TEETH WHITENING

Dental whitening with the PHOTO lamp

How to whiten teeth?

Teeth whitening is a chemical process in which peroxide compounds (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) are used in the form of gels. These gels are applied to the teeth and a chemical reaction takes place. The peroxides, being in intimate contact with the teeth, decompose and release oxygen ions that combine with the "color" molecules in the tooth structure and increase their degree of solubilization resulting in degradation products: water, oxygen and ammonia that are present in the body normally. Teeth whitening can be done in the office or at home.

WHITENING IN THE OFFICE: are the most effective because they use gels of high concentration (38%) whose effect is potentiated by exposure to the LED lamp. The whitening treatment with the LED lamp can last up to 3 sessions (30-45 minutes each), after which the teeth can lighten up to 10 shades. The doctor will apply a lip remover to the patient and protect the gums with a gel (liquid dam) that is polymerized with a photo lamp. Then put the whitening gel on the teeth and expose them to the LED lamp for 30-45 minutes.

Who is a good candidate for teeth whitening?

The dentist must determine whether the patient can benefit from teeth whitening or not. In principle, anyone can benefit from teeth whitening, with the exception of children under 15, pregnant or breastfeeding women, patients allergic to peroxides, gum disease, exaggerated tooth sensitivity or tooth erosion! The degree of whitening differs from patient to patient depending on the density of the tooth, porosity, the nature of the coloring, eating habits, the number of whitening sessions performed, the concentration of the whitening gel and the time it is in contact with the teeth.

Is teeth whitening harmful?

Teeth whitening DOES NOT AFFECT ENAMEL, teeth do not decay faster. On the other hand, teeth whitening products (the professional ones, which we use in the office) contain fluoride and potassium nitrates, Ca, Mg, Zn mineral salts that strengthen the tooth and desensitize it. The only drawback that can occur during the treatment is gingival irritation in case in which the whitening gel comes into contact with the gums accidentally or in rare cases, dental sensitivity. The irritation of the gum is manifested by its whitening accompanied by a slight stinging sensation, which subsides approximately 15 minutes after the treatment or upon the immediate application of the soothing gels with lidocaine (PANSORAL) on the gums. If your teeth are more sensitive after the whitening treatment, you should know that the sensitivity will go away in 2-3 days. To overcome this shortcoming more easily, use desensitizing toothpastes (SENSODYNE), desensitizing gels applied in mouthwashes at home or in the office for daily brushing.

You can also take 1-2 tablets/day of Ketonal or Nurofen forte for 2-3 days to improve tooth sensitivity. Irritation and sensitivity do not occur in all patients. The stages of a whitening session with a Led lamp at BDC and LSD

 This procedure is very comfortable for the patient, easy to bear and even relaxing, offering the fastest and most effective results.

1. the dentist will take the initial shade of your teeth with the help of the color key.

2. the dentist will install a lip spacer that will better expose your front teeth (the ones that are visible when you smile)

3. the gum will be protected from contact with the whitening gel by applying a protective layer of fluid gingival barrier.

4. the whitening gel will be applied to the front teeth and will be kept for 15-30 minutes under the action of the very strong light produced by the LED lamp

5. the gel will then be removed and, if necessary, a new layer will be applied for the same period of time

6. after the set time, the lip spacer and the gum barrier will be removed and you will rinse vigorously with water.

7. the dentist will measure the shade of white obtained with the help of a color key. during the treatment, because the teeth are dry due to dehydration, they will appear even whiter. the final color will be considered the one measured one week after the end of the treatment, at the time of the final stabilization of the color.

8. the dentist will recommend the means to maintain the results, scheduling you for the next treatment (after 6-12 months) or will recommend the use of substances that can be used at home (toothpaste, dietary habits, etc.)

9. topical fluoridation is done with a special gel, applied after the whitening session. do not drink, do not eat, do not rinse for 30 min.

Indications for Dental Whitening with the LED lamp

To keep your smile white for as long as possible, you only need to follow the following tips: After each tooth whitening treatment, the following 24 hours are essential. During this time it is recommended to consume only water as the whitening gel is still active in the tooth enamel.

If you use a regular toothpaste, you should give it up. It is recommended to use a toothpaste with a whitening effect starting from the day you did the whitening treatment. Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day, in the morning and in the evening before sleep.

Use dental floss. Unfortunately, tooth brushing is not enough because the bacteria are also positioned on the sides of the teeth where the toothbrush does not reach. Using dental floss, you remove the bacterial plaque accumulated between the teeth as well as along the gums.

Follow the White Diet in the next 24-48 hours after treatment without red, purple, brown, black colored drinks, colored sauces, dark chocolate, jams.

The advantages of INSTANT whitening in the office:

- speed because no other bleaching procedures are needed
- it is done in the office under the control of the dentist
- low sensitivity

What type of coloring is best removed by INSTANT treatments in the office?

- those caused by age
- food pigments
- nicotinic pigmentations

Colorations resistant to INSTANT bleaching in the cabinet:

- those caused by inorganic substances (non-food)
- those produced by traumas that cause very deep cracks in the tooth or colored fracture lines
- stains caused by tetracycline can only be partially removed
- white spots caused by fluoride in excessive amounts fluorosis).