How Does A Tooth Whitener Actually Work?
Do you know that in the year 2005, Americans shelled out a cumulative total of $1.4 billion dollars on teeth whiteners? According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, much of the cash went out on dentist recommended over-the-counter teeth whitening products. Such is the astonishing need for teeth whiteners that dental industries are always coming up with new and innovative products for the consumers. Who doesn’t want whiter teeth anyway? We all aspire to have an irresistible smile!
A tooth whitener typically contains an active ingredient called peroxide. Teeth whitening products such as toothpaste, paint on solutions and whitening sprays commonly have a 3% hydrogen peroxide ingredient. If you use home kits with teeth trays, the solution gets more concentrated – the whitening gel used contains 10% carbamide peroxide. When combined with water and a heat or light source, this active solution is an effective bleaching agent.
As soon as peroxide gets into contact with the tooth, the elements oxidize into oxygen molecules which generate free radicals. The new molecules then turn the surface pores in the enamel and dentin into a colourless by-product and create a lightening effect. This whitening process normally occurs within the first two to five hours. Home tooth whitener kits regulated by a dentist are considered to be the most effective because they involve a greater dose of bleaching chemical or peroxide.
A tooth whitener has never been found to be unsafe: medical and dental professionals agree that the treatment is harmless. In fact, studies have proven that they do not put patients under any carcinogenic risk at all. The peroxide levels used are way below the sub-standard doses, contact with gum tissue is minimal, and the incidences of fatalities are way beyond normal conditions.
When using tooth whiteners, there are certain dental precautionary measures that need to be observed. There might be unexpected results in colour uniformity of your teeth – a potential problem that is best discussed before getting any teeth whitening treatment. Porcelain veneers, crowns or bridges do not react to bleaching and retains their default colours even after the teeth bleaching procedure is completed. It is suggested that you consult a trusted professional before deciding to have a tooth whitener administered on your teeth.
In essence, a tooth whitener is simply a bleaching agent that when applied to the teeth, will improve the colour or remove existing dark stains caused by food intake, specific antibiotics or dark coloured beverages. Just like bleaching your white linens, the teeth can be manipulated in the same way with the aid of whitening chemicals.
Teeth whitening can be done at the dentist’s office or at home under a dentist’s supervision. For a newbie, it is recommended to undergo a teeth whitening treatment that is managed and supervised by your trusted professional. Opting for a take-home tooth whitener is best done with the help of your dentist because your teeth tray will be customized to fit you exactly as opposed to over the counter products that include only the one-size fits-all teeth tray. This could lend great discomfort on the patient.
