What is tooth whitening? How Teeth Whitening Works?
Teeth Whitening: The process wherein the color of the teeth is
lightened is called as tooth whitening. There are various
reasons for teeth getting discolored. The main causes are stains
of tea, tobacco, coffee, antibiotics etc. These can be removed
by tooth whitening. People who have sensitive teeth should not
use teeth whitening. People with sensitive teeth would have more
problems if they use teeth whitening solutions.
There are many tooth whitening treatments available, some of
them are:
1) Bleaching kits: Tooth bleaching solution is applied to the
mouth tray and it is inserted into the mouth. After an hour or
two or as mentioned in the kit the tray is removed. Most of them
work for an hour. The solution contains peroxide, which bleaches
the enamel. The carbamide peroxide content in the solution is
normally of ten, sixteen or twenty two percent. Some bleach is
used twice a day for two weeks while others are used overnight
for 1-2 weeks.
2) Laser tooth whitening: A solution is applied on the teeth. A
wall made out of rubber is placed on the teeth and the laser is
directed towards the teeth and the heat generated enters the
teeth through the solution and the treatment takes an hour or
so. After the treatment is completed you can see the changes.
3) Whitening Toothpastes: These toothpastes have special
chemicals that remove the stains. The main advantage of the
whitening toothpaste is it does not change the natural color of
the teeth. Colgate Simply White Advanced Whitening Toothpaste is
recommended.
4) Tooth whitening strips: These strips are placed on the teeth
and are removed after 30 minutes. These are very effective and
are recommended. They also contain peroxides.
If the above mentioned ways of treatment are done properly then
there won't be any problem. There is no long-term data on safety
of these tooth-whitening treatments.