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| image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net |
As a person ages, his adult teeth generally become darker
because of changes to the enamel, or because staining from foods or medications
become an issue. Teeth whitening products restore natural tooth color and
bleaching solutions whiten beyond the natural color.
Teeth whitening
Teeth whiteners and tooth bleaching procedures aim to
lighten teeth color by either chemical or by mechanical action. Traditionally,
at-home teeth whiteners use overnight trays containing 5% solution of hydrogen
peroxide. Over the counter kits whiten with small strips that go over the front
teeth, thus bleaching satin deposits in the dentin layer.
Chemical teeth
whitening
Working chemically, peroxide bleaching agents carry out an
oxidation reaction in the tooth enamel and dentin. The dentin is the tissue
layer underneath the enamel that covers the tooth pulp. The color of dentin
ranges anywhere from grey to black but is typically a pale yellow, the color
generally seen penetrating through teeth enamel.
Mechanical teeth whiteners
Tooth whiteners
in toothpastes work through a mechanical action, employing mild abrasives that
aid in the removal of stains on enamel. Although using toothpaste to whiten
your teeth can be an effective method of removing enamel stains, it does not
alter the underlying and fundamental color of your teeth.
The American
Dental Association recommends a dental checkup before you whiten your teeth, even
with at home solutions. A thorough examination may bring to light any allergies or sensitivities, will detect gum
disorders, and the placement and conditions of restorations that may be
affected by the bleaching process. After examining your teeth, your cosmetic
dentist at Shoreline Dental Care can advise which home teeth whitening solutions
may work best for you.
