Teeth Whitening with Bleaching Trays
Teeth whitening involves bleaching the teeth to lighten their color. After treatment, the teeth look a few shades whiter, but not usually bright white.
Teeth whitening is an optional procedure — it is very rarely a necessity.
Whitening products typically use the chemicals hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Only registered dental practitioners can legally use the most concentrated — and thus most effective — whitening solutions.
The bleach soaks through the tooth’s enamel top layer and into the dentine, the main part of the inside of the tooth which is slightly softer than the enamel. The bleach reacts with the colored molecules that cause discoloration. The dentine then becomes lighter and the teeth look whiter. Bleach can also make the enamel surface more reflective, which looks whiter too.
Reasons for teeth whitening:
Teeth can be discolored by:
tea, coffee, red wine or cola
smoking
excessive fluoride or tetracycline (an antibiotic) when the teeth are forming
If you are considering teeth whitening, you should consult your dentist to see if your teeth are suitable.
Teeth whitening is not recommended if you:
are pregnant or breastfeeding
have sensitive teeth
have gum disease or shrinkage
have cracks or exposed dentine
What does teeth whitening involve?
Your dentist will first create molds of your top and bottom teeth. These are used to make customized trays, like a mouth guard, that fit over your teeth.
At your next appointment, bleaching gel is put into the trays, which you wear in your mouth for 15 to 30 minutes. The dentist might also shine a light to speed up the whitening process. Often, the treatment is repeated at home, following the dentist’s instructions. You’ll probably notice a difference in 2 to 4 weeks.
Another option is to get a kit with the customized trays from your dentist and carry out the treatment at home.