Using The Professional Bleaching Method For Whiter Teeth

If you feel self-conscious about the colour of your teeth, such as if they are stained from tea, coffee or smoking, you may benefit from teeth whitening. There are a number of products available that try to whiten your teeth, but some products are abrasive and can actually damage your tooth enamel. Professional bleaching is a teeth whitening option approved and offered by dentists. The bleaching method is suitable for use on natural teeth and can lighten your teeth by several shades. Teeth whitening may not be recommended if you have gum disease or very sensitive teeth, but your dentist will examine your teeth and gums before you begin the bleaching method. Here is how the professional bleaching method for teeth whitening works.

External Bleaching

The active ingredient in professional bleaching kits is either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Both of these ingredients penetrate your tooth enamel and remove deep stains, which produces long-lasting results. External bleaching refers to treating the surface of your teeth and this is achieved using a custom-made mouth tray. Your dentist will make a mould of your teeth to create a tray that covers all of your teeth and protects your gums from the bleaching agent. They will show you how to fill the tray with the whitening gel you will use and you will wear the mouth tray for a specified amount of time each day for a few weeks. Your teeth will gradually become whiter and whiter and your dentist will review the results of the whitening treatment to ensure it's working as expected.

Internal Bleaching

Internal bleaching can be used for a tooth that's discoloured as a result of having a root canal treatment, which involves removing the soft pulp from the centre of the tooth. Internal bleaching is carried out by your dentist and involves several visits to their office. During each visit, the dentist will open up the hole in your tooth that was made to carry out the root canal treatment. They will insert bleaching gel into the tooth and then seal it, which allows the gel to work between your appointments. The gel is replaced at each appointment until the tooth matches the colour of the rest of your natural teeth.

The professional bleaching method for teeth whitening has the advantage of being overseen by a dentist and is considered safe, effective and relatively inexpensive given that the results can last for a couple of years when you take your dentist's advice about caring for your teeth. If you'd like to know more about tooth whitening, contact your dentist.