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Bleaching
of teeth is a procedure which is useful in lightening discolorations which have accumulated on the tooth surface over a
period of time. This process causes the whitening of teeth with the help of a mild
bleaching solution. This method
is ideal for stains caused by age or food.
What causes staining of teeth?
The most
common causes include aging, consumption of staining substances
(coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, betel nut etc.), and old discolored
fillings in the teeth. During tooth formation, consumption of the
antibiotic tetracycline or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth
discoloration.
How is bleaching done?
Bleaching is performed by two separate methods.
1. One is the In-office bleaching and the other is a
commercially available tray system.
2. With the in-office bleaching technique, a bleaching gel is
applied over the teeth and a special light is used to activate the
bleaching gel so as to begin the whitening process. The
facility for this method is available only in the dental clinic.
3. In tray bleaching system, trays are usually
provided along with the commercial teeth whitening pack. These trays
are designed so as to cover the tooth surface when placed in to
the mouth .The bleaching gel is carried to the tooth
surface with the help of these trays. The trays are usually
worn for
a few hours every day for a period of 7 to 10 days. Although slower, the
results achieved are usually comparable to the in-office bleaching.
4. For the maximum whitening, a combination of the two
techniques is recommended.
Is the process safe?
YES. All clinical studies have shown that tooth whitening is a safe process when done under the supervision of a dentist. Reports that claim that the bleaching gel will destroy your teeth are not true. The bleaching process causes no long-term harmful effects to your teeth or gums.
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