Dental bleaching is a popular cosmetic dentistry technique that helps brighten your teeth by several shades. But is this procedure truly safe? What bleaching methods are available, and where can you undergo treatment with confidence and quality? Shark Dental will address all your concerns in the article below.
What is dental bleaching?
Dental bleaching is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses chemical agents, often in combination with light or laser energy, to trigger an oxidation reaction. This reaction breaks down the pigment molecules responsible for tooth discoloration.
As a result, the teeth become visibly brighter without damaging the natural tooth structure, allowing patients to achieve a radiant, confident smile.
Causes of yellow or discolored teeth
Tooth discoloration can occur either on the outer surface (extrinsic stains) or inside the tooth (intrinsic stains) due to the following causes:
Extrinsic stains
- Regular consumption of dark-colored foods and beverages such as tea, coffee, berries, and red wine can gradually lead to yellow stains on the tooth surface.
- Long-term tobacco use also contributes to tooth discoloration, as nicotine and tar in cigarettes can stain teeth.
- Certain antibiotics, such as doxycycline and tetracycline, when used over an extended period, may lead to enamel discoloration as a side effect.
Intrinsic stains
- Tooth discoloration from within may result from underdeveloped or eroded enamel, or exposed dentin caused by trauma or physical impact.
- Common medical conditions such as calcium deficiency, liver disorders, or metabolic imbalances can also contribute to internal yellowing of the teeth.
- Intrinsic tooth discoloration can also be associated with genetic factors.
There are many causes of tooth discoloration, which can negatively impact the aesthetics of your smile. Therefore, maintaining proper oral hygiene and combining it with professional cosmetic dental treatments is essential to achieve a bright, even-toned smile.
Popular tooth bleaching methods you should know
Dental bleaching can be performed either at a reputable dental clinic or at home, depending on your individual needs and financial situation.
In-Office dental bleaching at a reputable dental clinic
Professional dental bleaching at a dental clinic involves the use of advanced equipment and materials, including desensitizing agents, protective tools for the lips and gums, whitening gel with a concentration of 35–37%, and high-intensity light technology. In-office dental bleaching delivers fast and noticeable results, effectively brightening even the most stubborn stains.
Moreover, in-office whitening is performed under the supervision of a qualified dentist, who will thoroughly examine your oral health, remove plaque and tartar, etc. This ensures optimal aesthetic and therapeutic outcomes.
Tooth bleaching at home with custom trays
At-home dental bleaching using custom trays offers a convenient and cost-effective solution.With this method, you will need to visit a reputable dental clinic where a dentist will take precise impressions of your teeth to create custom-fitted plastic whitening trays.
These trays are designed to securely hold the whitening gel in place and prevent it from leaking into the oral cavity. The whitening agents used in at-home treatments typically contain a lower concentration (ranging from 10% to 15%) to ensure safety during extended use.
When should you consider in-office dental bleaching?
In-office dental bleaching is typically recommended for individuals with severely discolored teeth, long-standing yellowing, antibiotic-induced staining, or for those seeking aesthetic teeth whitening solutions.
At reputable dental clinics, patients undergo a thorough oral examination by experienced dental professionals, who assess the condition of the teeth and provide personalized whitening recommendations. Besides, in-office whitening offers long-lasting results — lasting 3 to 5 years — with high aesthetic outcomes and excellent safety for oral health.
Are there any side effects of in-office dental bleaching?
Although dental bleaching is generally considered a safe cosmetic procedure with minimal risk of serious complications, undergoing treatment at an unqualified or low-quality facility may lead to the following side effects:
- Tooth sensitivity: Whitening agents of poor quality or those incompatible with enamel can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and discomfort.
- Enamel damage: Using whitening agents with excessively high concentrations can cause significant damage to the tooth enamel.
- Uneven tooth coloration: Improper application techniques or inconsistent distribution of the whitening gel can lead to patchy or uneven results, negatively impacting the aesthetic outcome.
- Gum irritation: Technical errors during the whitening process may result in gum irritation, which can cause discomfort and affect daily activities such as eating and speaking.
To minimize the risk of adverse effects, it is essential to thoroughly research and choose a reputable dental clinic that offers safe and high-quality teeth whitening services.
Frequent questions about dental bleaching
Here are some frequently asked questions about teeth whitening:
Is dental bleaching a safe procedure?
Dental bleaching is a safe cosmetic dental procedure when performed correctly. It does not harm the enamel or affect the internal structure of the teeth. At reputable dental clinics, qualified dentists use high-quality whitening agents and advanced laser systems to help ensure a fast and safe teeth whitening process.
How much does dental bleaching cost?
The cost of dental bleaching in Vietnam currently ranges from 13$ to 200$, depending on the clinic, type of whitening agent, and trays used.
- Whitening teeth using whitening strips: typically costs between 13$ – 60$. This is an affordable option that suits many customers’ budgets; however, the aesthetic results may be limited compared to other professional whitening methods.
- At-home teeth whitening using plastic trays is slightly more expensive, ranging from 60$ – 100$ per tray. In addition, you’ll need to purchase whitening gel separately, which typically costs between 70$ – 120$, depending on its quality.
- Laser teeth whitening tends to be more expensive, with prices ranging from 120$ – 300$. However, this method delivers highly effective aesthetic results, helping to even out tooth color and significantly enhance brightness.
Each whitening method comes with a different price point depending on individual needs and oral conditions. For an accurate quote, we recommend visiting a trusted dental clinic for consultation and personalized recommendations.
Teeth whitening price list at Shark Dental Clinic
Why should you choose dental bleaching at Shark Dental?
Shark Dental is recognized as one of the leading providers of high-quality, trustworthy dental bleaching services in Vietnam. Here’s why you should consider having your teeth whitened at Shark Dental:
- Advanced technology: Shark Dental utilizes cutting-edge Plasma Nano White technology, which delivers visibly whiter teeth after just one treatment session. This method is completely safe for enamel and ensures optimal oral health.
- Experienced dentists: Our team consists of top-tier dental professionals, many of whom have trained internationally. The dentists will personally conduct examinations, provide consultations, and perform the whitening procedure to ensure the most satisfying experience for each client.
- Modern equipment: Shark Dental continuously upgrades its advanced equipment system, providing strong support for dentists in diagnosis, examination, and orthodontic procedures.
Moreover, when visiting Shark Dental, you will have access to a wide range of advanced orthodontic services such as dental crowns, cosmetic braces, and porcelain veneers. All procedures are performed in strict accordance with current regulations, ensuring optimal quality and satisfaction for every client.
The information above provides a comprehensive overview of dental bleaching, including its definition, available methods, and trusted service providers. As a modern dental aesthetic solution, dental bleaching has become increasingly popular among beauty-conscious individuals. We hope this article provides you with useful knowledge, helping you make the right decision to achieve bright, even-colored, and confident teeth.
