When it comes to whitening teeth, there are a variety of methods available. While many stains can be successfully treated with a single agent, some may need to be treated by a combination of methods. Bleaching treatments can be combined in a variety of ways, depending on the nature of the bleaching. Table 15.3 shows the different options for the different levels of discoloration.
When an agent cannot completely remove a stain, or when there are several stains from different origins on the same tooth, a combination of whitening techniques can be used. Intensive whitening can be combined with a home whitening program. Combinations of whitening agents can be used in different concentrations. The microabrasion technique can be combined with household bleaching or with electrical bleaching. Teeth can even be whitened with pumice stone and a 10% carbamide peroxide suspension. In addition, combinations of increasing concentrations of hydrochloric acid and resin infiltration can reduce the effects of white spots.
However, hydroxyapatite (HAp) toothpaste is the only whitening toothpaste that can inherently whiten teeth from the inside out. Literally, it “fills the enamel space for a whiter, brighter appearance”. Lowenberg says that the most effective bleaching agent is hydrogen peroxide. In-office whitening procedures, such as Zoom Advanced Power whitening, can give immediate results because dentists use a 35% hydrogen peroxide solution along with a light source directly on the teeth to break down all the molecules that cause stains and discoloration, he explains. Over-the-counter methods, on the other hand, use between 7 and 10% hydrogen peroxide or a derivative called carbamide peroxide.
You might see instant results with this product, but they'll be mild. There are more opportunities to combine whitening treatments and more techniques for more effective whitening. For the safest and most effective at-home teeth whitening method, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recommends using personalized trays provided by your dentist. Usually, following the manufacturer's instructions, teeth whitening is noticeable within a few days, lightening the teeth by 1 or 2 tones. Whitestrips gel shouldn't come into contact with cavities, so it's best to use these teeth whiteners soon after a visit to the dentist to make sure you don't have untreated cavities.
The pre-treatment shades are taken, both for the non-vital tooth and for the surrounding teeth, and recorded in the patient's medical record or on the whitening record sheet (see chapter).Modern dental technology has made teeth whitening methods more affordable and effective than ever. After placing the barrier, the access cavity is left open so that the whitening material, which is normally 10% or 16% carbamide peroxide or 6% hydrogen peroxide, can be placed in the pulp chamber while the whitening tray is applied to the tooth to retain the material in the tooth. Low-cost electric toothbrushes have teeth whitening benefits similar to those that cost hundreds of dollars. Oscillating electric toothbrushes are generally the best for whitening teeth compared to sound-actuated toothbrushes. The patient is sent home with whitening instructions and sufficient whitening materials to brighten the tooth.
The thicker base of the glass ionomer can sometimes mask residual discoloration if the non-vital tooth hasn't been fully whitened to match adjacent teeth. There is no evidence that additional features, such as Bluetooth or specialized toothbrushes, improve brushing in a way that improve the effects of teeth whitening. The new research also focuses on optimizing whitening procedures to reduce tooth sensitivity and increase the persistence of whitening. Combining different methods of tooth whitening is an effective way to achieve brighter and whiter teeth without having to resort to expensive treatments or harsh chemicals.
With modern dental technology and over-the-counter products available today, it's easier than ever to find an at-home teeth whitening method that works for you.
