Dec

25

Does teeth whitening work?

Filed Under Other Stuff 

Teeth whitening is the process of lightening the color of the teeth with the use of bleaching agents, usually hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. It has become popular over the years as a means to improve the appearance.

There are several methods used for teeth whitening.

 

     

     

  1. In-office method involves carefully controlled use of higher concentration of the peroxide gel (ranging from 9% to 40%) and is performed by a dentist or a trained technician. A protective paint-on rubber dam is applied to the gums initially, to protect it from burning. The peroxide gel is applied to the teeth with a dental tray for several 15-20 minutes interval that add up to a maximum of one hour. If there are stubborn stains another session may be scheduled or the patient may be asked to carry on with a home-use whitening system. This method produces the fastest results.

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  2. Professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits produce the best results over a long period of time. This method uses a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide gel that remains on the teeth with the use of a bleaching tray for an hour or longer (can be used overnight).

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  3. Over-the counter whitening products are the cheapest and most convenient to use. Store bought whitening kits include a peroxide gel (usually carbamide peroxide) and is applied to the teeth through a one-size-fits all dental tray, whitening strips or paint on applications. Carbamide peroxide is a slow-acting compound that breaks down into hydrogen peroxide. It has only one third of the strength of concentrated hydrogen peroxide, so a 15% solution of carbamide peroxide contains only about 5% hydrogen peroxide.

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Teeth whitening procedures are relatively safe; however one must be aware of certain risks like:

 

     

     

  1. Teeth sensitivity to temperature, pressure and touch maybe experienced after or during the teeth whitening process. This is more likely to occur with the in-office method using higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Individuals with gum recession, those with considerable cracks on their teeth or those with leakage due to defective restoration have greater risk of teeth sensitivity. Teeth sensitivity may last for a day or two and may be alleviated with the use of a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate.

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  2. Spontaneous shooting pains referred to as “zingers may be experienced down the middle of the front teeth. Redheads are more prone to experience teeth sensitivity and zingers.

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  3. More than half of those who underwent teeth whitening developed some degree of gum irritation from hydrogen peroxide concentration and sometimes from contact with the dental trays. The irritation goes away when the bleaching is stopped or when the concentration of the bleaching agent is lowered.

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  4. Technicolor teeth are a result of uneven coloring. Whitener bleach does not affect restorations such as cosmetic bonding, dental crowns or porcelain veneers so that its color remains the same while the surrounding natural teeth becomes whiter. Restorations should be made or replaced at least two weeks after undergoing the teeth whitening process to avoid this effect.

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  5. There is always the possibility of swallowing some bleaching agent; that is why pregnant women and nursing mothers are not advised to undergo this treatment. The potential effect of swallowing hydrogen peroxide on the baby is unknown.

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The author of this article is a prolific writer and web developer, with his latest project being a site which reviews teeth whitening kits available over the counter to replace expensive dental whitening, while supporting a home teeth whitening option that is actually effective.

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