Teeth Whitening, also known as bleaching, can be very beneficial for patients who would like a brighter, more vibrant smile. Depending on the causes it can reduce and even remove many stain issues both on the surface and at the gum line.
At Shiv Dental Clinic we’ve researched the array of treatments available, including those that involve specialized lights and formulations. What we discovered is that the most cost efficient and effective treatment available today involves professional cleaning, followed by the use of clinic grade bleaching material in combination with a custom made, individually fitted tray for use by the patient at home. And, unlike ill fitting over-the-counter trays that rely upon weaker bleaching formulations, the individually fitted tray permits maximum contact between the whitening material, which is applied to the fitted tray, and the teeth. It also minimizes contact of the bleaching material with gum tissue, which permits the use of a stronger clinical grade formulation.
The first step is an oral examination and review of the patient’s medical history, to help determine how the patient’s teeth became discolored. At that time, we also assess whether bleaching is an appropriate course of treatment for the type and extent of stains and number and location of restorations. Once we can determine that whiting will meet the patients expectations, we prepare a custom tray and, together with complete instructions, provide an initial supply of bleaching agent.
We will generally want to see the patient every two or three weeks to ensure that directions are being followed, to check the fit of the customized tray, to inspect gums for signs of irritation, and to see how the teeth whitening process is proceeding.
Although an overview of treatment options is provided in this section of the website, care is always individually tailored to address particular needs and then only after close consultation with the patient.
Teeth presents with 2 types of stains:
Extrinsic Stains: These stains are caused by tea, coffee, cigarettes, pan masala and other tobacco products, spicy food containing lots of red chillies and turmeric. Since these stains are of exogenous origin, they can be removed by bleaching.
Intrinsic stains: These stains are of developmental origin being incorporated within the structure of the tooth. These stains are caused by factors which operate at the time when the tooth is being formed. Common factors responsible for intrinsic staining include drinking of water with high fluoride content, ingestion of tetracyline medication, and injury to the tooth. Bleaching does effect these stains too but the effect varies depending on the severity of the clinical condition.
