Tooth whitening lightens the colour of the teeth and helps to remove stains and discoloration. Whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can greatly improve how your teeth look. It will need to be repeated from time to time if you want to maintain the brighter color. Whitening can be done in the dental office or at home.
Bleaching is used to lighten the shade of the teeth as compared to previous existing shade.
Stains due to fluorosis, tetracycline, non vital teeth can be lightened with bleaching.
Different bleaching materials used are sodium perborate for non vital(walking bleach) tooth bleaching, 35% hydrogen peroxide, 10% carbamide peroxide for vital teeth bleaching.
Carbamide peroxide is used as home bleach.
All the procedures should be done under the supervision and guidance of a dentist.
Proper post-op care should be taken to maintain the effect.
It is a temporary change in the colour and needs to be repeated regularly if needed for long term effects.