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Tooth Whitening/Bleaching - Methods and Risks

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Tooth whitening or bleaching is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. Nearly all of us know someone who has whitened their teeth or has at least contemplated doing it.
Tooth staining and discoloration are common and in some cases can be very embarrassing. Staining or discoloration can occur due to various reasons. Some of the most common reasons are listed below:
  • Trauma to tooth
  • Endodontic treatment
  • Plaque, calculus buildup
  • Consumption of staining foods and beverages. Such as betel, tobacco, caffeinated drinks, red wine, etc.
  • Certain medications
  • Aging
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching)
Tooth Whitening/Bleaching
Dentist In Spokane
Methods
In office Methods
  • Chairside bleaching: The dentist applies a protective coating to the gums before applying a bleaching agent to your teeth (typically hydrogen peroxide). The bleach is then allowed to sit on the teeth to do its work. The waiting time varies based on the strength of the bleaching agent and the desired result.
  • Light accelerated bleaching: The entire process is the same as described above. In addition to the above steps light energy such as LED, plasma, halogen is used to accelerate the bleaching process. Even though research suggests that light acceleration has no impact on the bleaching effect achieved.
  • Internal bleaching: Performed when the staining is also internal, usually performed on teeth that have received Endodontic treatment. A hole is drilled to the pulp chamber and then it's cleaned and space is made for the placement of bleaching gel. The whitening agent is then sealed within the tooth and whitens from the inside out.
At Home Methods
  • Over the counter: Teeth Whitening kits, whitening strips, gels, chewing gums, rinses, toothpaste etc are all available for purchase and come with home usage instructions. Some kits may come with a mini light activator that is believed to accelerate the bleaching process.
  • Natural / Alternative: Activated Charcoal also referred to as activated carbon is claimed to whiten teeth. It's available over the counter and is considered a natural alternative to tooth bleach. Malic acid is another natural method to supposedly lighten teeth. It is found in the juice or apples, particularly green apples.

Risks

  • As popular as teeth whitening is it doesn't come without certain risks. Some of the risks involved are:
  • Enamel damage: Unsupervised dental bleaching can lead to irreversible enamel damage leaving your tooth exposed, accelerating tooth deterioration.
  • Hypersensitivity: Though some degree of sensitivity post bleaching is common and lasts a day or two, persistent sensitivity isn't a good sign.
  • Allergies: Some people may be allergic to the bleaching agent used. The bleaching agent can cause irritation of the mucous membrane.
  • Tissue damage/irritation: This can happen from ill-fitting mouth trays or improper application of protective gel over the gum, such that would leave gums exposed to the corrosive effects of bleaching agent.
  • Over bleaching: Using a higher concentration of bleaching agent or letting it stay on longer than required can result in over bleached teeth that appear very translucent. Over bleached teeth look very unnatural.
  • Uneven Color: Improper application or consumption of staining food or drinks soon after bleaching can lead to uneven results.
  • Bleachorexia: A term coined to refer to an individual's unhealthy obsession with bleaching. Such a person may use bleaching products or services even when their teeth are already white.

Recommendations

All of these risks are caused due to improper use of at home whitening products or due to enlisting whitening services of an unskilled professional. Therefore it is advised that if you are foraying into the world of teeth whitening you enlist the services of a skilled professional in your region.
We recommend visiting Spokane Dentist, Dr. S. Brady Bates at Bates Dental. The staff at Bates Dental is thoroughly professional and knowledgeable. They are eager to help and address all patient queries with patience.
Important article: Choosing The Right Brush With The Lifetime Dental Care
Dr. Bates is the most highly recommended dental professional in Spokane. His patients both past and current speak highly of his dedication towards helping them achieve their goals.
He performs a thorough examination and necessary diagnostic procedures to determine your candidature for teeth whitening. By customising the whitening formulation to suit your individual goals and oral health he eliminates the risk of any damage to your teeth or gums.
Dr. Bates believes in expanding his knowledge and expertise and as an extension of this belief, he continues to advance his education. Striving every day to maintain his reputation as the best dentist in Spokane. His aim is to gift his patients a smile that not only improves their appearance​ but also boosts their self-esteem and confidence. Schedule your appointment now!

References:
  2. Dr. S. Brady Bates is an expert in Teeth Whitening
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Location: 2700 S Southeast Blvd #104, Spokane, WA 99223, USA

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