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Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth Whitening | Date Posted: 7/12/2005
| Question
“Power bleaching”
| Answer
During this treatment, which is undertaken in the dental surgery, eye protection is first put on, and then a retractor is placed to hold the cheeks and lips away from the teeth. A material such as a flowable white resin is placed to protect the gums and any exposed root surfaces from chemical irritation from the gel, and from accidental heating if a high intensity light source is to be used. This material is simply peeled away from the teeth at the end of the appointment. The whitening gel is then mixed from powder and refrigerated hydrogen peroxide solution, typically resulting in a final hydrogen peroxide concentration of 35%. The gel is then activated, and left in place for some time to allow the oxygen products to penetrate into the teeth. The gel is then washed off and the fresh gel applied. Any leakage of the whitening gel onto the gums can cause irritation, and vitamin E may be applied to neutralize the peroxide and prevent any long term damage to the gums.
The treatment sequence can be repeated several times in the one appointment. Activation of the gel can use a chemical agent (such as ozone), or high intensity light sources that give controlled heating of the gel and break down the peroxide compounds within it. This response is termed photo-thermal bleaching. One system has been developed which uses visible light energy to directly energize oxygen molecules, a process termed photo-chemical bleaching.
While the effects of power bleaching are immediate, depending on the effect achieved it might be necessary or desirable to repeat the treatment over several appointments to achieve the desired level of whitening. A home product may also be supplied as a follow-up to the treatment, or for maintenance of the result over the ensuing months. As a generalization, for simple age-related shade changes, a one hour session of power bleaching using a state-of-the-art system may produce the same tooth whitening effect as using a professional level at-home gel in custom trays over several weeks.
Because of rapid penetration and greater levels of oxygen products within the teeth, some patients will experience sensitivity in the teeth during “power bleaching”, particularly when the energy source (light or laser) is applied. The dentist may reduce the exposure level of the tooth to the light source to reduce any discomfort. Sensitivity after the visit may be due to dehydration of the teeth or the body’s natural defense system which neutralizes the peroxide. Sensitivity is self-limiting and will resolve within several days. The dentist may recommend a desensitizing agent or an analgesic medication depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms experienced.
Product examples:
• SDI Pola-Office ™ (with halogen resin curing light)
• Opalescence Xtra Boost ™ (with halogen resin curing light)
• Zoom ™ (with mercury vapour halide light)
• LaserSmile ™ (with diode laser)
• OpusWhite ™ (with diode laser)
• Rembrandt ™ (with blue/green plasma arc lamp)
• BriteSmile ™ (with blue/green plasma arc lamp)
• Smartbleach ™ (with blue/green argon ion laser or KTP laser)
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More questions in this category:Should teeth be white?Which dentist can bleach my teeth?What are the likely causes of tooth discolouration?Why is it important to know the likely causes of tooth discolouration?How are surface stains treated?What are “conventional” whitening toothpastes and how do they work? What is tooth lightening?How are internal stains treated?Are there issues with oxygen-based bleaching methods?Are peroxides safe to use?What are advanced formula whitening toothpastes and how do they work?Paint-on whitening treatmentsAdhesive strips“Home tray vital bleaching”“Power bleaching”Is home bleaching safe? What is home bleaching? Are bleaching toothpastes very effective?How long does the bleaching last?How effective is home bleaching in whitening the teeth?
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