Teeth Whitening Systems Explained
December 4th, 2008So we all crave whiter teeth, we want a movie star smile that the opposite sex will find irresistible! But how do we get one? One method well worth trying is teeth whitening.
Tooth whitening, also known as tooth bleaching, is a common procedure today in general dentistry, particularly in cosmetic dentistry. As a person ages the adult teeth often increase become darker. This darkening is due to changes in the mineral structure of the teeth. As you get older, the enamel becomes less porous.
As white teeth are associated with youth, they have become desirable. White teeth are attractive, everyone wants a “Hollywood smile”.
Teeth whitening systems use oxidising agents such as hydrogen peroxide to lighten the shade of the teeth. There are two main methods of bleaching. The first involves applying a high concentration of oxidising agent for a short period of time, which is the so-called office bleach. This produces quick results but risks chemical burns to the soft tissues. Therefore, most in-office bleaching procedures use a light-cured protective layer that is carefully painted on the gums and papilla (the tips of the gums between the teeth). The bleaching agent is either carbamide peroxide, which breaks down in the mouth to form hydrogen peroxide, or hydrogen peroxide itself. The bleaching gel typically contains up to 35% hydrogen peroxide equivalent.
The alternative method involves using a thin mouth guard or strip to hold a low concentration of oxidising agent next to the teeth for as long as several hours a day for a period of 5 to 14 days. This is known as take-home or over-the-counter bleaching. This is a slower process but has fewer risks to the soft tissues. The bleaching agent is typically less than 10% hydrogen peroxide equivalent. You can also buy teeth whitening pens.
To learn more about teeth whitening, visit: http://www.teeth-whitening-systems.org