Whiter teeth

More and more people want to have whiter and more beautiful teeth. And it is that one gives a more youthful and healthy appearance. That is why tooth whitening is currently the aesthetic treatment for which more information is requested.

Throughout the history of dentistry, options have been sought for whiten teeth, but with not very satisfactory results, and sometimes with very harmful side effects. It was not until recently that we have more effective and less aggressive products, although they do not reach the perfection that we would like.

Different techniques and products have been used for teeth whitening, but the most suitable substance, without a doubt, is carbamide peroxide, which makes it the most used today. With carbamide peroxide, a totally white tone is not achieved, but it is possible to lower 2 or 3 tones of the shade guide that dentists have.

The teeth whitening They are indicated for intrinsic dental darkening, but it must be taken into account that the older the patient is, it is more difficult to offer satisfactory teeth whitening.

Types of teeth whitening

External whitening

They are the most requested. It is done with dental splints to which a whitening gel is applied. The dentist will take some impressions of the patient, which are then cast in plaster to obtain models, with which splints are built, which are the ones that will be given to the patient to make the home application of the bleaching agent always after making one. As side effects, there may be an increase in tooth sensitivity, which can be alleviated.

In cases that present a very strong sensitivity it will be advisable to stop the treatment, in fact the tooth sensitivity would be considered a contraindication. Ideally, you should alternate treatment at home with treatment at the dental clinic, where the whitening agent is used at a stronger concentration.

Internal whitening

To carry out this type of whitening it is essential to have them, since the bleaching agent is introduced into the pulp chamber. It is indicated in very severe stains of tetracyclines or teeth darkened by pulp necrosis. It is a very grateful treatment but with very specific indications, since it is not very conservative.

Why teeth become stained?

There are different reasons why teeth are losing their enamel and stains occur on it. We can classify these causes into two large groups:

• Intrinsic: they are what we cannot control. They are caused by some medication taken in the tooth formation stage, such as tetracyclines, or poor dental calcification, dental trauma and the inevitable dental aging. It is important to highlight the latter because as we get older, the teeth become duller and darker.
• Extrinsic: they are the controllable causes since they are given by the consumption of certain foods or mouthwash products. For example, the, the, the infusions, the coffee and the use of long-term rinses with chlorhexidine (oral antiseptic).

• They get dirty… from wine, tobacco, coffee and frequent rinses with chlorhexidine.
• Most effective is ... bleaching them with carbamide peroxide.
• At home and in consultation: splints with the whitening agent are worn at home, which is ideal to alternate with treatment in consultation at a higher concentration.