The principle of teeth whitening
Each tooth has a bright white tooth enamel on its surface, which transitions into yellow dentin and ensures the pulp under it takes care of the nutrition of the tooth. The enamel is the most important for tooth whitening. In our youth our teeth are whiter than at old age. It is caused by gradual grinding of dental enamel and dark dentine becoming visible under it, as well as the storage of pigment on the surface of the teeth. The bleaching agents designed to grind off the coloring pigment are therefore dangerous. With the pigment, the enamel layer thickness is also reduced, and the teeth are irreversibly damaged.
Safe bleaching agents only decompose the pigment particles and in no way interfere with the structure of the tooth. An example is hydrogen peroxide, which is used in a 30-35% concentration in the dental office, and carbamide, which is in turn suitable for tooth whitening at home. Please note that bleaching does not affect fillings and dentures, so bear that in mind before applying the whitening product.
Tooth whitening in the office
As mentioned above, for tooth whitening the dentist uses hydrogen peroxide gel at a concentration of 30-35%. Before applying the whitener, he or she carefully cleanses the tooth surface, pick the color and covers the gum with insulating material (liquid Kofferdam) to avoid contact with the gel. Then the physician carefully applies the gel on the teeth and the effect of the bleaching agent is further increased by a dental curing lamp. At our surgery, we use the latest Philips ZOOM tooth whitening technology. Tooth whitening is very effective with this technology. During the procedure we apply a bleaching gel at 15-minute intervals. The total tooth whitening process takes 60 minutes, and when it's finished, the teeth are shiny and white.
Tooth whitening at home
This is a very popular whitening method that puts you in control of the color of your teeth. But how do you start to whiten your teeth at home? Even if it is home whitening, it should always start in the dental surgery. The physician will perform a thorough examination and will make you an individual bleach gel applicator. You can imagine it as a thin plastic plate that exactly matches the shape of your teeth, on the front of which are created small reservoirs for bleaching gel.
The most suitable agents for home tooth whitening contain 10-15% carbamide concentration.
Apply a small amount of whitening gel to the plastic carrier reservoir, and after carefully cleaning your teeth, insert the mouthpiece on your teeth. Check for excess gel from the carrier and allow the bleach to work for 5-8 hours. This system is therefore ideal for night teeth whitening.
You can repeat the procedure until you are satisfied with the result of the bleaching.
