Tooth Whitening / Dental Bleaching

Dental Bleaching | Tooth Whitening Treatment in Bellandur, Bangalore

Tooth whitening is the process of lightening the shade of teeth. The whitening process may involve changing the intrinsic color of the tooth or removing the external stains on the teeth.

What are bleaching agents and how do they work?

Basically, bleaching agents are either carbamide peroxide (10 to 44% concentration) or hydrogen peroxide (3 to 16% concentration). When Hydrogen peroxide reaches the tooth surface it penetrates inside where it acts as an oxidizing agent and breaks down into unstable free radicals. These free radicals bind to Organic pigmented molecules thereby converting them into small less pigmented components.  By reflecting less light they lighten the tooth color. However, this change is temporary and the tooth starts to regain its original color in a few months to years depending on the patients eating habits.

Tooth staining can be intrinsic or extrinsic:

Intrinsic factors:

Tooth Intrinsic Factors | Tooth Whitening Treatment in Bellandur, Bangalore

1. Dental decay
2. Restorations
3. Fluorosis
4. Tetracycline and Minocycline stains
5. Trauma
6. Amelogenesis and Dentinogenesis Imperfecta
7. Ageing and Erosion of tooth surface

Extrinsic factors:

Tooth Extrinsic Factors | Tooth Whitening Treatment in Bellandur, Bangalore

1. Dental plaque and Calculus
2. Tobacco
3. Betel nut
4. Chlorhexidine mouthwash

Indications:

Tooth Stain Indications | Tooth Whitening Treatment in Bellandur, Bangalore

1. Yellowish discoloration of the teeth
2. Fluorosis
3. Tetracycline stain
4. Esthetic concern
5. Internal tooth staining

If the staining is external it can be removed with good oral prophylaxis and air abrasion techniques. However intrinsic staining would require bleaching.

Methods of bleaching:

Methods of Bleaching | Tooth Whitening Treatment in Bellandur, Bangalore

1. At home bleach: Whitening gels, toothpaste, and mouthwashes are available over the counter in drug stores. Some products give a tray that can be formed by the patient himself by dipping the tray material in hot water and molding it on the teeth. Some products would ask you to meet the dentist for the tray to be custom made. The same can be used by patients following the instructions of use recommended by the company. These may give one to two shades of whitening.
2. In-office bleach: In this procedure, the dentist will apply a protective layer to cover your gums and the papillae, then apply the whitening gel on the teeth with a period of 15-20 mins rinse the gel. One may require 2-3 sessions of bleaching to achieve the desired color depending on the nature of the stain.

Light-activated bleaching agents may also be used when the gel is exposed to LED light with a unit for the recommended time to achieve the desired color.

Side effects:

• One of the most common side effects of bleaching is tooth sensitivity. Almost 60-70% of the patients undergoing bleaching have sensitivity following the procedure.
• You will be recommended to use desensitizing toothpaste by your dentist. The sensitivity may last for up to a few weeks.
• Apart from this, hydrogen peroxide (if not applied properly) as it contacts the tissue surface may burn the tissue and cause a burning sensation.

Maintenance:

Bleaching Maintenance | Tooth Whitening Treatment in Bellandur, Bangalore

1. Brush and floss your teeth regularly
2. Do not consume colored drinks and red wine
3. Keep away from tobacco/smoking
4. keep away from caffeine-related products

It may be required to redo the process every year since whitening will be lost in a due course of time (mainly due to rehydration of the tooth).

To know more, visit us on:
www.nelivigidentalclinic.com