Page 42 - Amazing Smiles

CHAPTER THREE figure 43
figure 44
For many patients, teeth do not always
have to be replaced or restored. They just may
need to be lightened and brightened in order to
look better. The solution is often teeth bleaching.
There are many over the counter bleaching
products available that have some limited ability
to whiten teeth. For the best and safest way to
bleach your teeth, you should consider
professionally administered tooth whitening by
your cosmetic dentist. There are two ways to
professionally bleach and lighten your teeth.

One method is with an in-office bleaching
system that requires about an hour of your time
(figure 43). Your teeth are isolated and a strong
bleaching agent is applied to your teeth. Your
teeth are then placed under a powerful light
source that activates the bleaching agent. Your
teeth will be brighter within one hour of this treat-
ment.

A second technique for bleaching or whitening
your teeth is performed by creating a thin soft
custom tray that fits over your teeth. This is called
a ‘bleaching tray’ (figure 44). A bleaching gel is
placed inside the tray by the patient. It is worn in
the mouth at home for a few hours each day or
night. The maximum benefit from this technique
will be seen in four to six weeks.

Whether an in-office bleaching technique, or
an in-home bleaching tray technique is used, all
teeth bleaching tends to fade over time. To
restore the brightness that had been achieved,

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