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Teeth Bleaching:

Teeth bleaching on a simple scale is the treatment of teeth using an oxidising or bleaching agent to lessen or eliminate stains by lightening the discolouration of the enamel or dentin of our teeth. Causes of teeth discolouration can be due to aging, consumption of staining substances such as coffee or tea, smoking, trauma and nerve degeneration. Other than self-treatment by using commercial products, professional dental treatment is strongly encouraged.

1. Before treatment, the dentist will examine the patient orally and ensure that the patient has a set of healthy and unrestored teeth before deciding whether the patient is a suitable candidate for teeth bleaching.
2. There are two main ways to bleach teeth:

Procedure A:

• The dentist first takes an impression of the upper and lower row of teeth.

• Plaster models are made from these moulds and then trays to cover the teeth are made from the models.

• A small solution of bleaching solution is placed in the trays to be worn over the teeth.

¶ The trays must be able to prevent the solution from concentrating over the gum, as the bleaching solution, when allowed to remain in contact on the gum for too long, will cause the gum to irritate or burn.

• The trays are worn over the teeth for a period of 11/2-2 hours daily for 3-6 weeks, with visits to the dentist scheduled every 2 weeks.

• It requires only one appointment.

• A safe bleaching solution is applied to the teeth and exposed to a small intense light that activates the bleach.

• After the above steps are repeated 2-3 times, the teeth are then polished.

• Procedure only requires 40 minutes.

Chemical Aspect:

Certain teeth bleaching gels contain the active ingredient carbamide peroxide (CH₄N₂O₂). When water comes into contact with these white crystals, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth. The structure of the teeth remains unchanged but it is whitened.

Effects of Bleaching of Teeth:

The results mostly last up to 3 years and treatment will be required again. It is successful in at least 90% of the patients.

For the first procedure: Most people have noticeable whitening of teeth in 1-2 weeks after treatment. However for deeper stains, e.g. those caused by tetracycline, acceptable results will be attained only after several weeks of treatment.

For the second procedure: Results are usually immediate and dramatic.

However, side effects might result in which there may be an increase in tooth and gum sensitivity to coldness, which will usually disappear within interruption or after completion of treatment.

No one can predict how much lighter your teeth will become. The success rate depends upon the type of stain and your compliance. Bleaching only provides a shift in colour from gray to a lighter shade of gray, for example. Bleaching does not lighten artificial materials such as resins, silicates or porcelains.

Effects of bleaching on teeth

Teeth of a smoker

                                             Before bleach                                                         After bleach

Teeth affected by age

                                                       Before bleach                                                  After Bleach