Bleaching Teething is a teeth whitening process with chemicals in the form of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Bleaching teeth can be done at home, clinic, or in a hospital.
The main difference between teeth whitening at home and in the hospital is the method and the bleaching agent used. Bleaching in the hospital can be done with laser light and bleach with a peroxide content (carbamide or hydrogen peroxide) of about 15–43%.
While bleaching materials at home usually contain around 3–20% peroxide. One way of whitening teeth at home is with a special toothpaste. This toothpaste generally contains abrasive ingredients that will clean the teeth from stains, so that the teeth look white and clean.
Before Bleaching Teeth
Although it can be done at home, the effectiveness of teeth whitening carried out in a hospital is still higher. To get maximum results, pay attention to the following things if you intend to bleach your teeth:
1. The staying power of white teeth is only temporary
The white color of the teeth will not last a lifetime even after teeth whitening. The white color of the teeth lasts for different times, it can be several months to several years. In order to keep teeth looking white, re-treatment needs to be done regularly.
2. Teeth are more sensitive after bleaching
After bleaching, usually the teeth will become more sensitive for about 3-7 days. However, there are also those who do not experience sensitive teeth after bleaching. If you experience it, don't worry, because these sensitive teeth are only temporary and will go away on their own.
3. The results of bleaching are not the same as the results of veneers
Please note that the white color of teeth resulting from bleaching and veneer treatments is different. The white color from teeth bleaching looks more natural, while the white color from the veneer treatment can be made as white as wall paint or even whiter, according to taste.
4. Not all teeth can be bleached
Teeth that have made artificial crowns (dental crowns), implants, dentures, and teeth that have been filled cannot be bleached. In other words, the color of the teeth will not change even after being bleached many times.
5. Bleaching is not recommended for children
Teeth bleaching is not recommended for children who are in the mixed dentition period (permanent teeth and baby teeth). This is because the white color of the teeth will not be the same when the permanent teeth grow. Ask your doctor to find out what type of dental treatment is right for your child.
It should be noted, teeth whitening will not make teeth white permanently. The white color of teeth can return to its original color due to the influence of stains from the food and drinks consumed, smoking habits, and other things that can cause stains on the teeth.
Whether it's done at home or in a hospital, it's best to consult your dentist before bleaching your teeth. In addition, you need to maintain a healthy diet and keep your teeth and mouth clean to get the natural white color of your teeth.
Written by:
drg.Robbykha Rosalien, M.Sc(Dentist)