Bleaching versus Whitening: The Difference

No man and woman will not desire to get whiter teeth just as you are, right? Basically our teeth have something to do with our confidence in speech and smile. By this, the cosmetic dentistry has valued the need to restore the teeth color at the same time make then look better by fixing the unnecessary look. There are generally lot of available teeth whitening treatments which can satisfy your desire and every budget and the available time you have. Whether you choose an hour or so of bleaching and or whitening sessions, the ultimate desire is to create a pleasing and dazzling smile. So how does bleaching and teeth whitening differ from each other?

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The two terms are used interchangeably by individuals. However, there is a little bit of difference when talking about the process. Whitening is not permanent method and only restores the natural color of the teeth which needs a touch up option to prolong the result or effect while the term bleaching is used when the treatment has to change the teeth color beyond its normal and uses hydrogen and carbamide peroxide. However, the term whitening seems to be more popular and used as generic term by many people so this is used to mean bleaching as well.

How whitening of the teeth works? Assessing the teeth and examining the condition of the enamel is more important prior to any treatment process. Our enamel protects the teeth from trauma, gnashing, chewing and acid attacks. It is composed of crystalline rods that enable the teeth to sparkle. However, over the years, the enamel worn down and becomes yellowish and transparent which the dentin is responsible.

As the process of chewing and biting continues, the dentin remains good while the enamel produces a bad appearance once the bacteria attacks its micro cracks. The debris remains and causes the stain to appear. With this, the teeth whitening method takes the action in removing the debris as well as the stains while the crack stayed in it.

Hydrogen and Carbamide Peroxide Compared

Now, when bleaching is applies to the teeth through the in-office treatment, either hydrogen peroxide or the carbamide peroxide is used. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful and fast reacting agent which ranges from 9-40% concentration.  On the other hand, the carbamide peroxide bleaching material is preferred to use in at-home teeth whitening solution, which has the lower strength. For instance, a 30% solution of carbamide peroxide is equal to 10% solution of hydrogen peroxide only.