If yellowed teeth have been causing you embarrassment in front of friends,
acquaintances, and colleagues, you do not need to be disheartened
any more. Boston dental spas have now started providing teeth whitening
services, which may be the right option for you.
Cosmetic dentistry has been around for quite some time now. Years of colas-sipping, chocolate munching, smoking, and even drinking tea or coffee have taken the shine off our teeth quite literally. Thankfully, however, dentists have developed various cosmetic tooth whitening boston procedures for restoring our teeth to their original whiteness. These include composite bonding, implants, porcelain veneers, and whitening. Of these procedures, whitening is perhaps the safest, easiest, and most effective. It is also quite affordable. Because of these reasons, whitening is becoming popular around the globe as a surefire way to gaining a winsome smile. And, Boston, a modern metropolis in every way, is not far behind. It has some of the most well-equipped tooth whitening spas in the world.
How is a tooth whitened:
The tooth whitening boston procedure basically involves bleaching of teeth to remove stains accumulated over the years. Bleaching is typically done using a bleaching gel containing hydrogen peroxide. When applied, the gel enters the tiny pores of the teeth and break up the stains that block out the light making the teeth appear whiter. Obviously, the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the degree of staining and the duration for which the gel is applied. Yellow stains are easiest to remove and may require only a one-hour treatment. However, dark brown stains, such as those resulting from heavy medication, are difficult to treat and often require the gel to be left overnight. Even then, it may take up to six months for the treatment to complete as these types of stains are embedded deep into the tooths structure.
Although you can tooth whitening
boston at home using over-the-counter bleaching kits, it is
best if you first consult your dentist. Ask your dentist about the
various alternatives available and the risks and benefits of each
alternative. Your dentist will examine your teeth and may take x-rays,
if required. He or she will also go through your complete medical
history and explain if you need to take any other treatment before
going in for tooth whitening.
For example, if you have a large cavity, this would need to be filled
before the tooth whitening procedure is carried out. You should
also tell your dentist about any medication you are taking and any
allergies you have so that the dentist can plan your treatment accordingly.
What types of treatments available:
You can choose from three types of teeth whitening procedures. While two of
these are performed in the dentists office, the third is a self-administered
treatment that you can take at home. The two in-office whitening
procedures are laser bleaching and power bleaching. In both these
procedures, the dentist first applies a protective material on your
gums and lips leaving only your teeth exposed. Next, he or she will
apply a bleaching gel containing hydrogen peroxide, or some other
bleaching agent, to your teeth. Finally, the dentist will direct
a high intensity light or laser at the teeth. This
activates the bleaching agent in the gel and causes it to release
the oxygen molecules. Typically, a power or laser bleaching session
lasts from 45 minutes to one hour. In some cases, the session may
extend to two hours. Both the power and laser bleaching procedures
can also be used to treat a single discolored tooth as well.
The self-administered whitening procedure, popularly called take-home bleaching, is performed at home but after consultation with a dentist. In this procedure, the dentist takes an impression of your teeth and then creates a customized, well-fitting mouthpiece for you. At home, you just need to apply the bleaching gel on the mouthpiece and then put it on for the period specified by the dentist. As the mouthpiece is customized to fit over your teeth perfectly, the rest of your mouth is protected from contact with the chemicals in the bleaching gel. In a take-home bleaching gel, the concentration of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide is less than that used in power and laser bleaching procedures. Additionally, the take-home gel does not require a strong light source or laser to activate the bleaching agent it contains. Instead, just the contact with your teeth is sufficient to cause the gel to release the oxygen molecules. Typically, home bleaching takes one to three weeks to achieve complete results. You may need to meet your dentist during the course of the treatment so that he or she can check how the treatment is progressing.
Irrespective of the type of tooth whitening boston treatment you take, you
would need to avoid foods that stain, such as tobacco and red wine,
for about a week after the treatment is complete.
How long does the whitening last:
On average, the results of tooth whitening can last for one to three years depending on your food and dental care habits. If you do not smoke or use tobacco regularly and avoid foods that stain teeth, whitening can last longer. Keeping your teeth clean with regular brushing and flossing also helps in maintaining whiteness after the treatment is complete.
What are the risks involved in tooth whitening:
Tooth whitening may cause side effects, such as increased tooth sensitivity and pain or tenderness in the gums and other soft tissues. The level of discomfort experienced can vary from person to person. In most cases, the discomfort experienced is little and usually subsides within 24 hours. If the discomfort lasts longer, an anti-inflammatory drug may be taken. Increased sensitivity can be addressed by placing a gel fluoride in your mouthpiece for one to two hours. However, this should be done only after consultation with the dentist.
Another risk is over-bleaching, which occurs when the whitening gel is applied for longer period than required. In this case, teeth may become translucent so that they appear gray from certain angles. This risk can be minimized by ensuring that you follow your dentists instructions to the letter.
In case of self-administered bleaching, there is an additional risk that you accidentally swallow a small amount of the bleaching gel, resulting in a burning sensation, nausea, or vomiting. The risk is minimal as your mouthpiece is customized to fit perfectly over your teeth. However, if this happens, you should contact a doctor immediately.
What is the cost of this treatment:
The cost of the teeth whitening treatment can vary from person to person depending on the severity of staining. Typically, the cost of take-home whitening treatments ranges from $100 to $500 while that of in-office treatments ranges from $500 to $2000.
Conclusion:
Before you decide to go in for a teeth whitening treatment, it is important that you consult an experienced cosmetic dentist. There are several dentists in the Boston area who specialize in tooth whitening. Boston also has several state-of-the-art spas where tooth whitening can be a luxurious experience
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