Chairside Bleaching
Get ready for a spring makeover! Whitening your teeth can drastically change your appearance and boost your self esteem at the same time. If you are the type of person that likes instant results, you might consider chair side bleaching which can be performed directly in the dental office.
While several cosmetic dentistry options are available for teeth whitening, chair side bleaching can dramatically lighten your teeth (around 4-6 shades) in about an hour.
How It Works
During an in office bleaching treatment, the dentist will more than likely use a product containing anywhere from 15% to 35% hydrogen peroxide gels. Before beginning the teeth whitening treatment, the dentist will isolate the gum areas by placing a gel or special shield to protect the soft tissues.
After the dentist has isolated the gum tissues, he / she then applies the hydrogen peroxide gel to the teeth. A laser or a special light could possibly be used to increase the whitening effect. The bleaching gel is then rinsed off and this procedure is usually repeated several times.
Effectiveness
If you have any visible crowns or white fillings, you may want to consider having them replaced in a lighter shade because they will not lighten during a bleaching process and will stand out against your recently whitened teeth.
Side Effects
The most common side effect associated with bleaching procedures is teeth sensitivity. The sensitivity usually disappears within 24 hours of an in office teeth whitening treatment.
Talk to Your Dentist
Before deciding upon any type of teeth whitening treatment, it is important to visit your dentist for a check up and cleaning. Only your dentist can decide if you are a candidate for having your teeth whitened and what type of teeth whitening treatment would work the best for you.
