Teeth Whitening Techniques

Tooth whitening, is also called dental bleaching. A part of general dentistry, it is among the most common and requested procedures for restoring the natural color of the teeth. Various methods can be used to get the desired results in this case. Procedures include brushing, bleaching pen, bleaching strips, bleaching gels and bleaching by lasers.

Most bleaching techniques use the chemical: carbamide peroxide, which on mixing with water forms hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is 3 times more potent than carbamide peroxide. The peroxide acts as an oxidizing agent. It enters the rod-like structure of the enamel and the bleaching action is performed in dentin by the breaking down of the stain deposits. The procedure of power bleaching involves using light as a catalyst in this bleaching process. Another chemical used in the bleaching procedure is peroxy hexanoic acid or PAP.

Methods Of Bleaching:

As per the American Dental Association, there are 4 main types of methods for bleaching teeth:

1. In office bleaching: In this method the whitening agents are applied by the dentist during an appointment. It may require one or more sittings, depending on the severity of the case.
2. At home bleaching: In this method, the home kit is provided by the dentist, which can be applied by the patient at home.
3. Over the counter: These include over the counter methods such as bleaching strips, etc which are available over the counter.
4. Non dental: These include methods which are offered by people at kiosks, salons and spas.

The Association also recommends a complete dental checkup before opting to bleach the teeth. The dentist in question must consider the patient’s dental history, allergies, gum health, and even take an X-ray to ascertain the nature and severity of any problems the patient may be having.

Why Is Teeth Whitening Needed

The enamel, or the tooth’s outer layer, combined with dentin, reflects light and hence the color of the teeth. The enamel’s smoothness and thickness are determined by a person’s genes. A rough or smooth or thin enamel will reflect light accordingly, and hence will be the color of the teeth.

With activities like drinking, eating, smoking, and general degeneration and weathering, a thin coat called the pellicle is formed on the enamel. This layer is the one responsible for holding onto stains. Also, the enamel is a porous entity and also holds stains. Tooth bleaching methods are preferred and effective for stains on the surface.

Age is also a major factor in the darkening of the teeth. Eating and drinking come next. The process of darkening is faster for people with habits such as drinking and smoking. Regularly drinking colored fluids such as tea, wine, coffee and blackcurrant juice and other strongly colored fluids are also responsible for the color of the teeth.

There are various reasons someone may want to get their teeth whitened. Most common causes for yellowing or staining of the teeth are:

• Consumption of tobacco
• Consumption of liquids which have strong colors. E.g. coffee, tea, cola, red wine etc.
• Poor oral hygiene

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