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Teeth Whitening

Tooth whitening is a popular and conservative method of removing dental stains and whitening teeth. There are two principal ways of teeth bleaching:

1. Power bleaching This form of teeth bleaching involves high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The most common teeth bleaching agent for power bleaching is hydrogen peroxide at concentrations of about 30 to 35%. Due to their caustic nature, these tooth whitening materials have the potential to cause soft tissue injuries, which usually heal uneventfully within 1 to 2 weeks. Therefore this way of teeth bleaching is performed only in the dental office with appropriate protection of the oral soft tissues. Recent studies have shown that intense light sources as used for in-office teeth bleaching elevate the temperatures of the dental pulps and may affect tooth sensitivity and pulpal health. The dental pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

2. Professional teeth bleaching at home This is a more common way of bleaching teeth. It involves custom-made bleaching trays and syringes containing a safe bleaching gel. Teeth bleaching gels for home use are usually of thick viscosity, pleasant-tasting, and contain carbamide peroxide at different concentrations. Tooth whitening involves two short office visits. The first one is for taking impressions for the custom-fabricated trays and the second one to pick up the trays and the bleaching agent. One needs to wear the gel-containing trays only two or more hours for a few days. The teeth bleaching results on yellow/brown teeth are most dramatic.

Some patients may experience some sensitivity which usually diminishes during the course of treatment. Some teeth bleaching gels contain potassium nitrate which seems to reduce tooth sensitivity. Teeth bleaching at home has no influence on the enamel wear rate. Carbamide peroxide does not damage surfaces of existing fillings. However, remember that fillings don't bleach. In severe cases of dental staining, such as tetracycline stains, even a combination of power bleaching and professional teeth bleaching at home may not yield desirable results.

Tooth Whitening Makes Your Smile Sparkle! Statistics reveal that Americans place a high value on their smile. According to an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® national survey:

92% of Americans believe an attractive smile is an important social asset. 85% of Americans believe an unattrative smile makes a person less appealing to the opposite sex. 74% of Americans believe an unattrative smile can hurt a person's chances for career success. 50% of Americans are not satisfied with the appearance of their own smile.

If you are not happy with your smile, tooth whitening may provide the solution. Tooth Whitening procedures can help lighten coffee-stained teeth, remove cigarette and tobacco discolorations and correct yellowing in teeth due to aging. In general, bleaching works for most people. Tooth bleaching is most effective if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better to lightening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline can be lightened, but with less-than-satisfactory results.

Be sure to consult with your dentist to find out which tooth whitening treatment is best for you. Tooth whitening remains one of the most economical ways to enhance your smile.