How does teeth whitening work?
Teeth whitening gels are used to enhance the brightness and whiteness of your smile. These gels typically consist of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
Stains can make teeth appear dull. Teeth whitening gels break these stains, making the teeth lighter and much brighter.
A chemical process known as oxidation is the hallmark feature for teeth whitening. Oxidation is the transfer of electrons from one substance or compound to another. The enamel on the teeth contains rods which act as passages into the underlying dentin of which the peroxide or bleach oxidize stains and accumulations. This organic chemical process results in whiter teeth.
It is thought that bleaching is relatively safe and effective for most people and has been approved by the dental associations for general use in the population. There is thought to be no gross changes in the tooth structure or harm to the enamel. However, bleaching too much is not advised as it has been shown to cause a slight wearing of the enamel over a period of time.
There are two types of teeth whitening procedures; in-office and at home. The in-office procedure is performed in the dentist’s office. Your dentist will use a protective gel and rubber shield to guard your gums, lips and soft tissues of the mouth. Then, peroxide gel is applied to the teeth. The treatment lasts around one to two hours. On the other hand, if you prefer at-home whitening treatments, your dentist will first make a mould to fit both your upper and lower teeth. You will then have to fill the mould with the peroxide gel and place it in your mouth for a specific amount of time, daily. This process is continued until the desired degree of whiteness is obtained.
Teeth whitening treatments are always best performed with a trained dentist. This is because the over-the-counter strip or one-size-fits-all tray does not perfectly fit the shape of your teeth, and the sections of the teeth at the gum line usually remain unbleached, resulting in an unsightly appearance.
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Mouth Carolina Dentistry, PA - Dr. Andrew Greenberg
Dr. Andrew Greenberg completed his Bachelor’s Degree in New Orleans, Louisiana at Tulane University. He graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine in 2009, where he portrayed excellent academic performance. He exercises his academic brilliance to the benefit of his patients every day. He grew up in a family with a dental background and showed interest in the field since his early days.
