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|
| This
means that the colour of the teeth is lightened by placing a bleaching
gel on the outer (external) surfaces of the teeth. Once again, using
bleaching gels in this way may not work for certain types of
discoloration,
such as that caused by metal fillings or damaged blood vessels inside
a tooth. There are two ways to do external bleaching.
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| To
bleach a tooth in this way, the dentist will drill a hole (if it
is a front tooth, the hole will be on the back so that you can't
see it) and put the bleaching product into the hole. The hole will
be sealed with a temporary filling, leaving the bleach inside the
tooth. The procedure won't hurt because the tooth has no nerve inside
it. |
| You'll
have to go back to your dentist about a week later to have the temporary
filling and bleach taken out. If you are satisfied with the new
shade, your dentist will fill the hole with a tooth-coloured filling.
Sometimes, the colour hasn't lightened enough, and the process needs
to be repeated. Occasionally, internal bleaching needs to be combined
with other whitening techniques to achieve the desired effect.
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| The
whitening effects of different bleaching methods can last for a
few years, but this varies from person to person. An analysis of
professional "home" bleaching found that for people who
achieved a lighter shade, only half of them still had whiter teeth
six months later.2 Your eating, drinking, smoking and tooth brushing
habits may have an effect on how long the treatment lasts.
|
| It's
important to bear in mind that bleaching doesn't always result in
the whiteness that you expected. The results vary from person to
person and depend on the shade of your teeth before bleaching. For
this reason, it is important to discuss all the possible options
for improving the appearance of your teeth with your dentist before
you make a decision. |
Will bleaching damage my teeth?
|
| There
is no evidence to suggest that tooth bleaching is harmful to the
gums, but it isn't clear what the long-term effect on the nerves
and blood vessels inside the teeth are. |
| All
dental treatment carries a risk of side-effects, which are the unwanted,
but mostly temporary effects of a successful treatment. Potential
side-effects include sensitivity of the teeth to hot and cold, a
sore throat, tender gums and white patches on the gums.
|
| These
side-effects are more likely to occur during or immediately after
"laser" bleaching and should disappear after a few days.
Contact your dentist if the symptoms persist. |
Who shouldn't have bleaching?
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| There
are some instances when a dentist may recommend that you do not
have bleaching. For example if you have decay, this should be treated
before starting any whitening treatments. Similarly, your gums should
be healthy, so if you have any gum disease this should be treated.
|
| If
your teeth are extremely sensitive to hot and cold food or drinks,
or if there are lots of fracture lines on your teeth, bleaching
may not be recommended.. |
| Some
types of staining (eg tetracycline antibiotic staining) do not respond
to bleaching as well as others. Bleaching, if successful, can take
longer on tetracycline stained teeth. |
| Bleaching
won't work on false teeth, crowns, veneers or fillings (including
tooth-coloured fillings). Instead, your dentist may be able to replace
these with lighter ones. |
| Bleaching
is not recommended for children whose teeth are still developing
or for pregnant or breastfeeding women. |
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