Teeth whitening treatments can be performed even when you have restorations like crowns or veneers. These restorations are made out of durable materials like porcelain and composite resin and cannot be damaged by the bleaching agents used to whiten teeth. However, these bleaching agents do not have any effect on stains and discoloration that form on these restorations, so they end up darker than the patient's real teeth after whitening treatments.
Dentists typically hold off installing dental restorations until teeth whitening treatments have been completed. It can take up to a few weeks for teeth to set into their new color after treatment. Once that has occurred, the dentist can use a color chart to match the patient's restorations to their new color. If the patient's teeth already have restorations, the dentist might suggest replacing them after whitening treatments so they match their teeth's new color.
Getting teeth whitened starts with a consultation with a dentist. The patient's teeth are examined to determine if they are healthy enough for the procedure. Teeth whitening weakens enamel, and that can lead to permanent damage to teeth that have existing issues. For those with healthy teeth, it may only lead to increased sensitivity that lasts for a few days.
Teeth whitening treatments are normally performed using custom mouth trays to prevent the bleaching solution from getting into the patient's gums. The chemicals in these products can irritate gum tissues. The mouth tray is made from an impression of the patient's mouth, which is sent to a dental lab that makes whitening trays.
The dentist spreads the bleaching agent on the mouth tray, and potassium nitrate might be added to it to reduce sensitivity. The patient bites down on the mouth tray and keeps it in their mouth for the next 60 to 90 minutes. The mouth tray is removed and the solution is rinsed off their teeth. The dentist might follow up with a fluoride treatment to complete the treatment. Whitening treatments might be done multiple times until the patient's teeth are the targeted color.
Once the patient's teeth have set into their new color, the dentist can then replace any restoration they had during their treatment. The restorations can be matched with the color of the patient's whitened teeth to create an evenly-colored smile.
Once a person's teeth and restorations are their preferred color, it is up to them to maintain the new color of both and prevent new stains from forming. They can do that by:
Call or visit our Los Angeles clinic to learn more about how teeth whitening works when you have existing restorations.
Request an appointment here: https://www.alluredentistry.com or call Allure Dentistry at (310) 683-5321 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.
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