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Introduction.

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Teeth whitening or bleaching

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is a simple, non-invasive 
dental treatment

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to change the color 
of natural tooth enamel

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to enhance 
the beauty of your smile.

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Teeth whitening may be accomplished

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in a dental office or at home.

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The procedure uses a chemical 
called peroxide

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to bleach or whiten the teeth.

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The concentration of peroxide 
may vary

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depending on the type of procedure.

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Teeth whitening is not permanent.

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A touch up maybe needed 
after a year or so,

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and more often,

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if you smoke, 
or drink coffee, tea or red wine.

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Disease overview.

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The tooth has 
a tough outer crystalline layer

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called enamel, 
which protects it against

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chewing forces, trauma,

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extreme temperatures and chemicals.

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Over time, 
tooth enamel gradually erodes

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becoming more translucent 
and develops micro cracks.

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The yellowish hue 
of the underlying tooth layer

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called dentin 
becomes more apparent

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and stains and debris fill up 
the micro cracks,

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causing teeth to become discolored 
or lose their luster.

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Indications.

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Teeth whitening may be beneficial

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for patients with normal wear 
of the outer tooth layer

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that have yellow, brown 
or stained teeth,

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those with fluorosis,

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a discoloration 
due to excessive exposure to fluorides

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during tooth development

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and for those with stained teeth

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due to medications 
such as tetracycline.

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Procedure.

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Teeth whitening may be performed 
as an office procedure,

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using a home kit 
provided by your dentist,

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or using an 
over-the-counter product.

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It is advisable to go 
for a thorough oral checkup

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and see 
what your dentist recommends.

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The office procedure is recommended

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for severe stains and discoloration

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and uses a high concentration 
of hydrogen peroxide.

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As a first step, 
your dentist will cover your lips and gums,

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so that they are 
adequately protected.

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Then, tooth whitening gel, 
containing hydrogen peroxide

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is carefully applied 
on to your teeth.

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Your teeth are then exposed 
to a special lamp

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for a total of 45 minutes

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in three intervals 
of 15 minutes each.

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The light from the lamp

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breaks down the hydrogen peroxide 
in the gel,

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releasing oxygen, 
which bleaches away any stains.

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Tooth shade guides are used

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at the beginning 
and end of treatment

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to determine 
how much whitening is desired

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or has taken place.

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Using a professionally-dispensed 
home kit from your dentist

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requires two initial office visits.

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At the first appointment,

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impressions will be made 
of your teeth

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to fabricate custom, 
clear plastic trays.

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At your second appointment,

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you will try on the trays 
for proper fit

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and adjustments will be made 
if necessary.

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At home, the trays are worn 
with special whitening solution,

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either twice a day, 
for 30 minutes each time,

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or overnight, 
for a couple of weeks,

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depending on the degree of staining

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and desired level of whitening.

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It is normal to experience 
tooth sensitivity

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during the time 
you are whitening your teeth,

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but it usually subsides 
shortly after treatment.

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You will receive care instructions 
for your teeth and trays,

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and be encouraged 
to visit your dentist regularly

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to help maintain 
a beautiful, healthy, white smile.

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Over-the-counter products

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use low-concentration 
hydrogen peroxide solutions

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and are recommended 
when only mild whitening is desired.

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They are applied 
with general-sized trays,

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paint-on applicators or strips.

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It is important 
to carefully follow the given instructions.

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Post-procedure care.

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To maintain results,

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your dentist will recommend 
good oral hygiene practices,

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staying away from certain foods 
and dark beverages

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or using a straw,

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avoiding smoking

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and periodic follow-up 
whitening procedures at home

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or in the clinic.

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Risks and complications.

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Teeth whitening 
is generally a safe procedure,

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but may carry certain risks

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including increased sensitivity,

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gum irritation and uneven coloring.

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Summary.

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Most people 
who opt for a teeth-whitening procedure

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notice a substantial improvement

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in the appearance of their smile,

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which can easily be maintained

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with "touch-ups" 
for a prolonged effect.