Dentist Redmond, Alan Nohr D.D.S., Redmond Medical Center, a Redmond Dentist, Redmond, Washington. Bleaching

Esthetic Dentistry - Bleaching

Bleaching - Achieving The Brightest, Whitest Smile

WHAT IS BLEACHING?

Bleaching is simply a method of lightening teeth. It involves the application of a bleaching agent which whitens the enamel on the surface of your teeth.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM BLEACHING?

If you are not pleased with the color of your teeth, then you may be a candidate for bleaching. It is only natural to want brighter teeth! Your smile is the most important aspect in presenting yourself and appearance to others. Modern advanced methods of lightening teeth are the product of many years of research and careful considerations of safety, and the most effective means of treating discolored teeth.

DOES BLEACHING WORK WITHOUT HURTING MY TEETH?

If performed properly under the supervision of a dental professional, research has shown that bleaching works without lasting damage to underlying dental tissues.

WHAT CAUSES TOOTH DISCOLORATION?

Tooth color is largely a matter of inherited tendencies. Some of us are born with the tendency for lighter (or darker) teeth. Similarly, some people's teeth respond better to bleaching than others do. In addition to heredity, the color of your teeth depends on the number and location of caries, how the teeth have been restored, how well teeth have been cared for, and other lifestyle factors. The causes of tooth discoloration can be classified in two major categories: EXTERNAL CAUSES and INTERNAL CAUSES.

EXTERNAL CAUSES

External causes include the use of any substance that can stain tooth enamel, such as all types of tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff). Coffee and tea are also major causes of tooth discoloration. Patients who are candidates for bleaching have to realize that the end result of bleaching will not last if the teeth are continually exposed to these substances.

INTERNAL CAUSES

Internal causes include problems originating within the body:

	Tetracycline Discoloration -
	We have known for some time that the use of the powerful antibiotic tetracycline for young children can cause permanent staining of the teeth.

	Fluorosis Staining -
	Fluorosis staining is the result of ingesting large amounts of fluoride during the development of the teeth. Staining from excessive fluoride is permanent.

	*Discoloration From Dental Disease -*
	A tooth may become greatly discolored as a result of disease or death of the nerve of the tooth. This can be caused by trauma or infection. Such discoloration is permanent but may respond well to bleaching.

	Discoloration can be caused by the natural aging process -
	The natural process of aging may produce discoloration. Stains accumulate simply because the teeth have been around longer and have been exposed to a variety of stains for a long period of time. This factor is complicated by the fact that the tiny fractures and chips that are more common with age tend to collect stain more readily than younger teeth. Bleaching can be extremely helpful in treating the discoloration that ordinarily occurs with aging.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Bleaching works because the the enamel surface of the teeth are porous. The porous nature of the enamel allows the bleaching solution to penetrate the tooth surface where the bleaching reaction occurs.

PROS AND CONS OF BLEACHING

There are distinct advantages and disadvantages of bleaching. Bleaching is a safe, effective procedure for some types of discoloration. It is usually painless for adults, requiring no anesthesia. Since bleaching requires no removal of natural tooth tissue it is considered a conservative method of lightening teeth. Bleaching can be time-consuming and require many hours to complete. It is not always possible to achieve the exact color that a patient desires. Special attention to the patients esthetic concerns is paramount for success. Bleaching alone may not achieve the desired result.