Important Facts About Teeth Whitening Falls Church VA

By Miranda Sweeney


The process of removing stains, dullness and discoloration from the teeth is known as tooth bleaching. Some of the things that cause tooth discoloration include cigarette smoke, drinks like coffee and tea, berries, soy sauce and aging. By taking advantage of teeth whitening Falls Church VA residents can improve the appearance of their teeth.

Several tooth bleaching agents are available. They include strips, toothpastes and gels. Although they can make the tooth enamel appear whiter, some of these products have abrasive substances, which can lead to wearing away of the enamel. Some of them are also not able to eliminate stains especially if the teeth are pitted or badly discolored.

To achieve the best results, residents of Falls Church Virginia should opt for professional tooth whitening, which is usually offered by cosmetic dentists. Professional treatments can help reverse the most serious discolorations. The procedure of bleaching teeth is not painful and it does not entail scaling or other invasive treatments.

Most dental practices offer home bleaching kits and laser tooth bleaching. In both processes, peroxide based bleaching compounds of different strengths are used. Gels with a high peroxide concentration are more powerful. These gels are therefore more effective but their potential to cause side effects such as sensitivity or damage to the lips and the surrounding gum tissue is high.

Laser tooth bleaching utilizes light activated bleaching gels to whiten tooth enamel. Dentists usually complete this procedure within one to two hours and the bleaching results are instant. Most dentists recommend that patients who undergo laser bleaching also utilize professional tooth bleaching kits. Before laser tooth whitening is performed, patients consult with a dentist to ensure that they are suitable for the procedure.

Dentists also explain the possible side effects and risks of laser tooth whitening to patients. They usually request patients to sign a consent form to confirm that they have understood the procedure and all the risks involved. Before the procedure begins, hygienists or dentists clean the teeth of a patient thoroughly to remove surface stains and tar. They then prepare the area for the procedure and use a bleaching compound that contains a peroxide concentration of about 4 to 6 percent.

Prior to performing the procedure, your dentist will ensure that the gums are covered by a protective gel material and a roll of cotton to protect them from any damage that can be caused by the bleaching agents. He or she will also protect your lips and cheeks from damage or burning by using retractors. The professional will then put the bleaching compound on tooth enamel and expose it to light from a laser. When the procedure is completed, the dentist will wash off the whitening compounds and take off the gum protection.

If patients opt for professional home bleaching kits, dentists take an impression or mould of their teeth using special dental putty. Dental technicians then use the moulds to cast a model of the mouth of a patient from plaster and make custom tooth bleaching trays from it. After the trays are ready, patients utilize them together with bleaching gel provided by the dentist.




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