In the past 20 years, research into Tooth Whitening Methods has dramatically increased.
Dentist-supervised and over-the-counter Tooth Whitening Methods now are available.
There are two main TOOTH WHITENING METHODS.
The first of the tooth whitening methods involves applying a relatively high concentration of oxidising agent for a relative short span of time.
This is sometimes called office bleach.
Although this tooth whitening method produces quicker results it also comes with the risk of chemical burns to the soft tissues.
Because of this risk factor, you will find that most in-office bleaching procedures will use a light-cured protective layer that is carefully painted on the gums and papilla (tips of the gums between the teeth).
The bleaching agent can be carbamide peroxide, which breaks down in the mouth to form hydrogen peroxide, or hydrogen peroxide itself.
The bleaching gel usually contains up to 35% hydrogen peroxide equivalent.
Alternative Tooth Whitening Methods use a thin mouthguard or strip to hold a low concentration oxidising agent next to the teeth for up to several hours a day.
This is generally done over a period of 5 to 14 days.
This Tooth Whitening method is known as take-home or over-the-counter bleaching.
This style of Tooth Whitening Methods is a slower process but has fewer risks to the soft tissues.
The bleaching agent involved is typically less than 10% hydrogen peroxide equivalent.
Generally, a treatment of tooth whitening will produce quality improvements for most people in the appearance of their teeth.
However, some stained teeth do not respond to bleaching.
Tetracycline staining may require prolonged bleaching, as it takes longer for the bleach to reach the dentine layer.
White-spot decalcifications may also be highlighted and become more noticeable. Bleaching is least effective if your teeth have white spots, decay or infected gums. It is also least effective when the original tooth color is grayish.
Bleaching methods is most effective with yellow discolored teeth.
Recently, efforts have been made to accelerate the whitening process by the use of light. Studies have shown varying results as to the efficacy of light-activated bleaching in Tooth Whitening.
Side effects of Tooth Whitening Methods include: chemical burns (if a high-concentration oxidising agent contacts unprotected tissues, which may bleach or discolor mucous membranes), sensitive teeth, and overbleaching (known in the profession as "over white teeth"). Rebound, or teeth losing the bleached effect and darkening, is also an issue, with some studies showing the rebound effect over 30 days.
Risks of Tooth Whitening Methods
The two side effects that occur most often are a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth, particularly the gums. Tooth sensitivity often occurs during early stages of the bleaching treatment. Tissue irritation most commonly results from an ill-fitting mouthpiece tray rather than the tooth-bleaching agent. Both of these conditions usually are temporary and disappear within 1 to 3 days of stopping or completing treatment.
If you suffer from sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums and/or defective restorations you should always consult with your dentist prior to using a tooth whitening system.
If you are allergic to peroxide (the whitening agent), you should not use a bleaching product.
Teeth whitening is also not recommended in pregnant or lactating women.
Bleaching is not recommended in children under the age of 16.
This is because the pulp chamber, or nerve of the tooth, is enlarged until this age.
Teeth whitening methods under this condition could irritate the pulp or cause it to become sensitive.
How Long will Tooth Whitening Last
This is subjective to Methods and other factors, but generally anywhere from 5 to 7 years.
A lot will depend on the quality of the work performed by your dentist.
If you are a heavy drinker of coffee, tea, etc, or you smoke, this will have a big effect on how long it will last.
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