Teeth Bleaching Procedure

Teeth bleaching is a common practice and highly effective at improving the appearance of the teeth. Stains are able to develop on both the inside and outer surface of the tooth. A significant cause for this staining or discoloration of the teeth often relates to specific types of food and drinks, bacteria, age, and certain other foreign toxins, most notably nicotine.rnHowever, it is certainly possible to make the teeth appear whiter and there are several techniques which can be performed to achieve this. In most cases, the effective techniques will involve using hydrogen peroxide, which is highly effective at using its oxidizing properties to make the teeth whiter. In general, there are two ways in that teeth bleaching can be performed, that is the professional procedure in a dental practice and the at-home kits. 1. Dental Practice Bleaching: Without doubt the most effective practice of bleaching teeth will be conducted by a qualified dentist. Most dental practices offer a range of cosmetic procedures, such as a teeth bleaching service. Several steps are involved in the teeth bleach process, which will first involve applying a protective coating to the sensitive areas of the mouth, such as the gums. This is necessary to protect these areas from the bleaching agent. With that stage completed, a carbamide or hydrogen based peroxide is applied in a high concentration in a gel form onto the teeth. rnThe peroxide is designed to slowly seep into the tooth enamel (outer coating of the teeth), and starts to break down and oxidize the stains. In most cases, the bleaching agent will be left in place for about 60 minutes. Whitening effects last for a good few months, although this will of course depend on how well the teeth are taken care of. Treatment in a dental practice offers the best teeth bleaching procedure, which is carried out to an effective and high standard, although it can be quite expensive, especially if it's not covered by an insurance plan. 2. At-Home Teeth Bleaching: If you would prefer to avoid the cost of visiting a dental practice, it is often a possibility to pick up some quite effective at-home bleaching kits. Working in much the same way as the treatment you would likely expect to receive at the dentist, except that the bleaching agent is at a lower concentration, which will mean that the treatment duration will take much longer. Although, the increase in treatment length is often is offset by the lower cost in the at-home kits. rnIn general, the home based kits use a strip or molded mouth guard which is able to press and hold the active bleaching agents against the upper and lower rows of teeth. Treatment length is often in the region of 60 minutes per day, over the course of 7 to 14 days, which is often dependent on the particular purchased product. Active bleaching agents in the at-home kits are in the region of 10% hydrogen peroxide, whereas with the professional procedure that the dentist uses, the bleaching agent is much closer to 35% hydrogen peroxide.