Teeth Bleaching / Tooth Whitening:

Teeth Bleaching or Tooth Whitening is a chemical process used to remove stains from the surface of the teeth to achieve a whiter appearance. The core structure of a tooth is made of a substance called dentin. The dentin color has a range, from yellow to reddish brown. The outer layer of the tooth is covered with enamel this is a whiter and sometimes blue translucent coating, the visible surface of the tooth. Over time, enamel can wear down and become stained, causing it to appear yellow or reddish brown.

There are many reasons for the tooth enamel to stain. The daily wear and tear and everyday use of teeth results in tiny microscopic cracks in the enamel. These cracks can fill with organic debris over time, changing the appearance of the teeth.
Exposure to dark colored foods and beverages can also lead to tooth discoloration. Red wine, coffee, tea, are particularly prone to leaving a darkening residue on the teeth these are the organic debris. Smoking also has a significant negative effect on tooth enamel.
Teeth bleaching products and procedures will help to remove the debris, thereby improving the appearance of the tooth and whitening the color.
Professional tooth bleaching
When bleaching is desired, there are several different ways that the dentist can bleach your teeth. They are separated into external techniques (where the bleach is placed on the outside of the tooth) and internal techniques, where the bleach is placed inside the tooth product used.

Internal Bleaching:

Teeth treated with a root canal will change color over time(a natural occurrence). By placing a bleach product into the tooth the color will be lightened. This can be done only after root canal treatment.
To bleach a tooth in this way, the dentist will open the root canal and place a bleaching product into it. The opening will be sealed with a temporary filling, leaving the bleach inside the tooth. The procedure won't hurt because the nerve has been removed. If the patient is satisfied the bleach will be removed and the tooth receives a tooth colored filling. This may take seven days and if not satisfactory the process needs to be repeated.

External Bleaching:

This means that the color of the teeth is lightened by placing a bleaching gel on the outer (external) surfaces of the teeth.

Professional Tooth Bleaching in Office:

The dentist will isolate your gums and your lip with a protective material to avoid any potential damage or burning of your soft tissue. Peroxide agents are applied directly to the teeth and a laser or light source is used to accelerate the whitening process. This method can improve the shade of your teeth up to five times lighter, with the advantage of a immediate result. This method may take up to one or two hours within the dentist office.
Home bleaching is similar to over the counter bleaching kids, however there are two main differences.
First the dentist takes an impression of your mouth to fabricate a rubber tray to fit your teeth precisely.
Second the bleaching agent used is stronger then the over the counter products and it tends to be more effective. The dentist will provide the bleaching gel including the instruction how to place the gel into the trays and how to place the trays into your mouth. You will need to wear these trays at least one hour every day. This may take a week to achieve the desired color.

Over the Counter Bleaching Products:

Over the counter products, such as tooth whitening stripes and paint on products use a low concentration of peroxide-based whitener. These products can change you shade up to two times lighter and may reduce diet related stains. The time frame for bleaching your teeth with over the counter products can take several weeks.

Pregnant Women:

Pregnant women or nursing mothers should avoid teeth whitening as there is not enough research to determine the safety of whitening products during pregnancy or lactation.

Side Effects of Tooth Whitening:

Tooth whitening is a relatively safe procedure. Most people that use tooth whitening products experience very little to no side effects. You may encounter.

 Tooth sensitivity may be noticed during the process of whitening, and for a short period after the procedure due to the exposure of the dentin layer.