Dental bleaching and you

All of us want to be healthy, look good, feel proud of ourself and be happy. A smile is a synonym of all this, especially if we have a nice smile.

The shade of your teeth has an important influence on the way we feel. And it is because of this that our patients look to professional dental bleaching.

When we do a dental bleaching, we look for the following:

  • Obtaining a change in the shade of our patient’s teeth
  • Mantaining the newly achieved shade for as long as possible

With this in mind, we need to take a look at the color of the teeth, understand why they have changed and determine if the stains are internal or external.

To decide exactly how to achieve a new color in the patient’s teeth, we start with a very simple dental evaluation. This will allow us to select the type of bleaching suitable to the patient´s needs as well as the care the patient needs to obtain the smile we are all looking for.

It’s important to remember that a dental bleaching should always be done under professional supervision. This allows us to avoid the risks of sensitivity and damage to teeth and gums and to prevent undesirable results. 

Who is a good candidate for dental bleaching?

  • Patients who are not satisfied with their current tooth color
  • Patients who do not have cavities
  • Patients without a history of dental sensitivity
  • Patients with healthy gums

It is important to take into consideration that a dental bleaching can have an effect on teeth but not on old fillings. This is especially important to keep in mind for patients whose front teeth have filling, the result can be more evident once the treatment is completed. In many situations, fillings may need to be replaced in order to match the new shade.

What type of dental bleaching exist?

Chair-side: This is completed in 45-60 minutes. It is the most common type of bleaching and the one most of our patients request. In just a one appointment, we are able to achieve the whitest shade possible using the Phillips System: Zoom!

Home bleaching: This method is used for patients who have dental sensitivity or gum recessions. A tray is worn for 30 minutes during the day or during sleep hours for a week. Changes in teeth color is slower, but more stable, reducing the chance for pain that is often experienced with non-professional products.

What should be done to maintain the new color after bleaching?

Avoid foods such as wine, black beans, dark sodas, etc. that have pigments in them. Brush and floss regularly and have periodic dental cleanings. These simple actions should keep the new color for long period of time.

Regardless of which option is chosen (chair-side or home bleaching), the patient should return for touch-ups every 6 months or annually. This will allow the patient to share his or her beautiful smile with friends and family for a long period of time.