The consumption of tobacco and coffee may reduce the effects of dental whitening in less than a year.

-Combination therapy is the best choice for having a white, healthy smile

-the results of the bleaching treatment can last up to 7 years if maintaining good oral hygiene

Madrid, March 2012.- A beautiful smile is an effective letter of introduction to social and labour relations and, for this reason, we must guard it to the maximum. Occasionally, the consumption of coffee, tea, wine red, colouring food and tobacco can cause teeth go darkening progressively.

Daily follow correct oral hygiene habits is essential to maintain white teeth ”, explains Dr. Lobo, specialist of the Milenium Sanitas Dental clinics. Brush often, regularly attend the consultation of the dentist and professional dental cleanings per year contribute to maintain a perfect dental health and achieve the Elimination of tartar. In addition, reduce the consumption of tobacco, beverages and foods with high levels of colorants avoid the appearance of stains on teeth.

when it is necessary to resort to bleaching?

Occasionally, these tips are not sufficient to achieve a white and radiant smile. It is in this case when Dr. Lobo advised each person the best Whitening option, according to various medical criteria.

For example for dentures extremely sensitive to food and drinks hot or cold be a desensibilizante treatment before or during the process of bleaching ”, explains Dr. Lobo. In the case of cavities, these should be treated before bleaching. In addition, bleaching is not recommended for pregnant women or nursing period, nor for persons under 18 years.

A perfect thanks to the combined whitening smile

As claims Dr. Lobo, combined bleaching is the treatment more effective and less harmful for the tooth, making one or two clinical session of 15-20 minutes and an outpatient treatment for 2 weeks ”.

This treatment is a combination of the whitening outpatient and clinic. The first is a procedure similar to the kits without prescription but with two key differences: first, whitening splints are made to measure to conform to the teeth with precision and, secondly, the bleaching gel is more concentrated and, therefore, more effective ” explains Dr. Lobo. On the other hand, we find whitening clinic. The treatment consists in activation by light through lamps of fotoactivación. To protect the gums, is placed a protection around the teeth. Then applies the bleaching gel and a special light (halogen, led, laser, etc) which activates the product. Time will be marked by the dentist and individualized for each patient depending on the chosen product, the concentration, the sensitivity of the patient during the treatment and other possible factors ” says Dr. Wolf. It is worth mentioning that there are bleaches kits that are sold in pharmacies without prescription, although they are not as effective as professional methods, since they contain less concentration of peroxides.

Results and side effects of the treatment

The final hue will depend on the base of the tooth color. Should really be called „ clearance dental‟, is what makes the treatment back tooth its natural color. This is the reason why it will never seem artificial ”, says Dr. Wolf Sanz.

The results of this treatment are beginning to appreciate after the medical meeting and can last 5 to 7 years, although it will depend on the person and the system used. The habits of brushing, tobacco and consumption of different drinks and meals, will also have an important role as regards the time that lasts the whitening. If the use of these substances is very high the effects will not exceed the year as a general rule. There is also the possibility of doing regular maintenance sessions to prolong their effect.

The side effects of treatment, most are temporary and should disappear in a few days. The most important are the sensitivity of the teeth to cold or heat and irritation of gums.

Myths and realities about tooth whitening

Despite the wealth of information found on dental whitening, this procedure still arousing concern among patients. Dr. Lobo, specialist clinics Milenium Dental of Sanitas, reveals some unknowns.

-anti-blemish treatment is never advisable for sensitive teeth. MYTH. It can be combined with treatment desensibilizante.

– is the best choice to get whiter teeth. MYTH. It will depend on each case. In some cases must be assessed another type of alternative prosthetic to improve color dental.

-the result can be artificial, even too striking. MYTH. It is returned to the tooth its color natural.

-whitening not deteriorating teeth or damages the enamel. REALITY. Where is carried out properly and by a professional qualified.

-tobacco and coffee contribute to darken teeth and cannot be taken of for life. MYTH. Only should be avoided to keep the colour obtained after treatment.

-this treatment doesn’t damage the gums. REALITY. They can irritate slightly Transiently during treatment, but not harms them way permanent.

-dental bleaching is painful. MYTH. It will depend on the degree of tooth sensitivity of the patient.

-the toothpastes do not become whiter teeth. REALITY. Whitening pastes, generally contain more Abrasives than pasta common, polishing the tooth surface. This makes that reflect more light and look more white. Some carry bleaches products at very low concentration, insufficient to achieve a proper dental whitening.