With both teeth bleaching and teeth whitening being common terms, it can be confusing to understand the important differences. Both of these processes can be effective; however, they diverge on a few points. The methodology and chemistry of each vary, as do the results, which may vary depending on the severity and duration of the discoloration.
Teeth have a natural whiteness, but cola, strongly colored foods, coffee, tea, red wine and smoking all contain chemicals that can discolor the teeth. Certain medications can cause discoloration in the layers beneath the enamel. Bleaching and whitening can each improve the appearance of the teeth, but there are differences in how this is achieved.
Both processes entail taking a mold of the teeth, from which trays are made. The flexible trays are fitted to every nook and cranny of tooth surfaces. This allows the brightening medium to sit closely next to the teeth. Once the custom trays are made, they are filled with a chemical gel that removes stains from the teeth.
Whitening is a method that helps remove surface stains and discoloration caused by foods as well as some minor staining from tartar or plaque, both of which need to be removed by cleaning before the whiteners are used. Whitening removes and lightens the enamel surface of organic teeth, making it as close to their natural color as possible. Whiteners can be found in toothpaste, gum and mouthwash as well.
Bleaching, on the other hand, involves a stronger mixture containing either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, chemicals that can penetrate beneath the surface of the tooth’s enamel. The peroxides enter the deeper levels of the teeth called dentin through minute fissures and microfractures that, over time, can also become stained by various means. The effect achieved by in-office teeth bleaching is often an extremely white smile, brighter than the natural tooth color.
Bleaching is a good option for those who have a history of drinking or eating the foods which enter the teeth and cause staining in the already more-yellowish dentin layer. Deep staining due to the use of certain medications or long-time food stains may also be relieved by bleaching. The level of whitening may be determined by the genetic color of a person’s dentin.
Whitening only removes staining from surface enamel. The teeth return to the teeth’s natural color. Bleaching not only brightens the enamel but also reaches more deeply into the dentin layer to remove the yellow discoloration that shows through the enamel.
For those whose self-esteem suffers because of stained and discolored teeth, teeth bleaching can be the answer. Cleaning not only the surface enamel but also deep into the yellow dentin layer, this process can reverse staining and add brighter level of whitening for a gleaming and more self-confident smile.
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