December 7th, 2008 by admin

In general dentistry, teeth whitening is known as tooth bleaching, which mainly pertains to cosmetic dentistry. By the age tooth enamel becomes less porous and darker due to the transition in mineral structure. Bacterial pigmentation, foodstuff and tobacco stain the teeth.

Exact impression of your teeth is taken to make a whitening tray and an oxidizing gel is applied over this tray to fix it over your teeth; an active substance carbamide is broken ad oxygen enters the enamel that bleaches the discolored area.

Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide is an oxidizing agent that is used in the bleaching process; this lightens the shade of the teeth, the oxidizing agent prevents the enamel and oxidizes stain deposits. The dentin layer, which is beneath the enamel, also gets bleached eventually. Consumption of tea, coffee or cigarettes might stain the teeth, which otherwise can last for many months.

Methods of bleaching

There are basically two kinds of bleaching; the dentist administers one and the other is self-performed. For quicker results, the dentist applies high concentration of oxidizing agent. A light-cured layer is painted on the gum to protect the soft tissues from chemical burns. The bleach is a combination of 35% carbamide peroxide equal to 12% of hydrogen peroxide concentration.

Bleaching can be done at home with a teeth-whitening kit that contains a thin mouth-guard or strip, which has to be placed adjacent to the teeth for a few hours daily up to 5-14 days. Depending on the application, results can be different for some people the teeth get whiter in matter of few days and for some it may be less or not effect at all.

A systematic process of bleaching done by a dentist is more reliable and result-oriented, but bleaching may not affect some stains at all. Continuous bleaching is required for tetracycline stain. For decayed tooth, white spots or infected gums, bleaching is ineffective and even when the actual color of the tooth is grey. Oxidizing agents are most effective agents are most effective on yellow teeth. People who have undergone endodontic therapy develop de-vitalized teeth that are caused by internal staining; peroxide is filled into the tooth and is replaced as and when required, this is also called walking bleach technique.

There are some risks attached to bleaching process; chemical burns may affect the soft tissues if a high-concentration of oxidizing agent is used. The bleaching effect may not last forever; it may de-color or darken again within the period of 30 days after oxidizing. People who allergic to peroxide should use a bleaching product and if you have sensitive teeth or gums, consult a dentist before using such a product. Bleaching could prove to be dangerous for pregnant or lactating women and it is not prescribed for individuals less than 16 years of age.

It is also important to keep away from the consumption of tea, coffee, wine and smoking, as your teeth may become yellow again. Maintaining healthy food habits can keep you bright and white for a long time.

December 7th, 2008 by admin

Dulling or staining of the enamel is caused by regular consumption of coffee, tea and smoking. There are other factors too that contribute to the discoloration of teeth; tooth decay, aging, tobacco and tetracycline stain. Organic molecules in the enamel and the dentin reflect light, which is the main cause of teeth stain. Using whitening toothpaste, internal and external bleaching, can modify teeth stains and your dentist can also use various methods of cleaning; by scaling and polishing he can remove tartar and stains, techniques like micro abrasion of the enamel with abrasive and acid also helps in the process of bleaching.

The molecules in the enamel easily respond with the use of hydrogen peroxide that can enter into the teeth and break down these organic molecules; less complex molecules reflect less light resulting in the removal of stain from the enamel and the dentin giving you whiter teeth.

The American Dental Association or the ADA authorises the sale of the teeth whitening products with certain parameters to follow that include the concentration of hydrogen peroxide for tooth whitening kits, which may be different for the over the counter available products and different for office dental clinics. It is always safer to use products that have the ADA approval. The second step for using the bleaching is to follow the instructions carefully and not use more than recommended amount of the oxidizing agent. Home teeth whitening system prescribed by your dentist is more beneficial than the over the counter brand and regular follow up will assure you not to lose the previous treatment to go in vain by using the bleaching kit.

The bleaching kit contains a mouth tray or a mouth guard and gel solution. Apply hydrogen peroxide solution inside the mouth guard and place it over the surface of your teeth and then soak your teeth for at least for 10 minutes.

The results of re-coloration may vary depending upon the concentration level of hydrogen peroxide in the product. One may also require professional dental help in addition to the home solution; it may either take a day or repeated number of days to get back the pearly smile. Frequent tobacco users develop hard-to-remove satins that may take up to 3 months for the bleaching process to give positive results.

Generally whitening toothpastes can only remove minor stains because they contain less amount of hydrogen peroxide. Old stains are difficult to eliminate and one can adopt solutions that are inexpensive and easily available at home. Baking soda can be used as a mixture with your regular toothpaste or just use the ingredient alone on the toothbrush, which will give you effective results.

Hydrogen peroxide is affordable and easy-to-use, it may sometimes cause burns on sensitive gums, but ultimately turn your teeth whiter. You can also dip cotton in the solution and apply it in and out of your teeth, this not cause the risk of you swallowing hydrogen peroxide. And if you are directly brushing with hydrogen peroxide, brush for a minute and rinse your thoroughly with lots of water, you can gargle nut never swallow, this can prove to be dangerous and should be used with great caution.

A mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, table salt and a little toothpaste will give you a homemade toothpaste that can keep your teeth cleaner and stain-free for that bright and white smile.