Teeth are whitened with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. 35% hydrogen peroxide is mainly used for teeth whitening in the dental office. This is the so-called office whitening. 10% carbamide peroxide brightens teeth on their own. In the article, we will take a closer look at home whitening with carbamide peroxide (peroxide) and find out why this type of teeth whitening is much better than office whitening.
How bleach works on teeth
Each tooth has its own maximum to which it can be lightened, and this applies to all whitening techniques. Someone's teeth whiten in one visit, for someone - in a few days, for someone it takes 5 weeks. The characteristics of each person are such that even if the concentration of carbamide peroxide is increased, the whitening will not accelerate.
To dissolve food colorings and even change the color of the tooth, which is given by nature, peroxide goes through several layers - from enamel to nerve. Speciallyit is not necessary to treat the surface of the tooth mechanically or with some compositions, because peroxide penetrates so well through its tissues. If the tooth is cracked, for example, from increased stress, then the dentist must warn the patient that carbamide peroxide can cause pain in the damaged tooth. Then to carry out whitening or not is the decision of the patient.
Features of the home procedure
For whitening with carbamide peroxide at home, mouthguards are needed. These are overlays for the teeth, on which a brightening gel is applied. Mouthguards are standard (they are included in whitening kits), and they are individual (they are made by the dentist according to the cast of the patient's teeth). Custom mouthguards are better for several reasons. Due to the fact that they fit snugly to the teeth, whitening is more effective. The teeth are lightened evenly, as the product is distributed evenly over all areas. Less whitening gel is needed, because there are no large gaps between the tooth and the tray, as is the case with standard sets. Thanks to a good fit, the gel does not leak out and does not burn the mucous membrane of the mouth.
Benefits of Carbamide Peroxide Whitening
This substance is so popular because it works softer than hydrogen peroxide, but remains active for longer - up to 10 hours. Its action is not aggressive, so whitening is safer, but takes longer. Another advantage is that the teeth for a long time after whiteningdo not stain with tea, coffee, cigarettes.
Carbamide peroxide acts in such a way that acidity increases in the oral cavity. As a result, less plaque is formed, bacteria are killed. Due to its milder bleaching properties, carbamide peroxide can be used even on decayed teeth, but only for shallow holes (as in superficial and moderate caries).
Home whitening takes longer, but is safer and many times cheaper than office whitening. Do not think that with in-office whitening you will be able to lighten your teeth in one session. Have to go to the dentist four or five times.
Enamel brightening and sensitivity
Some reviews of carbamide peroxide whitening say that the procedure causes hypersensitivity. There is only part of the truth in such judgments. If the caries is deep, then the teeth are too sensitive, which means that any kind of lightening will cause pain. However, here's what is important: the pain most often occurs from hydrogen peroxide, that is, with office bleaching. Occasionally, the sensitivity of the teeth also increases when bleaching with carbamide peroxide. It happens in such cases:
- if irritation appeared while wearing the cap;
- if the teeth have congenital sensitivity;
- if the concentration of carbamide peroxide is higher than the standard 10%;
- if the whitening composition is applied to standard mouthguards, and not to those that were made individually for the patient, irritation (and therefore pain) from the mouthpiece may occur.
Hopefully presentedinformation will help you better understand the features of the procedure.
