What is tooth whitening / homebleaching ...
... and how does it work?
Tooth whitening or bleaching is a method to lighten human teeth for cosmetic and aesthetic reasons.
Ancient request: The desire for ‘white’ teeth is ancient, and even a long time ago wealthy people tried to enlighten their teeth. Up to the present many products has been used where no visual effect, the teeth has been damaged and not practical (human or animal urine, acids, various other chemicals).
Today we are capable of bleaching teeth effective, practicable and substantially gently.
Most studies show: The most usual home bleaching products do not damage your teeth, and side effects are limited. As with the most cosmetic procedures the personal beauty ideal is the most motivating. A medical necessity may be given for psychological reasons: tooth discoloration may appear burdensome.
Tooth discoloration – is different to deposits because they are under the dentin and cannot be removed by a dental cleaning. An outer tooth cleaning cannot reach those dyes. However, it makes sense to get your teeth cleaned by a before a dental whitening treatment, since it is only possible to see the color of a tooth when it is cleaned further the following tooth whitening treatment will be more efficient on the tooth substances. Also you should visit a dentist to examine your teeth and gum before using bleaching products. Tooth discoloration may occur from the outside by staining food and beverages, such as alcoholic drinks, tea, tobacco, coffee, red wine, etc. enter the tooth, or internally by the effect of drugs due to accident, decay, death of dental pulp, malnutrition, etc.
Tooth whitening products: To whiten your teeth normally products are used which contain hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (e.g. in the form of carbamide peroxide). They can “enter” the tooth and then split off oxygen radicals. They are able to change colors within the tooth chemically so that they do not come out in color appearance. Tooth whitening products are available in concentrations of 6% (light tooth whitening home bleaching) up to 38% (extremely tooth whitening / home bleaching).
Side effects of tooth whitening
- During or after a tooth whitening treatment, it sometimes leads to sensitivities. Recently treated teeth could be sensitive to sweet, sour and to temperature,. These phenomena are temporarily and subside in a few days after treatment.
- If the teeth whitening / home bleaching product has a low pH (i.e., they are acidic), the surface of the tooth can be roughened. To prevent that you should always ensure that only pH neutral tooth whitening materials are applied.
- During the bleaching treatment pigments in the enamel are discolored by a chemical oxidation. Over the past few years (approximately since 1990) a large number of studies has been published, that have examined whether brightened teeth are more rough, dry or caries-prone then untreated. Most studies showed the safety of teeth whitening treatment if it was conducted properly. Meanwhile preparations were found that contain fluoride and potassium nitrate who have a caries-protective effect.
Durability: For all capable teeth whitening procedures you can say that the whitening of the teeth will not last forever, but often for years. However, the durability of the results often depends in the quality of oral hygiene professional cleanings. If the teeth “darken” after one of more years you can use a “refreshing” treatment.
