What You Should Know About Tooth Bleaching
While a tooth bleaching treatment is considered a generally safe dental procedure, there are several underlying factors that will help you and your dentist decide which method is best for you. As with any other cosmetic enhancement, a patient should know what his options and risks are before undergoing any dramatic change in any part of the body.
It is extremely important to understand the different elements that play a role in the entire process before you make your decision final. Here are the top 7 facts you should know about a tooth bleaching treatment:
1. If you have a prevailing gum disease, you should not undergo a tooth bleaching procedure. This is a standard rule in the cosmetic dentistry field. This is because the chemicals used in bleaching might cause an adverse reaction and worsen the condition of your gums. Check with your dentist before deciding to have a tooth bleaching treatment. The gum disease must first be treated, and the patient must wait until after complete recuperation.
2. Any tooth cavity should first be filled before any tooth bleaching procedure is performed. A cavity is a hole in the tooth that is a result of decay. In this case, the tooth becomes overly sensitive and causes a deep pain when food particles get wedged in the cavity. Before bleaching, see to it that any hole has been covered to prevent the incidence of toothache and other complications.
3. Tooth bleaching treatments have side effects. It is wrong to think that this procedure is free from post-treatment trauma – patients commonly experience mild to intense gum irritation and teeth sensitivity for several days after the procedure. There may be difficulties in brushing, flossing and eating. However, these conditions are only temporary.
4. Tooth bleaching treatments are usually not covered by dental insurance policies. Before undergoing any procedure, be sure to get an estimate of the cost in advance to avoid overspending. Some tooth bleaching methodologies are more expensive than others, especially those that apply laser techniques and other in-clinic procedures. It is good to be financially prepared before beginning a treatment.
5. Fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers cannot be bleached. This means that when you have your tooth bleaching treatment, you are at risk for having varying shades of teeth if you have previously undergone any form of cosmetic dentistry that involves teeth colour. While the bleach will work on the untouched teeth, the remaining others will still maintain their default colour, resulting in Technicolor teeth.
6. Tooth bleaching kits given by a professional dentist is definitely more effective than store-bought home tooth bleaching kits. This is because a bleaching kit from your dentist contains a higher dose of peroxide. Further the teeth tray can be customized to fit you exactly as opposed to the one-size fits-all trays that typically come with store-bought kits.
7. White teeth from tooth bleaching do not last forever. You will have to revisit your dentist regularly for touch ups otherwise; your teeth will slip back into their pre-bleached state. It is also recommended to stay away from smoking and ingesting dark coloured food and beverages because they stain the teeth. You have to protect your investment.
