Bleaching has virtually eliminated this problem.
Procedure
The Deep Bleaching whitening procedure is done in two visits to a cosmetic dentist spaced two weeks apart.
1. After examining your teeth, molds are taken and used as models for your customized trays. A hydrogen peroxide gel is placed on your teeth to condition them for the Deep Bleaching. This helps your teeth absorb oxygen. It is also in this visit where a sealant is placed on your teeth to de-sensitize them.
2. A carbamide peroxide bleaching gel is used with your take-home trays. After 14 days of sleeping with the trays on your teeth so the gel can penetrate your teeth, you will see astounding results that you couldn’t get with just any tooth whitening procedure and certainly not with toothpaste and strips alone. Those who are using Deep Bleaching to remove tetracycline stains may have to use the trays longer.
3. For your second Deep Bleaching appointment, another round of hydrogen peroxide gel is applied to your teeth. For one hour this gel again penetrates your teeth. You will leave with whiter and brighter teeth than ever before.
If you continue to brush and floss, and use the take-home trays and gel periodically, your teeth can stay incredibly white for the rest of your life. Because of the sealant applied during your first appointment, your teeth will continue to have low sensitivity issues. And never again will you feel embarrassed or self-conscious when you smile.
Patricia Woloch
