Cosmetic Dentistry And Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic dentistry deals with whitening of teeth in a great measure. Whitening or bleaching to suit your budget, your deadlines and your needs can be sought. Though teeth whitening can be done at the dentist’s clinic over an hour session or you can take home a bleaching kit, there are not many who are trying cosmetic dentistry, which promises improvement in the color of your teeth.
First of all, distinguish bleaching from whitening. When you whiten your teeth beyond their normal color, it is known as “bleaching” done through hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. On the other hand “whitening,” means brining back natural color of teeth through removal of stains and rubbish. Though every one of us is blessed with white teeth, because of tooth enamel, over the years enamel is worn, allowing dentin’s color, yellow to show through. Cosmetic dentistry removes the stains, both extrinsic and intrinsic.
Cosmetic dentistry offers In-Office whitening, take home whitening kits, off-the shelf options. Through in-office whitening you can get white teeth in a short period. This is done through application of concentrated peroxide gel. Gums are protected by rubber bridges, and the treatment lasts 15 minutes, repeated twice or thrice, and if the stains refuse to go, you may be given a kit for home use. This is expensive and would cost $650 per visit. The other option, cheaply priced at $100 is take home kits, with lower concentrated peroxide gels with trays resembling mouth guards. The cheapest are the off-the-shelf bleaching kits, which has a gel and a tray, which can whiten only the front teeth. They are priced around $20.
Cosmetic dentistry does not promise you a particular shade of white color, for results differ from individual to individual. Therefore, get an idea from the dentists what kind of results you can expect, and the time frame as well.
There are certain risks associated with cosmetic dentistry. Bleaching might make your teeth sensitive to touch or pressure, if you have gum recession, teeth cracks, etc., and if higher concentrated peroxides are used. Some are likely to have a shooting pain middle of their front teeth, for a day. There may be some gum irritation as well, from bleach concentration or because of the trays coming into contact with gums, which can last for a couple of days, and will stop by itself if concentration of the bleach is reduced. Remember, whitening can only be noticed after 2 weeks; after treatment, porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding should not be used till 2 weeks after bleaching to allow them to set properly.
Cosmetic dentistry recommends a home follow up whitening, once a year. You should avoid foods and drinks which have strong dark colors and if you must drink a cola or dark coffee, use a straw. Above all after-meal brushing and bed time flossing will ensure good hygiene of your teeth. Pregnant women or women who are breast-feeding should not go for teeth whitening.