A bright, white smile boosts confidence and may improve overall health. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that removes tooth discoloration to make your smile brighter.

Many over-the-counter and in-office whitening treatments use peroxide or carbamide peroxide to bleach intrinsic and extrinsic stains on the hard outer layer of your teeth (enamel) to lighten them. Some do-it-yourself methods also exist but can damage your enamel and gums if used incorrectly. Contact Teeth Whitening Las Vegas now!

Home whitening involves using a tooth-bleaching product regularly to whiten teeth. It is usually done at the patient’s convenience in between dental appointments, but can also be performed under the supervision of a dentist. It is a popular and effective way to improve a person’s smile.

A number of whitening products are available over the counter. They typically contain bleaching compounds, including carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, at lower concentrations than those used in-office or by a dentist. Among the OTC options are toothpastes, whitening strips and gels that can be painted directly on the teeth or delivered in trays. The ADA advises patients to use only products that bear the ADA Seal of Acceptance as meeting safety and efficacy standards.

Despite the wide availability of whitening products, many people still go to the dentist for treatment. This is usually because they are more accustomed to the level of comfort that a professional provides and have a better understanding of what to expect from the procedure. Dentists and hygienists may also be able to address problems such as gum disease or tooth decay that could interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment.

Before starting the whitening process, a thorough oral examination and prophylactic cleaning should be carried out to remove plaque and tartar from all surfaces of the teeth and soft tissue. This helps to reduce the risk of sensitivity during and after whitening. It is also advisable to make sure that the patient has no unresolved issues, such as gum disease or cracked or chipped teeth that can be aggravated by the bleaching agent.

Then, the dentist can provide the patient with a mouthguard or tray to carry out the whitening at home. The patient will be instructed to apply the whitening product on the teeth for a set period of time over several weeks. Generally, it is advised that the patient whitens one arch of teeth first then the other to ensure an even result.

While the whitening process can be very successful, it will not completely whiten discolored teeth or remove staining from crowns, fillings, veneers or bridgework. In these cases, the best option is often to replace these restorations, if possible.

In-Office Whitening

Unlike over-the-counter whitening products, teeth bleaching performed in a dentist’s office can make the patient’s teeth up to seven shades whiter. In most cases, the procedure is done within one session, and results are visible immediately. Aside from the convenience and speed of in-office whitening, it is also one of the safest methods to brighten the smile.

Before a patient undergoes this treatment, they’ll go through a dental exam and cleaning to ensure that the teeth are healthy. This is because a stained or yellow tooth doesn’t respond well to whitening, and may result in pain or sensitivity. The dentist will also check to see if the tooth has any restorations such as fillings or crowns, which can be discolored by the whitening agent.

Once the dentist has determined that the patient is a good candidate, they’ll apply a layer of whitening gel to the tooth surface. The gel is then activated using a special high-intensity light. This accelerates the whitening process by increasing the hydration levels in the enamel of the tooth. The patient will then sit in a chair and relax for an hour or so as the whitening gel takes effect.

After the whitening session is complete, the dentist will rinse the mouth and then apply fluoride to prevent tooth decay from forming in the affected areas. The patient will then be given a kit with the custom-fitted trays and enough carbamide peroxide to use at home, along with tooth desensitizer that will help reduce the likelihood of sensitivity during whitening.

The take-home whitening trays are custom-fitted to the patient’s teeth, which allows for even coverage of the whitening gel. It’s recommended to leave the trays in for about an hour every night for 14 nights. After that, the patient should rinse the trays out and then brush their teeth with toothpaste. They should also avoid drinking or eating anything that would stain the teeth for a few days after whitening. The patient can then schedule a follow-up appointment with the dentist to evaluate the progress of their smile.

Bonding

The appearance of white teeth is a popular cosmetic goal for many people. A white smile conveys youth, health and wealth, but it is important to note that the color of teeth varies by individual genetic makeup. People with naturally darker teeth may experience staining that does not respond to bleaching. Bonding is an excellent solution for patients who wish to achieve a whiter smile, but who are not candidates for tooth whitening. Tooth bonding addresses cosmetic issues such as chips, cracks, gaps and discoloration.

Tooth stains are composed of organic or metal-containing compounds called chromogens that accumulate in or on the surface of teeth. Several studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide can successfully bleach chromogens by reacting with the double bonds to produce a lighter colored compound. It is also important to understand that bleaching techniques can affect the integrity and microstructure of enamel crystals and can increase susceptibility to demineralization.

Before undergoing bonding, it is important to know that your dentist will need to perform an examination and take dental X-rays to ensure that the treatment is safe for you. During this time, your dentist will assess your oral health and determine whether you have severe tooth decay, gum disease, or other serious conditions that need to be addressed prior to proceeding with the whitening process.

Once you are deemed a candidate for bonding, your dentist will use a shade guide to select a composite resin material that closely matches the color of your natural teeth. The tooth surface is then roughened and conditioned to help the resin adhere to the tooth. The dentist applies a putty-like resin and molds it to the desired shape, then hardens it with an intense blue light or laser. After the procedure, your dentist will further trim and shape the material and polish it to match the sheen of your natural teeth.

After a whitening treatment, it is essential to avoid consuming foods and beverages that can cause staining for at least 48 hours. Brushing twice a day, flossing and using sensitivity toothpaste can also help maintain your new, whiter smile. You may want to schedule touch-up treatments every few months to maintain the brightness of your teeth. However, you should be aware that if you whiten your teeth after bonding, the composite resin will not whiten and will appear darker.

Veneers

If you have severely stained, discolored or chipped teeth, veneers are an excellent cosmetic treatment option. Veneers are porcelain shells that cover your natural tooth and can hide many cosmetic problems. They are typically used for the front teeth but can also be used to correct the appearance of the sides or back teeth. Unlike dental crowns, veneers are less invasive and require minimal tooth preparation. They can be placed in just a few appointments, which makes them a quick and efficient solution to concealing flaws in the smile.

Getting a dental veneer will usually require three clinic visits – one to discuss the procedure and two to place them. During the consultation visit, your dentist will examine your teeth and decide if this is the right treatment for you. They may take X-rays and impressions of your mouth to get the best possible result. During the first appointment, they will prepare the tooth by removing a small amount of enamel (less than half a millimeter). A temporary veneer will be put on your tooth while the permanent restoration is created.

On the second visit, they will remove the temporary and attach the permanent veneers to your teeth using a bonding glue. You may feel a bit of sensitivity with the new veneers, but this will quickly fade. You may also need to come back for a follow-up appointment to make sure that the veneers are comfortable and that your bite is properly aligned.

Porcelain veneers are long-lasting and stain resistant, but they will not whiten as well as the natural teeth underneath them. This means that you will need to be careful not to stain them. You should avoid foods and drinks that are known to stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine and tomato-based products, and should brush and floss your teeth regularly to keep them healthy.

Composite veneers are not as durable and will not stain as well as porcelain. They are however, easy to maintain and will look great for a long time with proper care. To protect your veneers, you should avoid biting into hard objects, such as pencils and ice. You should also try to avoid grinding or clenching your teeth, as this can cause them to break or wear down.