2/20/2009 2:30:00 AM Teeth whitening is popular today
Teeth Whitening is a bleaching process that is very popular today which lightens discolorations of enamel and dentin. There are many causes of tooth discoloration; the most common include normal aging, consumption of staining substances (coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine), trauma, nerve degeneration and old fillings. During tooth formation, consumption of certain substances like tetracycline antibiotics may also cause tooth discoloration.
Most people will get positive results from tooth whitening; however there are some cases where the treatment may not be effective. A dentist may determine the effectiveness of the process through a thorough oral examination and diagnosis. Teeth whitening can be done in a dental office or outside the office during the day or night. In office whitening involves application of a highly concentrated bleaching chemical often activated by a light source. This bleaching chemical is very effective for whitening teeth however it can be very painful on the gum tissue. The dental professional must be very careful not to allow the bleaching chemical to burn the gum tissue.
Teeth whitening outside the dental office involves the use of some type of applicator like a strip or a tray which holds the bleaching chemical on the surface of the tooth for a period of time. The strips have a gel on one side that is made with a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide bleaches the tooth but the chemical is weak enough that it usually doesn't harm the gum tissue. The most common bleaching chemical used with the tray application is called carbamide peroxide. As the moisture from saliva mixes with the carbamide peroxide a chemical reaction releases hydrogen peroxide directly on the surface of the tooth. As long as the tray is not impinging on the gum tissue, the carbamide peroxide usually will not irritate the gum tissue. The tray must be worn for a minimum of 3-4 hours per application in order for the process to be effective. The typical treatment time is 10-14 applications. Research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth with carbamide peroxide under the supervision of a dentist is safe for teeth and gums. Some people do experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during the treatment. These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days after treatment is done.
The teeth will always be lighter than they once were. However, some patients may want a tooth whitening "touch up" for 1-2 days once a year.
Stephen W. Rasmussen D.D.S., P.C. is a dentist at Family Dentistry
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