What is Tooth Whitening (Bleaching)?

The purpose of teeth whitening is to remove tartar and stain of the tooth to make it white and bright. Under the supervision of the doctor, the general whitening products are used by the patients to whiten teeth by placing bleaching agents on the customized tray daily. It uses a very soft gel, which is placed on the customized tray so that the gel can cover the surface of the teeth.

What Stains Your Teeth?

Factors causing tooth staining can be divided into two categories: endogenous and exogenous factors. Endogenous causes such as tetracycline staining, fluorosis, pulp necrosis and so on. Exogenous causes such as smoking, betel nut chewing, a dark-colored diet, and tooth aging. Tetracycline if taken can stain the teeth in gray, brown, purple or even different color bands when tooth germs are developing. If there are excessive amounts of fluoride in drinking water, it will form faint white lines, streaks or spots on the surface of teeth, known as dental fluorosis. Teeth with pulp necrosis are darker than normal teeth.

Can Everybody Receive Tooth Whitening?

Almost everyone can receive tooth whitening, but there are a few exceptions, such as people who allergic to bleaching agents, those with gingival atrophy or exposed roots that make teeth sensitive. Usually the dentist will perform a thorough examination to make a diagnosis and determine the patients most suitable for the treatment.

Is the Tooth Whitening Process Safe?

Studies have shown that whitening teeth with 16% carbamide peroxide derivatives under the supervision of a dentist is safe for teeth or gums.

How does General Whitening Product Achieve its Effect?

The whitening gel is placed in the tray made by the dentist according to the teeth of each user. After the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into free radicals due to redox action, the organic pigments can be bleached from the carbon ring structure to the non-pigmented structure, so that the double bonds of the pigments can be converted into single bonds to remove the color, thus achieving the effect of tooth bleaching.

How Long does the Whitening Process Take?

The effects are usually visible after several nights of use, but the best effects are achieved after 10 to 14 consecutive nights of use.

Are There Any Side Effects?

In some patients, teeth may become sensitive to hot and cold food during whitening procedure or the gums may feel uncomfortable for a short time. But these symptoms disappear after 1 to 3 days of stop bleaching.

How Long can the Whitening Effect Last?

After the whitening treatment, the intake of dark colored foods or drinks should be reduced. Generally, after tooth whitening, the color of teeth will gradually darken with time, which can last about 2 years. It is suggested that enhanced bleaching be done every six months for 2 to 3 days, depending on the patient's diets and oral hygiene habits.