Also known commonly as Bleaching. It refers to restoration of normal color to a tooth by decolorizing the stain present, with the help of bleaching agents.
Bleaching is advised in following cases :
The teeth maybe stained due to following reasons:
- Trauma to a tooth by a fall / blow resulting in direct impact to the nerve causes decomposition of pulp (nerve) tissue which result in discoloration of the tooth.
- Medicament like tetracycline group of antibiotics, tend to stains teeth.
- Following root canal treatment.
- Extrinsic stains (due to tobacco, coffee, tea, smoking etc.)
Bleaching agents used are:
Types of bleaching :
Office Bleaching :
The procedure is done in the dental clinic by the dentist. It is a single sitting procedure where in the desired result is immediate.
Office assisted or Home Bleaching :
The procedure is simple, painless and can be done at home by the patient himself with the help of Bleaching trays (custom made) which are provided along with the bleaching agent to the patient. Relevant instructions are given. The patient uses the bleaching agent overnight. With constant monitoring, the bleaching is generally completed in 3-4 session. (10-15 days).