As I mentioned in my previous article, there are basically two bleaching methods: in-office and at-home bleaching. After your dentist gives an initial examination of your teeth and records the shade you have, then determine whether you are a candidate for tooth bleaching and what type of bleaching system should be used.
If you’re in a big hurry for whiter teeth, you may decide to have in-office bleaching where the dentist will whiten your teeth in a dental chair. Your dentist will use brand name dental bleaching agent to whiten your teeth and a UV light or other light sources to accelerate the whitening process. Typically, this in-office bleaching takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on the conditions of your teeth. Currently, one of the most popular in-office bleaching materials is Zoom!ï from Discus Dental.
For at-home bleaching, the dentist or hygienist will take impressions of your teeth to fabricate your bleaching tray. The clear bleaching tray is custom made for your mouth only and is tightly fit and thin, so that it can be conveniently worn. It can be comfortably worn while sleeping or while awake. You should even be able to talk with your bleaching tray. Along with the tray, you’ll receive the bleaching materials. You’ll be instructed to wear the tray for two to four hours a day or at night while you sleep. Generally it requires three to six weeks to complete.
Whitening results should last for about one to five years depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. Several studies have proven its safety during the past five years. The American Dental Association has also granted its seal of approval to some tooth bleaching products. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.
For more information, please call Dr. Sun at 661-799-8800, visit www.DrSunDDS.com, or go to her dental office at 23450 Lyons Avenue, Suite B, in Newhall.