Contact Dr. Alireza Moshaverinia in Los Angeles for expert guidance on choosing the appropriate teeth bleaching method. It’s important to address extreme teeth bleaching obsession, known as “bleachorexia,” and set realistic expectations. Subsequent bleaching sessions will not make your teeth whiter and whiter.
Teeth whitening systems primarily rely on peroxide, a bleaching agent that can enhance tooth whiteness. Peroxide is most effective on yellow teeth, less effective on brown teeth, and has limited effectiveness on gray-colored teeth. Teeth discolored by antibiotics may also resist bleaching.
American Dental Association (ADA) has approved certain bleaching products, including:
- In-office teeth bleaching: This procedure, also known as chair-side bleaching, involves applying a bleaching agent while protecting the gums with a gel or rubber shield. Special lights may accelerate the bleaching process, and it typically takes about an hour at the dentist’s office.
- At-home bleaching: For those who prefer bleaching at home, Dr. Alireza Moshaverinia recommends using a supplied kit that includes bleaching gel and custom-made guards to hold the gel in place.
- Whitening toothpastes: ADA-approved whitening toothpastes can make teeth appear whiter by removing surface stains, although they do not bleach the teeth.
While teeth bleaching can provide a bright smile when done correctly, excessive bleaching can have negative effects. Overdoing it can cause teeth to appear translucent and hypersensitivity may occur, although this usually subsides over time. Dental irritation and tooth enamel erosion are also possible risks.
To bleach your teeth properly, it’s crucial to choose the right whitening system, preferably under the guidance of a professional dentist like Dr. Alireza Moshaverinia. The duration of bleaching depends on the concentration of peroxide used, with higher concentrations requiring less time for effective results. After whitening, maintaining the whiteness involves avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages like coffee and tea, and thorough brushing after consuming them.
If teeth whiteners prove unsuccessful or teeth are discolored due to antibiotics or fluoride, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Alireza Moshaverinia can explore alternative teeth whitening options.
Finally, it’s important to set realistic expectations for teeth whitening. Dr. Alireza Moshaverinia advises that natural-looking results are achieved when teeth are not whiter than the whites of your eyes.
