Questions on Tooth Whitening 

What about discolorations?

There are many causes of tooth staining. Certain medicines, tooth trauma, root fillings and certain foods and beverages can cause tooth discoloration over time. Some discolorations are superficial while others are internal. Both can be effectively treated by a dentist.

How does bleaching work?

The whitening process is possible due to the ability of the carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide to freely pass through enamel and dentin and to permeate to all parts of the tooth. These peroxides break down into ions O2 and OH radicals which migrate between the enamel prisms, breaking down any colored molecules that result in tooth discoloration. The structure of the tooth is not altered.

Numerous studies have proven the effectiveness of peroxides in whitening teeth. Enamel and  dentin are not affected by the whitening agents, nor are they harmed by the whitening materials.

Carbamide Peroxide vs Hydrogen peroxide: what is the difference?
Carbamide peroxide breaks down into urea and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient in both. Carbamide peroxide breaks down to about one third hydrogen peroxide, so an 18% carbamide peroxide solution has the same effect as a 6% hydrogen peroxide solution.

How long does the bleaching last?

Bleaching results are very stable, but depending on the patient’s nutrition and lifestyle habits, the procedure may need to be redone periodically. For CE reasons, the bleaching procedure can be done no more than two times yearly.

Will bleaching cause tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is a reasonably common side effect of bleaching. If sensitivity occurs, it is transient and disappears after the completion of bleaching. However, By Dental products are available with Potassium Nitrate desensitizing agents already included for additional comfort.  Potassium nitrate acts like an analgesic or anesthetic by keeping the nerve from repolarizing after it has depolarized in the pain cycle.

Do teeth whitening damage a tooth's nerve

There's no evidence to date that the tooth whitening process has a harmful effect on the health of a tooth's nerve.

Will bleaching cause problems by weakening the tooth’s Enamel?

Many independent studies demonstrate that Carbamide and Hydrogen Peroxide do not cause any problems by weakening the tooth’s enamel.

Do teeth whitening damage existing dental restorations?

Over 10 years of clinical use of whitening products have not shown any damage to existing fillings. The issue is not "damage" to existing restorations; rather, keep in mind that existing restorations such as tooth-colored fillings, crowns, bonding, veneers, and bridges do not lighten. This means that any preexisting dental work may need to be replaced to match the new tooth shade achieved in the natural teeth, should a bleaching process proceed.

How white should I go when bleaching? 
The answer to this question varies with person to person. The whitening that you want for your teeth should be according to your skin complexion. If you have a darker complexion, you should go for a shade that complements your skin. If you go for a very white shade, it would look unnatural. Another thing that you should keep in mind while selecting the whitening shade is the colour of your eyes.

Is Dentist supervision the best way to whiten?

Tooth whitening treatments today are effective/efficacious and safe if they are used appropriately and with the correct materials. This includes an initial diagnosis, professional teeth cleaning, briefing on the whitening process to be used and monitoring of the patient during the treatment phase.