When you look at all those celebrities smiling away with dazzling teeth, you are sure to wish that you too had a set of equally shining teeth. Taking a look at your discolored teeth, you are sure to think that this is something that is far from your reach. However on the contrary, modern cosmetic dentistry has now made it possible for anyone and everyone to have a set of white, sparkling teeth.

It is through teeth whitening that it is now possible for you to whiten your teeth. There are various methods employed by different dentists for you to whiten your teeth; and one of these methods is through cosmetic tooth whitening. In dentistry, this procedure is also referred to as tooth bleaching.

It is common for teeth to darken

In general dentistry, this procedure is rather common, and is a special part of cosmetic dentistry. It is quite normal for the teeth of people to start darkening as we grow older. There are many reasons for teeth to darken like any changes in mineral structure of the teeth, foodstuffs like coffee and tea, bacterial pigments and tobacco in the case of smokers.

Cosmetic tooth whitening is a procedure that should preferably be done at the dentist’s and not at home. The dentist will use some oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide on your teeth. This will break down into mono peroxide in the mouth, with which the shade of your teeth is lightened.

This is because this agent penetrates into the enamel of your teeth and this is when it oxidizes the stain deposits. Over the course of time, the stained dentine layer starts getting bleached and this is what leads to teeth whitening.

Two types of cosmetic tooth whitening procedures

There are two types of bleaching in this cosmetic teeth whitening process, where the first is called Office Bleach. In this case, the dentist will use a high concentration of oxidizing agents on your teeth for a short time. This process is known to give fast results; however there is the possibility of the chemicals used here in burning the soft tissues of your mouth.

This is why some protection has to be used when using this method of cosmetic teeth whitening. As a preventive measure for soft tissues, the dentist will paint a light protective layer on the gums. The second type of bleaching here involves the use of a thin mouth guard or strip on the teeth.

This strip has a low concentration of oxidizing agents and is placed on your teeth for a long time, like a few hours a day for five to fourteen days. The length of the process depends on how discolored the teeth is and how much whitening it requires. This process is called over-the-counter bleaching, or take home bleaching as you can do it at home. However comparatively, this is a slower method of teeth whitening; however there is less risk to your soft tissues than other tooth whitening measures.

Side effects of cosmetic tooth whitening

Like all good things in life, cosmetic tooth whitening has its side effects, which includes the occurrence of chemical burns. Chemical burns take place when highly concentrated oxidizing agents come in contact with the exposed and unprotected tissues that lead to the discoloration of mucous membranes.

The difference between these two types of teeth whitening processes is that the office bleach has to be done in a dentist’s chair and is rather expensive. The price range is anywhere from $500 to $1,000 which depends on how much tooth whitening is required. The other option of teeth whitening can be done at home is cheaper but however does not produce as quick a result as office bleach.

So the choice of cosmetic tooth whitening that you wish to use lies in your hand; you have to choose depending on your budget and how much whitening you require.