A Look at Teeth Whitening

Do you know what causes tooth stains? Every tooth is comprised of an inner dentin layer and a protective outer enamel layer which is much harder. Regular intake of food, nicotine and caffeinated beverages tends to form yet another layer of film over the teeth.

Teeth enamel is porous in nature. Hydroxyapatite crystals in the form of microscopic hexagonal “rods” make up the enamel. The accumulation of the foreign substances over the years gets into the pores and settles on the inner layer where it is very difficult to scrape them off. Though these deep stains are harmless, they don't look good.

Brushing helps to clean teeth stains to some extent and there are special abrasive toothpastes which help further the process. Teeth whitening toothpastes are also available which are effective in cleaning such stains on teeth enamel. You really have to do some research to find the best teeth whitener, though.

Many people seek the help of professional teeth whitening procedures through their dentist. During such teeth whitening procedures, a bleaching chemical agent is used called carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. This is present in a tooth whitener and it triggers a chemical - rather like an oxidation reaction - which manages to break the staining compounds. The chemical compound carbamide peroxide breaks within the mouth into urea and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide plays a vital role in the teeth whitening process.

At-Home Teeth Whitening: First you need to go for a tray fitting where a customized impression is made of your upper and lower teeth. Then, for a few hours everyday, you need to wear these customized trays that are full of teeth whitening gel. You need to do this for at least 3 days.

In-Office Teeth Whitening: You can choose from several different proprietary teeth whitening processes. A teeth whitening gel is applied to your teeth, usually Zoom, and a light is focused on it for at least an hour. The gel reacts with the light and thereby whitens the teeth.

Then, in another somewhat similar process, a teeth whitening gel made from diluted hydrogen-peroxide is applied to your teeth. A blue light, called BriteSmile, is shone on it to whiten the teeth.

In another process, you can whiten your teeth up to 10 shades using power light bleaching called Rembrandt. Some dentists claim that this also helps protect against new stains, browning or yellowing of your teeth. This might cost you upwards of $500.

Sometimes your teeth might become more sensitive for a couple of days following a teeth whitening procedure. Also, if your teeth have become yellow because you consume excessive colas, red wine, tea or coffee then you might notice perceptible differences in the shade of your teeth. But if you have yellow teeth due to smoking or medications, well, then the changes after your teeth whitening procedures might not be so drastic.