Dental Bleaching FAQ’s with Atlantic Pediatric Dentistry

Dental bleaching is a cosmetic dental procedure aimed at lightening the color of tooth enamel. It effectively breaks down and eliminates stains from the enamel, resulting in a brighter appearance. Here are some key points about dental bleaching:

Types of Dental Bleaching:

1. • In-Office Professional Treatments: These are performed by dentists in their clinics. The dentist etches your teeth with an acid solution and then applies an oxidizing agent to the enamel. Your teeth are exposed to a bright light or laser to hasten the lightening process. Typically, it takes three to four sessions, each lasting about 30–60 minutes, to achieve the desired color. This is usually done on older teenagers or adult patients to achieve a dramatic and rapid result. 
2. • At-Home Whitening Kits: These kits allow you to whiten your teeth at home. Custom trays are typically made by the dentist after taking an impression/scan of the upper and lower jaw. Depending upon the strength of the bleaching agent provided by the dental provider, teeth can be significantly whitened in a couple of weeks all from the comfort of your own home.
3. • Over the Counter Whitening Kits: These items are sold in pharmacies or drug stores and are available without a prescription or dental visit. The vehicle carrying the bleach is an adherent plastic strip and the product gently whitens the teeth over several days. Results will vary depending upon the strength of the bleach and how well it adheres to the patient’s teeth.
4. • Whitening Toothpaste: These pastes typically contain an abrasive agent that simply removes the surface stain from the tooth. Whitening paste does not actually lift any stain from the tubules of the enamel, just physically removes what is on the outer most layers. Parents should allow this type of product with caution, as excessive use can strip a healthy tooth of layers of enamel. 

How It Works:

1. • Most dental bleaches use carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as a whitening agent. The active oxygen molecules in the whitening agent can penetrate the enamel of the teeth and react with the discolored molecules that cause tooth discoloration. This action spreads the active oxygen molecules and whitens the entire tooth while keeping the enamel saf
     

     Consideration

     • While professional in-office treatments offer safety benefits and are administered by trained professionals, some people find the cost prohibitive. At-home kits provide an alternative, but it’s essential to consult your dentist first to determine if your teeth are suitable for any whitening treatment. Extreme sensitivity to cold and/or damage to the healthy enamel could result with excess or prolonged bleaching regimens.

Remember, dental bleaching can enhance your child’s smile and boost their confidence. If you’re considering teeth whitening, consult with your child’s dentist to explore the best option for their needs.