What You Should Know About Teeth Bleaching

By Marla Mills


There are a number of reasons that contribute to tooth discoloration or staining over the years. Examples include levels of oral hygiene, the intake of certain medications and eating habits. Stained teeth can be bleached to improve their appearance. The teeth bleaching procedure involves the utilization of oxidizing agents like carbamide peroxide to bleach them.

Whitening can also be done by using a special gel that is placed in a flexible custom tray worn around the teeth for a particular period of time. After this tray is removed, you should use a second whitening agent and a special light which activates the chemical reaction. Whitening agents react with tooth enamel and this reaction oxidizes the stain deposits.

The tooth whitening procedure becomes effective after the bleaching agent sinks into the dentine layer. After it is complete, it eliminates all signs of discoloration. This procedure can be performed in two ways. In the first method, a dentist applies a layer of oxidizing agent to the dentine layer and then flushes it away after a certain period.

Generally, a 35 percent hydrogen peroxide equivalent is used to perform tooth whitening. This method is effective and the results are seen within a short period. However, it involves some risk such as soft tissue damage. This is not something to worry about if you have the procedure performed by an experienced dentist. This professional will do his or her best to ensure that your soft tissues do not get damaged.

Dentists also perform tooth whitening by placing the bleaching agent in a thin strip and attaching it on teeth. This strip is not removed in the same sitting. Dentists let patients retain it for a period of a few hours or days. This method takes a while to work but it is safe. The risk of tissue damage taking place is minimal.

Certain stains such as those caused by the long term use of antibiotics such as tetracycline may take time to respond to whitening procedures. In such a case, a dentist will recommend that you undergo a number of whitening procedures to allow the bleach to get into the dentine layer. Newly introduced tooth bleaching procedures utilize light to enhance the whitening effect of bleach.

Even though tooth whitening procedures are effective in getting rid of discoloration, the results achieved vary from one individual to the other. Most people report that they suffer from tooth sensitivity immediately after procedure. To reduce sensitivity, dentists advise patients not to take very hot or very cold drinks after undergoing the procedure. Dentists may also offer fluoride treatments to their patients to mitigate the effects of the procedure.

Typical dental insurance does not cover teeth bleaching procedures. If you find it too expensive to have the procedure performed by a dentist, you can purchase tooth whitening kits which are sold at most drug stores. You can easily use these kits at home and they are effective. However, you should be patient when using these kits because you may not get immediate results.




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