Dental Bleaching | Tooth Whitening Treatment in Bellandur, Bangalore

1. TOOTH WHITENING / DENTAL BLEACHING WRITTEN BY DR. NANDINI NELIVIGI MEDICAL DIRECTOR - NELIVIGI  DENTAL CLINIC, INDIA

2. Tooth whitening / Dental bleaching Tooth whitening is the process of lightening the shade of teeth. Whitening process may involve changing the intrinsic color of the tooth or removing the external stains on the teeth.

3. 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 there by 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:

4. Intrinsic factors: Dental decay Restorationsm Fluorosis Tetracycline and Minocycline stains Trauma Amelogenesis and Dentinogenesis Imperfecta Ageing and Erosion of tooth surface Extrinsic factors: Dental plaque and Calculus Tobacco Betel nut Chlorhexidine mouthwash Indications: Yellowish discoloration of the teeth Fluorosis Tetracycline stain Esthetic concern 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.

5. Methods of bleaching At home bleach: Whitening gels, tooth pastes and mouth washes 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 moulding 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.

6. Methods of bleaching 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 stain.

7. 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 tooth paste 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 burning sensation.

8. Maintenance Brush and floss your teeth regularly Do not consume colored drinks and red wine Keep away from tobacco/smoking 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 re hydration of the tooth).

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