Information to the patient about the teeth whitening
How times have changed. Not long ago, most patients went
to the dentist just to get rid of their pain or ailments.
Nowadays many of them come to solve aesthetic problems, and
to help their teeth to become whiter and more attractive;
you no longer need to be a top model to enjoy an attractive
smile.
The teeth whitening procedure has been improved over the
last 100 years. Hydrogen peroxide in medical concentrations
together with other whitening products like active energy
are some of most commonly used. This concentrated solution
is applied to the teeth by the dentist. It remains there for
8-10 minutes and, with the application of a special light,
the teeth whiten (oxidation reaction). A suitable isolation
of the gums (gum shield) is necessary to protect the soft
oral tissues. Small white burns in the gums can occur, but
they will disappear shortly after. The discolouration of the
tooth can be extrinsic (the chromatic agents adhere to the
surface of the enamel) or intrinsic (the chromatic agents
are in the dentine or enamels). The common causes of discolouration
are age, coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine, some medicines (like
the tetracycline), fluorosis and certain metals. Less common
causes are lead, copper and haematological disorder. There
are three options for dental whitening:
a) In Clinic Bleaching
This is a treatment of 30 minutes duration carried out in
the clinic by means of a system that is activated by light.
We use the ICEBERG system; this is a 35% hydrogen peroxide
solution, which the dentist mixes in the clinic, with a special
formula of sodium perborate with extract of the female cochineal
beetle. This is a photochemical colour absorbent. The ICEBERG
chemistry in fact enables the hydroxyl radicals to penetrate
into the enamel for a fast and safe bleaching. The gel, once
mixed, is applied three times. ICEBERG Light (Xenon halogen
light) or other lights are directed to both arches for 8 minutes
during each application. This type of light photo activates
the reaction and later on it is rinsed completely and finish,
the teeth are polished using a diamond paste.
b) Bleaching at home
This requires that the patient wears moulds containing the
bleaching gel. This is normally a carbamide peroxide which
is a compound made from urea and hydrogen peroxide. This is
neither as effective nor as fast as hydrogen peroxide. The
moulds must be worn between 3-8 hours daily during 1-3 weeks.
The sensitivity of the teeth and irritation of the gums do
not occur very often. In case they appear, they will disappear
within 24 or 48 hours as do the stains. Often the patients
do not continue the treatment due to the loss of time and
because of the mild sensitivity experienced.
c) Combination of both
Experts in the field of bleaching have demonstrated that
greater and more predictable results take place when they
combine the treatment in the clinic and shorter additional
sessions in the patients’ home.
Well, some stains do not vanish so fast. These will be eliminated
over a period of time that requires several applications.
As the stains that appear are generally a combination of chromatic
agents, we can never predict the maximum possible result.
Some times using the treatment in the clinic amazing results
are obtained, others simply are moderate. But when the patient
is sent home with a self applicable maintenance kit, he can
continue the procedure as many times as he wants, until he
obtains the maximum possible result, normally within one week.
There are a number of cases that are not suitable for bleaching
a) Too great amount of dental pulp (this can increase sensitivity).
b) Other causes of hypersensitivity, such as exposed surfaces
of the root of the tooth.
c) Loss of enamel
d) Extremely dark teeth, especially those with several fillings
where crowns are the best solution.
e) Teeth in which restorations are to be made or especially
teeth that have been laminated.
f) Extended restorations
g) And overall, patient that are perfectionists. The dental
bleaching process is not as perfect as the vaneer. This remains
the most suitable “total cure” for extreme stains.
IMPORTANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION
General description:
The obtained results will vary with each patient and they
cannot be predicted or guaranteed. But, in general;
1. Brown yellow teeth, extrinsic stains and darkened teeth
of a single colour are the most easy to whiten.
2, Gray teeth with fissures or fractures are more difficult
to be treated.
3. The whitening system is a procedure, designed to whiten
teeth that have been maintained with a suitable level of oral
hygiene.
Candidates for the treatment:
Generally almost everybody wants whiter teeth, but…
1. People with important periodontal diseases are not suitable
candidates.
2. People with fillings that must be replaced or with chipped
or worn fillings must be previously treated.
3. Pregnant women must first obtain authorization from their
doctor.
4. Smokers would have to refrain from smoking at the least,
for two or three days before and after the treatment.
Risks:
1. The peroxide solution has been used over many years as
an oral antiseptic and because of its effectiveness in whitening.
If it sensitivity occurs, it may persist for up to 24 hours.
This increase in sensitivity is caused by the bleaching procedure.
In order to reduce sensitivity, it is recommended not to apply
fluorine gel, therefore we recommend an analgesic during the
first 24 hours after the whitening process. After that time
sensitivity should have stopped. If it still persists, contact
your dentist.
2. If you have fillings in a bad condition, cavities in your
teeth, or openings in the teeth from periodontal disease,
the peroxide can have direct access to the vital tissue of
the tooth. Such access of peroxide can cause dental sensitivity.
Such conditions need correction before the treatment; please
report to your dentist.
3. The whitening procedure can be very effective as a dental
bleaching, but it will not change the colour of the fillings
or crowns you already have. For aesthetic reasons, it may
be necessary that such fillings may need to be changed after
the whitening treatment.
Responsibilities:
1. Avoid the consumption of tobacco, tea, coffee, red wine
and strongly coloured foods such as tomato sauce and vegetables
of intense green colour, during the days after the treatment.
2. Do not ever use commercial bleach in the mouth.
3. Keep the dentist informed.
Guarantees
1. The bleaching degree of your teeth can not be guaranteed.
2. The amount of bleaching procedures varies with each person.
3. Additional sessions of whitening and the use of self applicable
maintenance kits can be necessary to obtain the desired results.
FOODS PROHIBITED DURING THE 72 H. AFTER THE WHITENING
- Tobacco
- Coffee
- Tea
- Coke
- Red and rosé wine
- Artichokes
- Beetroot
- Cherries
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Pomegranate
- Watermelon
- Black grapes
- Chocolate
- Coco
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Calamari juice
- Any stew made with colorant and/or saffron (e.g. Paella,
goulash, etc.)
- Any food of strong coloration.
We thank you for your interest and we are at your disposal
to clarify any questions that are important to you.
Customer relations manager
Matilde Diaz
|
