Professional Teeth Whitening Methods

Your smile is the first thing people notice about you. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with a perfect smile with flashy white teeth. However, cosmetic dentistry allows you to acquire a perfect smile with the help of various teeth whitening methods and techniques. Out of all the methods, professional teeth whitening methods give you the most satisfactory and long-lasting results.

There are several causes for discoloration of teeth. Coffee or tobacco stains are also responsible for yellowing of teeth. The color of teeth fades naturally during the aging process. Sometimes, damage to nerves or blood vessels underneath the teeth also results in stained, discolored teeth. Smoking is yet another factor that contributes to discolored teeth. However, all these undesirable effects can be revered using professional teeth whitening techniques.

Professional Teeth Whitening Methods

External Bleaching
External method of professional teeth whitening includes applying a bleaching gel or professional teeth whitening gel, on the exterior surface of the tooth. There are three mechanisms by which this process works.

• First mechanism is called 'home bleaching', which is more or less similar to any other teeth whitening method. Your dentist will give you a custom-made rubber mouth tray, which will fit exactly in your dental cavity. You'll also receive the tubes of bleaching gel, which you are supposed to fill in the mouth tray. You'll require to put the mouth tray on for at least few hours everyday for some weeks to achieve the desired effect.
• The second method is called 'power' or 'laser' method. In this method, bleaching gel is applied on the surfaces of teeth and then a laser or very high intensity light is used to enhance the effect of bleaching gel on your teeth. You may be given rubber sealing to prevent your gums from getting exposed to the laser.
• The third method uses the combination of the first two methods. The home bleaching may precede or succeed the power bleaching method. The desired results will largely depend upon the type of products used and the expertise of your dentist.

External bleaching method is not effective when the discoloration is due to metal fillings or damaged blood vessels.

Internal Bleaching
Internal teeth bleaching method is the best professional teeth whitening method, as it also works for teeth with damaged blood vessels. Firstly the teeth is root treated, meaning, the damaged blood vessels are replaced with rubber fillings. Then, the dentist drills a hole in your teeth, mostly on the back side, so that it is not visible. He then fills the hole with the bleaching product, which sits inside the tooth. This filling is for temporary basis and is required only to get a desired shade. If you are happy with the new shade, the filling will be replaced by a new and permanent bleaching product, which matches the desired shade. However, you may not get the expected result in the first sitting itself, hence, you may have to visit your dentist, until you are happy with the outcome.

Cost of Professional Teeth Whitening Methods

Cost of teeth whitening depends upon the particular method selected. The laser or power teeth whitening method costs anywhere between $100 to $800. The home bleaching method may cost you somewhere between $800 to $2000. While, the internal bleaching method is expensive and may cost you several thousand dollars.

Professional teeth whitening methods are becoming increasingly popular due to their bright results. People prefer them over the counter teeth whitening products, since they give nearly permanent results. Thus, they can truly give you a chance to flash that dazzling smile of yours!