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.

When the tooth whitening procedure is performed repeatedly, the bleach gets into the dentine layer. When complete, this process removes all the signs of discoloration and the outcome is a dazzling white smile. Dentists perform this procedure in two ways. One of them involves applying a layer of oxidizing agents to the teeth and flushing this layer away after a short period.

Generally, dentists utilize a 35 percent hydrogen peroxide equivalent to bleach teeth. This whitening method is effective and fast but it involves some risks. The main risk is that it is possible for the whitening agent to damage soft tissues in the mouth. However, since the dentist will supervise the procedure, you should not worry much that you will suffer soft tissue damage because this may not happen.

The other bleaching method that a dentist can use involves placing the whitening agent in a strip that is then attached to the teeth. This strip is not removed right away. It has to stay in place for some hours or days depending on what a dentist recommends. Even if it takes a while to work, it is safe because the risk of soft tissue damage is significantly reduced.

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.

Tooth whitening procedures are effective in eliminating stains and discoloration but the results vary from person to person. Tooth sensitivity can increase after you undergo the procedure. For this reason, it is wise for you to avoid drinking very cold or hot beverages a few hours after the procedure. Your dentist may recommend that you undergo a fluoride treatment to reduce sensitivity.

Your dental insurance policy may not cover for expenses associated with teeth bleaching. If you feel that it is too costly to use the services of a dentist for this procedure, you can purchase a tooth whitening kit from your local drug store. Tooth whitening kits are effective but you may not see the results immediately. You should therefore be patient as you use them.




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