According to statistics, professional teeth whitening is the most requested procedure in modern dentistry. In fact, the number of queries on the Internet about how to whiten teeth is second only to weight loss. However, before you decide on drastic measures, it is necessary to find out if it’s safe to whiten teeth. This article will explain some well-known facts of teeth whitening in Lincolnwood IL.
Is it safe to whiten teeth?
Many patients are afraid of dental injury during professional whitening. The operating principle of whitening systems consists in exposing the dentin – the inner tissue of the tooth – or rather, its organic constituents, which are not more than 20%. To better understand the chemical reaction of whitening, you must first pay attention to the structure of the human tooth. Each tooth consists of hard tissue – dentin, which surrounds the pulp (the nerve of the tooth).
The coronal part of the tooth is covered with enamel, and in the roots is the so-called cement. The natural color of teeth is determined by the natural color of dentin and the degree of transparency. Hard tooth tissue is about 70% of the inorganic material, which is in the form of hydroxyapatite crystals, 20% is in the form of organic substances and 10% of water. With this combination, teeth are the hardest substance in the body.
Professional teeth whitening consists of the following: bleaching gel based on hydrogen peroxide is applied to the tooth enamel and from that point it sits on the dentin. Keep in mind that the dentin is composed of 70% of inorganic substances which do not affect the bleaching composition. The impact takes place only on the 20% of organic substances that are present in the dentin. Bleaching is a chemical oxidation process in which oxygen breaks down organic substances in the dentin, which must be lighter than the original substance on the teeth. The use of catalysts (light or laser beams) will accelerate the reaction.
Thus, teeth whitening in Lincolnwood IL does not damage the enamel and affects only the organic substance in the dentin. It does not have any adverse effect on tooth tissue as a whole. But it is a procedure that should be performed only by a professional. For more information contact the office of Dr. Legator Saul Legator DDS today.
