Hardly anyone has natural, gleaming white teeth despite careful oral hygiene. Certain foods or the consequences of treatments can lead to discoloration of one or more teeth. This is where tooth whitening (bleaching) comes into play. It can help to whiten the teeth.
You can find more information and selected bleaching specialists here.
Bleaching is a method of aesthetic dentistry. It can be used to whiten teeth.
Discoloration of the teeth can have various causes. These include, for example
In the case of tea, for example, the tannins in the tea leaves can settle in the tooth enamel and cause discoloration. This can be tackled by bleaching.
Hydrogen peroxide in varying concentrations is usually used for bleaching. Different strengths are used depending on the bleaching method. The substances must be pH-neutral so that they do not attack the tooth substance.
Tooth bleaching can visibly whiten teeth © New Africa | AdobeStock
Dentistry distinguishes between these common methods:
As the name suggests, home bleaching can be carried out in the comfort of your own home.
You will need special trays for this. They must be custom-made in a dental practice or laboratory. You fill these trays with the gel required for tooth whitening. You then wear the tray for several hours.
The procedure is particularly suitable for whitening entire rows of teeth.
Depending on the extent of the discoloration, several sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired degree of brightness. If the discoloration is particularly severe and stubborn, up to 15 sessions may be necessary.
As the application takes place without medical supervision, the hydrogen peroxide content is lower compared to other methods.
Power bleaching, also known as in-office bleaching, goes one step further. Bleaching takes place in a dental practice.
The bleaching agent is more concentrated with this method, so some safety precautions are necessary. To protect the gums, they are covered with a rubber-like material.
In addition, this method uses UV light or cyan blue light to trigger the whitening effect.
The whitening preparation is applied directly to the teeth. It is particularly suitable for treating individual teeth. One to two applications are required to achieve the desired degree of brightness.
It is particularly suitable for teeth that are already dead or have darkened due to previous root or nerve treatments.
In this method, a whitening agent is applied directly to the tooth. To do this, the dentist must open the crown of the tooth. The agent then remains in the tooth for a few days and the dentist closes the crown temporarily.
In contrast to direct application to the tooth, the whitening effect only begins after a few days.
Here too, several sessions may be required to achieve the desired tooth brightness.
Bleaching is not absolutely necessary. It is a purely cosmetic measure. This is why health insurance does not pay for the treatment.
Most people have bleaching carried out for aesthetic reasons in order to achieve a "radiant white smile". Less frequently, bleaching is requested because a dead tooth has become noticeably darker.
However, tooth bleaching also has its limits. Patients should have the cause of their discolored teeth clarified in advance. Patients should always talk to their dentist before undergoing treatment and discuss the risks.
The whitening effect can last for several years. This depends, among other things, on general oral hygiene. Regular professional dental cleanings can also help to make the result more permanent.
Of course, the bleaching can be refreshed after some time.
In principle, bleaching is generally safe - provided it is carried out professionally - and can help to visibly whiten teeth. Nevertheless, negative effects can occur.
With home bleaching, there is a risk that the patient may accidentally swallow the bleaching agent. In extreme cases, this can lead to problems with the stomach lining. The gums and throat can be damaged if the patient uses too much of the whitening agent, for example.
Power bleaching can also cause discomfort. In many cases, the teeth are very sensitive immediately after the treatment. This is particularly noticeable with cold, hot and particularly sweet or sour foods and drinks. However, these symptoms usually disappear after a few days.
Applying the whitening preparation can also remove important minerals from the teeth. This can result in stains. However, there is no need to worry, as the normal condition is restored after a few days. An agent that accelerates the remineralization process can be applied as a supportive measure.
There is a greater risk of complications with the walking bleaching procedure. Bleaching can weaken the structure of the tooth or teeth. In extreme cases, this can make the tooth brittle and damage the root.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
