Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that can be done in the dentist's office or at home. The procedure involves applying a bleaching agent to teeth to remove stains and discoloration.

In-office teeth whitening

• A dentist applies a bleaching agent to the teeth.
• Light, heat, or a combination of both may be used to activate the bleaching agent.
• The process can take 30 to 90 minutes.

At-home teeth whitening

• A dentist takes an impression of the teeth to make a custom tray.
• The dentist fits the tray to the teeth and demonstrates how to use it.
• The patient applies the bleaching gel to the tray and leaves it on for a specified amount of time.

Side effects

• Teeth whitening can cause side effects like enamel erosion, gum irritation, and increased tooth sensitivity.

Cost

• Laser teeth whitening is more effective than at-home treatments, but it's more expensive and not usually covered by dental insurance.

Other teeth whitening methods

• Oil pulling, which is washing the mouth with oil, may also help whiten teeth.

The procedure for tooth jewelry involves cleaning the tooth, etching it, applying adhesive, and then placing the jewel. The procedure is usually quick and decorative.

Steps

1. Consultation: Discuss your options with a dentist or dental hygienist.
2. Cleaning: The tooth surface is cleaned with a fluoride-free polishing paste.
3. Etching: The tooth is etched with orthophosphoric acid to increase the surface area for bonding.
4. Adhesive: A light-curing bonding agent is applied to the tooth.
5. Jewel application: The dentist places the jewel using dental-grade adhesive.
6. Curing: A curing light hardens the adhesive and bonds the jewel to the tooth.

Aftercare

• Don't touch or play with the jewel.
• Don't brush your teeth for 12 hours.
• Avoid using an electric toothbrush for the first 24 hours.
• Eat soft foods for the first 12 hours.

Smile correction procedures can include teeth whitening, orthodontics, dental implants, and more. The exact treatment plan depends on your goals and the issues you want to address.

• Teeth whitening: Use of bleaching agents to remove stains and discoloration.
• Orthodontics: Use of braces, clear aligners, and other treatments to correct crooked or misaligned teeth.
• Dental implants: Replace missing teeth.
• Veneers: Thin shells of porcelain or composite material placed over the front of the teeth.
• Dental bonding: Tooth-colored resin applied to the teeth to repair chips, cracks, and other imperfections.
• Gum contouring: Reshape the gum line to improve the appearance of a gummy smile.
• Crowns: Cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped.
• Bridges: Replace missing teeth.
• Jaw surgery: Correct jawbones that are crooked, uneven, or have other conditions.
• Smile design: Involves multiple corrections to teeth, gums, and jaws.
• Smile makeover: Includes cosmetic and functionally restorative procedures.
• Gummy smile reduction: Re-contour the gum line to improve the overall look of the smile.