It is a common procedure used in cosmetic dentistry. It is also known as bleaching of teeth. Staining of teeth occurs due to various reasons which include use of tea and coffee due to certain bacteria, use of tobacco, certain kinds of food and some medications like tetracycline.
Bleaching can be done either in-office or home bleaching.
In this a tray is used in which a whitening solution is placed. The tray is usually prepared after taking an impression of teeth. The tray is placed in the mouth for a few hours daily for few weeks or months as required.
This duration depends upon degree of discoloration and the strength of carbamide peroxide or the whitening agent used.
In this, the whitening agent is applied over the teeth by dentist and then special light and heat is used. Though it is more expensive than home bleaching the advantage is that results can be seen just after one treatment.
Bleaching is generally not indicated during pregnancy, or under the age of 16, in sensitive teeth or in patients allergic to peroxide. Also, the bleaching procedure does not whiten the tooth fillings.
However, bleaching gives you a brighter and whiter smile which makes you more confident.
All toothpaste help remove surface stains through the action of mild abrasives. Some whitening toothpastes contain gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains only and do not contain bleach; over-the-counter and professional whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide (a bleaching substance) that helps remove stains on the tooth surface as well as stains deep in the tooth
None of the home use whitening toothpastes can come even close to producing the bleaching effect you get from your dentist’s office. Whitening toothpastes can lighten your tooth’s color by about one shade. In contrast, light-activated whitening conducted in your dentist’s office can make your teeth three to