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Definition,
methods, generalities and presentation of clinical cases : |
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Most
practitioners of the odontological area currently accept to
resort to dental bleaching, which is very well known by the
general public, but mainly by the artistic circles. The
absolutely important detail that many dentists end up
neglecting on the occasion of a patient's first consultation
is the explanation of the difference between bleaching and
whitening, that is to say: bleaching means turning the dark
yellow color into a really light yellow. However, to change
the dark yellow color into white is an impossible
achievement, since the treatment is restricted to bleaching
and doesn't encompass whitening.
Bleaching is nothing more than a cleaning process of dental
enamel, carried out through oxidation, when pigments are
gradually removed. |
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Methods
and presentation of clinical cases: |
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Bleaching
+ resin
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Clinical
cases : (Click on the miniatures to enlarge
them) |
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| 1 |
Young
female patient - Was unsatisfied with the appearance of her
teeth, according to her. The treatment suggested was the replacement
of old restorations in composite resin and a
dental bleaching. |
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| 2 |
Young
patient, boy - Was sad because he had attempted dental bleaching
twice at home before, with no success. We showed him a new technique
to be used exclusively at the office. Moreover, we suggested
that this patient should replace an old restoration in
resin, since it was ugly and crooked. |
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Bleaching
+ cosmetic adjustment
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Clinical
case : (Click on the miniatures to enlarge
them) |
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| 1 |
Middle-aged
male patient - Plastic Surgeon, tired of fulfilling the
aesthetic dream of his patients only, decided to invest in
his dental appearance. We suggested him dental bleaching,
together with a previous cosmetic adjustment. |
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Bleaching
+ tooth fillings |
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Clinical
cases : (Click on the miniatures to enlarge
them) |
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| 1 |
Young
male patient - Television professional who urgently needed
to improve the look of his teeth. Dental bleaching was
suggested, as well as filling of interdental gaps with
composite resin, soon afterwards. |
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| 2 |
Young
patient, girl - Needed to improve the aesthetics of her
teeth for a fashion show. Dental bleaching was done but, due
to different staining degrees, it took three distinct steps.
The gap between her front teeth was also filled with
composite resin. |
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Bleaching +
surgery + tooth fillings
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Clinical
case : (Click on the miniatures to enlarge
them) |
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| 1 |
Young
female patient - Didn't like the size, or the color, or the
gap existing between her front teeth. She wanted a solution
to her problem because of her career as a model. Thanks
to a software specialized in cosmetic dentistry, we
simulated her case on the computer, in order to view how her
teeth would look like at the end of the treatment.
We suggested a more prophylactic and short treatment:
gingival cosmetic surgery (to make her teeth longer); dental
bleaching; and filling of diastemata (gaps between teeth)
with composite resin. |
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Generalities
about dental bleaching
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Types
of bleaching agents
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There
are innumerous bleaching agents: chemical, photoactive and
laser activated. All are good, with an extra good mark for
laser activated ones.
Each patient should be very cautious when using bleaching
agents and follow his practitioner's advice.
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Durability
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It
varies from 8 months to 4 years. Color is normally directly
related to diet and smoking. It should be understood that
bleaching is a "cleaning" process: the more
pigments you use, the sooner you will have to repeat the
treatment.
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Duration
of treatment
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You
may need between one and eight consultations, but this
shouldn't be considered as a rule. The number of further
consultations is directly related to the bleaching method
adopted by your practitioner.
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Problems
that may arise after the bleaching
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Sensitive teeth.
- Dental bleaching may in many cases be unsuccessful because
only a dehydration of dental elements may occur and not the
bleaching itself.
- Gingival sensitiveness, bleeding and root reabsorption.
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Going
rate when performed by a specialized practitioner
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Variable,
from U$300 to U$600 (two arches), because there are
different brands and materials, each one of a different cost.
Imported ones certainly are the best, not alone for their
quality, but also because they are produced on a
standardized basis.
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Dental Bleaching
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Go
back to main Menu "Clinical Indications"
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