Tooth whitening is one of the most conservative techniques in cosmetic dentistry to change the color of teeth, because the damage to it with current materials is virtually nonexistent. It also achieves, in most cases, a lightening of the teeth. The degree of whitening will be determined by the color and the origin of the same, but we can say that most of them respond well.
The material used to whiten teeth is hydrogen peroxide in its many variants, depending on the case indicated. With this material and a study of the case by the dental expert, we will select the technique to be performed, which will be ambulatory in most cases (splints that the patient fills at home and wears to sleep), as this is the method that offers the best results, scientifically proven. The technique can also be clinical, making short sessions in consultation (2 or 3) but always accompanied by outpatient whitening. In this case the effect can be perceived a little earlier, but it will not improve the final result.
Dental veneers for tooth whitening
Dental veneers are a minimally invasive dentistry technique and are used to correct defects in size, shape, color, coloration, wear and enamel formation. They are an alternative to achieve a whiter shade. There are two types of veneers: porcelain or ceramic veneers and composite veneers.
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are cemented onto the teeth to give them the desired size, shape and color. For their placement, it is usually necessary a small enamel grinding of between 0.5 and 0.8 mm, although in some cases it is not necessary and, in about two to three weeks, the definitive veneers are cemented. The range of colors of this type of ceramic is very wide, which makes it possible to obtain absolutely natural smiles with great longevity.
The treatment of porcelain veneers does not require a complicated or painful procedure and, thanks to the state-of-the-art materials we work with, the results in terms of effectiveness and durability are excellent. This technique is perfect for complex cases.
Composite veneers consist of a composite resin (composite) that is bonded directly to the tooth and is modeled until the desired shape and color is achieved. The only disadvantage of this type of veneers is that composites tend to change color and lose their brightness over time, which makes it necessary to touch them up periodically. However, their appearance will depend on the habits and characteristics of each patient.
This treatment is more indicated for small morphological changes or slight color alterations and, above all, in young patients in whom changes are still expected.
The changes can be seen in the following cases:
– In the first case porcelain veneers were used to resolve black triangles, a consequence of bone and gum loss after periodontal disease.
– In the second case, porcelain veneers were used to solve the existing diastemas (separation between teeth), due to the fact that the teeth were narrower than normal.
– In the third case an example of bleaching can be seen.