Teeth whitening (Tooth bleaching)
Tooth Whitening
The color of teeth varies from person to person. Some individuals have naturally yellow teeth, others have white teeth, and some may have dull or darkened teeth. These variations can be influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, lifestyle habits (like smoking or drinking coffee), age, and oral hygiene practices. Regular cleaning, professional whitening treatments, and good oral care can help improve and maintain the appearance of teeth.
The causes of tooth discoloration include:
- Taking certain medications during childhood, between the ages of 3-12 years, such as tetracycline, can cause permanent tooth discoloration, resulting in yellow, gray, or dark-colored teeth. In some cases, excessive fluoride exposure during the development of permanent teeth can lead to uneven tooth color or the appearance of white spots or mottling (dental fluorosis).
- Consuming dark-colored beverages regularly, such as tea, coffee, and soda, as well as smoking, can lead to plaque buildup on the teeth. If proper brushing isn't done, stains from food and drinks can easily accumulate on the surface of the teeth.
It causes tooth stains, and as they accumulate, yellow or brown stains become visible.
- This occurs when the tooth dies, which can happen due to deep decay reaching the pulp or from a strong impact, such as an accident, causing the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth to stop supplying nutrients. This is known as a "dead tooth" or "necrotic tooth". It is often seen as a discolored tooth, typically appearing dark or grayish in color.
- Teeth that change color due to genetic disorders, resulting from abnormalities in the development of tooth formation.
***Teeth that change color due to genetic disorders resulting from developmental defects in tooth formation.
This condition may be associated with structural abnormalities in the teeth, and other methods, such as dental fillings, may be required as part of the treatment.
Other treatments, such as veneers or dental crowns, may also be necessary.***
How do they do teeth whitening?
Before teeth whitening, patients should be informed about the procedure, the expected results, and the potential risks involved.
Along with the benefits and drawbacks of the treatment.
After the doctor evaluates the condition of the oral cavity, including any cavities, the condition of fillings, periodontal health, wear, cracks, tooth sensitivity, the cause of tooth discoloration, and inquires about the patient's expectations and any history of allergies to whitening agents.
Teeth whitening has two main techniques:
- In-office teeth whitening
The dentist will first compare the patient's original tooth color before whitening, then proceed with polishing and cleaning the teeth to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains, ensuring the whitening gel can work more effectively on a clean surface.
The dentist will remove plaque buildup from the tooth surface and protect the gums by applying a resin to cover the gum area, ensuring protection for the gums and other surrounding tissues during the whitening process.
The whitening gel is applied to the teeth, allowing it to remain in contact with the tooth surface for 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. (The reaction of the whitening gel may be enhanced using light or laser.) After the specified time, the gel is removed, and the resin covering the gums is taken off. The dentist will then compare the tooth color before and after the whitening treatment. If the patient has very dark teeth, the procedure may be repeated, or at-home whitening techniques may be used in conjunction with the in-office treatment.
- At-home teeth whitening
At-home teeth whitening has seen the development of various products, such as gel whitening solutions used in conjunction with whitening trays. After the patient undergoes an initial dental examination and understands the treatment details, the dentist will record the patient's original tooth color. The dentist will also take an impression of the patient's mouth to create a custom whitening tray. The patient will be scheduled to return to receive the tray and the whitening gel. During this follow-up visit, the dentist will fit the tray into the patient's mouth to check for any excess pressure on the gums and ensure the tray fits snugly. The dentist will also explain how to use the whitening tray correctly.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Generally, in-office teeth whitening results in a quicker return of whiteness compared to at-home whitening. After whitening, the teeth may become darker again due to external factors, such as food and beverages consumed. The duration of the whiteness depends on various factors, including oral hygiene and lifestyle choices.
It depends on the patient's consumption habits and oral hygiene maintenance. Generally, the whiteness can last for about 1-3 years. After teeth whitening, it is important to avoid foods that can stain, such as tea, coffee, red wine, and curry, especially during the first 1-2 weeks. If the patient experiences significant tooth sensitivity, it is recommended to stop whitening until the sensitivity subsides before resuming the treatment.
Are there any other side effects of teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening, when done properly, does not harm the enamel, so it is generally not dangerous if done frequently. However, the concern is not only the enamel but also the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth. These tissues are organic, unlike the inorganic enamel, and they are more susceptible to irritation from the hydrogen peroxide used in teeth whitening. If hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with the gums or soft tissues during the whitening process, it can cause irritation and potentially lead to inflammation. Therefore, it is important to consult with a dental professional before undergoing teeth whitening treatments.
How often can teeth whitening be done?
Each person has different natural tooth color, enamel composition, and sensitivity to the whitening agents.
There is also a difference in the concentration levels of whitening agents used in the clinic and those used at home. As a result, the risks associated with frequent whitening treatments may vary. Therefore, it is important to consult with a dentist before undergoing teeth whitening.
Dental Veneers (Dental Veneer)
Veneers are made from "composite" or "ceramic" materials, which are thin and small in size. They are designed to closely resemble natural tooth enamel in terms of color and shape. Veneers are bonded to the front surface of the tooth, fitting snugly against the tooth's surface for a seamless appearance.
The materials used to make veneers 2 types are as follows:
- เรซิน คอมโพสิต (Resin composite) เป็นวัสดุแบบเดียวกับที่ใช้ในการอุดฟัน มีอายุการใช้งานที่น้อยกว่าแบบพอร์ซเลน และมีความใสของสีที่น้อยกว่า เหมาะกับคนที่มีปัญหา มีฟันห่าง ฟันเล็ก ฟันบิ่น ฟันเกเล็กน้อย ฟันที่มีสีไม่เสมอกัน และมีงบประมาณจำกัด
- พอร์ซเลน (Porcelain) เป็นวัสดุเซรามิก มีคุณสมบัติที่มีความทนทานสูง และเนื้อมีความสวยงาม วาวเป็นธรรมชาติ เหมาะกับผู้ที่ต้องการผู้ความมั่นใจ เพราะวีเนียร์พอร์ซเลนจะเหมือนฟันจริงมากที่สุด และมีอายุการใช้งานนาน จึงทำให้วัสดุพอร์ซเลนมีราคาสูงกว่าวัสดุคอมโพสิต
Currently, porcelain veneers are more popular than composite veneers because ceramic materials do not absorb food colors, which helps prevent staining and discoloration. This makes porcelain a preferred choice for long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing results.
- Veneers are commonly used to address minor dental issues and enhance the appearance, such as problems with tooth color, gaps between teeth, chipped teeth, bunny teeth, and uneven teeth.
- Veneers can make teeth look more beautiful and whiter.
- Veneers cause minimal damage to the tooth structure as they only cover a small portion of the front surface, unlike crowns which require more extensive tooth reshaping.
- Veneers, especially porcelain ones, are highly durable and resistant to staining from food, drinks, and tobacco, maintaining their aesthetic appearance over time.
- Yes, veneers can effectively conceal discolored or irregularly shaped teeth, providing a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Who are veneers suitable for?
Veneers are suitable for people with the following dental issues:
- ผู้ที่มีปัญหาฟันมีสีดำ คล้ำ ฟันเหลือง สีฟันไม่ขาวใสเป็นธรรมชาติ ทำให้เกิดปัญหา ขาดความมั่นใจ ไม่กล้าส่งยิ้มให้ใคร
- Those with issues like misaligned or uneven teeth, causing difficulty in chewing food and speaking.
- Those with issues such as small teeth, chipped teeth, rabbit teeth, or unattractive teeth, leading to a lack of confidence.
- Those with gaps between their teeth, leading to a lack of confidence and difficulty chewing food. This can cause food particles to get stuck between the teeth, resulting in tooth decay and bad breath.
Benefits of Getting Veneers
- Correct the shape of teeth, such as short teeth, smaller-than-usual teeth, cracked teeth, chipped teeth, etc.
- Can conceal the misalignment of teeth, such as slightly crowded teeth or gaps between teeth.
- Can improve the color of teeth and conceal unattractive discoloration, such as yellow teeth that cannot be whitened to the desired shade or teeth with spots.
- The tooth color can be chosen according to the patient's preference.
- It can improve the condition of problematic teeth, restoring their functionality and bringing back a beautiful smile, boosting confidence once again.
Important Information About Veneer Treatment
In the veneer treatment process, it is recommended to scale the teeth, fill cavities, treat gingivitis, or treat root canal issues according to the condition of the teeth. The enamel may need to be lightly trimmed to ensure proper adhesion of the veneer. During the bonding of the veneer, mild tooth sensitivity may occur in the areas where the enamel was shaved down to the dentin layer, which typically resolves within 1-2 weeks.
The difference between composite resin veneers. (RESIN COMPOSITE)
And porcelain veneers. (PORCELAIN)
| Resin composite | Porcelain |
| Resin composite is a material similar to that used in dental fillings. It has a shorter lifespan compared to porcelain veneers, and its color transparency is less than that of porcelain. It is also more prone to staining. | Porcelain is a ceramic material that is highly durable and has a beautiful, natural shine. It is ideal for those who want the most confidence, as it closely resembles real teeth. |
Dental gap filling
Filling the gaps between teeth: What is it ?
Space closing is the process of using resin composite material to fill gaps between teeth, bringing them closer together for aesthetic purposes. It is commonly done on the front teeth to improve appearance.
Under what circumstances is it necessary to close gaps between teeth ?
Front or back teeth that are spaced apart.
The gap size should not exceed 2-3 millimeters, as a larger gap may make the teeth appear too large and unattractive. In such cases, orthodontic treatment might be necessary to correct the alignment.
