Tooth Bleaching

  

Tooth whitening or Dental bleaching is the process of lightening the color of human teeth. Whitening is often desirable when teeth becomes yellowish over time for number of reasons and can be achieved by changing the intrinsic or extrinsic color of tooth enamel. There are two options available for dental bleaching : In office procedure and At home procedure. This procedure uses peroxide based bleaching agents. In office systems contain 15%-43% of peroxide and At home systems contain 3%-20% of peroxides (carbamide or hydrogen peroxides).

Generally the longer we keep the stronger solution on the teeth, the whiter your teeth become. However, the higher the percentage of peroxide in the whitening solution, the shorter it should be applied to the teeth. Keeping the gel on longer will dehydrate the tooth and increase tooth sensitivity. There will be pros and cons for each option and be sure to talk to the dentist before trying at home bleaching kits.

Procedure :

In office bleaching : Teeth whitening done by your dentist get teeth brighter faster. The bleaching solution is much stronger than at-home kits. Also heat, light or a combination of the two may be used to speed up and intensify the whitening process. Teeth generally get three to eight shades brighter-- usually take many in office visits. Some dentists use techniques that can be done in a single 2 hour appointment (zoom system).

At home bleaching options :

-- Tooth whitening strips and gels: applied directly with a brush or a thin strip. These peroxide based bleaching products usually need to be applied once or twice a day for 10-14 days.

-- Tray based tooth bleaching system: Here a mouth guard like tray is filled with peroxide based bleaching gel or paste and placed over the teeth for 1 to several hours a day for up to 4 weeks. These tray-based systems can be bought over the counter or have one custom-fitted by the dentist.

-- Tooth whitening toothpaste: Toothpastes are mildly abrasive and helps remove stains from the teeth. Whitening toothpastes, however, also contain chemicals or polishing agents that help scrub stains from the teeth without the aid of bleaching agent. These toothpastes are relatively inexpensive and brighten teeth by about one shade.

One can maintain the results by brushing, flossing and rinsing daily. Also avoid acidic and tannin rich foods like black teas and coffee, white and red wine, sports drinks, carbonated beverages, sauces etc.

Caution : Tooth whitening can make teeth temporarily sensitive, or be uncomfortable for people who already have sensitive teeth. When used incorrectly, at-home kits also can lead to burned or temporarily bleached gums. If the teeth are grey or purple, tooth bleaching wont work at all.

About the author:
Name: Dr. Abhilash Dandy
Qualification: B.D.S
I graduated as a Dentist from Sibar Institute of Dental Sciences, Guntur. I have done my externship program at Rutgers school of dental medicine, New Jersey, USA. I have clinical experience of 3 years and currently working as Administrative head — Dental wing in MediCub India, Hyderabad.