What is a Tooth Bleaching

Many people bleach their teeth to achieve a desired color and enhance their appearance.
This discoloration occurs due to the penetration of pigments into the enamel and changes in the minerals of the dentin, causing the teeth to yellow.
Since tooth whiteness is subconsciously considered a sign of youth and beauty and has many effects on a person’s beauty, teeth whitening, which is also called bleaching, has always been popular.

How does Tooth Bleaching Work?

In the bleaching method, a whitening agent (oxidant) whitens teeth. The bleaching agent is absorbed through the microscopic pores of the tooth surface and whitens the teeth through chemical changes.
In this method, the tooth enamel is not worn away, and the tooth structure is not damaged. The main ingredient in bleaching agents is hydrogen peroxide.
The bleaching agent penetrates the pigments in the tooth enamel and lightens them, making the teeth brighter.

What is the difference between bleaching and scaling?
Scaling removes plaque and surface stains from the teeth. It does not make the teeth’s color brighter but removes plaque and stains.
Teeth whitening occurs when the external pigments and plaque are removed. Scaling is a mechanical process that makes the teeth whiter from the outside.
However, the bleaching agent penetrates the tooth and brightens the tooth color from within. Bleaching is a chemical process that whitens the teeth from within.
In some cases, before starting bleaching treatment, the patient needs to scale and brush the teeth to achieve the ideal bleaching treatment.

Types of Bleaching:

1- Home Bleaching
Home bleaching includes various at-home whitening options, such as custom molds with a low-concentration bleaching gel, teeth bleaching strips, and tooth bleaching kits.

These methods allow users to apply whitening agents at home, with results that can gradually lighten teeth. While less concentrated than professional treatments, they can provide noticeable results over time when used consistently.

Additionally, teeth bleaching toothpaste, which contains mild abrasives and whitening agents, helps remove surface stains and maintain whiteness between treatments.

2- In Office Tooth Bleaching
Which is performed by the dentist in the office and is much more effective because the special bleaching gel is used with a much higher concentration.

3- Home and Office Bleaching
However, the safest and most effective bleaching method is a combination of both home and office bleaching, using a special bleaching light device under the careful supervision and protection of the dentist.

In the bleaching method with a bleaching device, the dentist first protects the entire gum around the front teeth with a special gum-protecting gel.
The patient’s lips are also moved aside with a unique mouth opener and wholly protected. Then, a special bleaching gel, hydrogen peroxide gel, is carefully placed on the outer surfaces of the front teeth.
The gel is then irradiated with a unique bleaching device that produces radiation at a unique frequency.
This process is repeated several times with precision. This radiation activates the bleaching gel and its rapid effect so that the bleaching treatment is completed in one to three sessions of about one hour.

Teeth Bleaching Cost
The cost of teeth bleaching can vary depending on the method chosen, whether it’s a professional treatment or at-home solutions. Professional treatments tend to be more expensive due to the use of specialized equipment and higher concentrations of bleaching agents. At-home options, such as whitening strips or kits, are generally more affordable but may require longer application times for noticeable results. Factors such as location, dentist expertise, and the extent of whitening needed can also influence the overall cost.

What are the results of tooth bleaching?

Bleaching makes teeth whiter and brighter by one to four shades. Of course, the degree of tooth whitening varies depending on the type of teeth and the type of tooth discoloration in different people. In some discolorations, it has a very good and wonderful effect.

Is bleaching bad for teeth?

If bleaching is done in a principled and correct way and with the necessary care, it will not harm or have adverse effects and is entirely harmless.

Aftercare Tips for tooth bleaching:
Sometimes, teeth may become temporarily sensitive, but this usually improves within a few days. In such cases, anti-allergic toothpaste is recommended.

How long does dental bleaching last?

You should not assume that once you have whitened your teeth, you will never need to whiten them again.
Teeth whitening does not last forever and needs to be refreshed every few years, depending on various factors. Maintaining the treatment results depends on how well you follow the health recommendations after teeth whitening.
Drinking a lot of coffee and dark tea, smoking, using a lot of colored drinks, and not paying attention to oral and dental hygiene are some factors that cause the bleaching to last longer.

Professional Tooth Bleaching

For those looking for a more effective and long-lasting solution to brighten their smile, professional tooth bleaching is the ideal choice. Performed by a skilled dentist, this treatment ensures optimal results with minimal risks, offering a significant improvement in tooth color and overall appearance.

At Beach Cities Dentistry, we provide expert whitening services tailored to your needs, helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted with care and precision.

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening-and-bleaching

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/tooth-bleaching

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth_whitening

https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/whitening