FAQ
Among the various reasons for discoloration of natural teeth, some of the most common risk factors are,
- Black coffee, black tea, green tea, cola drinks and all colored beverages leave behind stains on tooth enamel,
- Cigarette smoking and tobacco chewing leaves behind tenaciously adherent tar and carbon deposits on teeth enamel which cannot be removed with tooth brushing,
- Use of various antibiotics i.e. Tetracycline antibiotics taken by pregnant mothers or even children during growing age can discolor permanent teeth in future,
- Higher fluoride content in water and milk can produce chalky white and brownish tooth stains within the enamel of teeth,
- Frequent plaque and tartar deposits on the surface of teeth as a result of poor oral hygiene maintenance,
- Tooth discoloration can develop after accidental trauma or injury to front teeth,
- Blackish tooth discoloration can be seen in root canal treated teeth,
- Yellowish cupping, cracks and fracture lines can be seen in teeth due to the habit of teeth grinding or clenching,
- Excessive use of some mouth washes i.e. Chlorhexidine containing mouth solutions.
Advanced cosmetic dental procedures have made it possible to remove sticky, adherent and even internal stains from tooth surfaces. Teeth whitening procedures use special whitening agents and chemicals for this purpose. Teeth whitening and bleaching formulations are prepared in the form of gels, strips, pastes and liquids. These special gels are used either in the dental offices by dental specialists or patients can use these at home for achieving whiter and brighter teeth for beautifying smiles.
Special whitening and bleaching agents are incorporated in teeth whitening formulations which produce oxidation of the complex organic pigments responsible for discoloration within the natural tooth structure. Dark colored complex compounds are converted into simple light colored molecules. Complete penetration of the whitening agents into the specific sites within enamel and dentin of teeth is followed by chemical reaction which is essential for achieving the desired outcome.
Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the two most common bleaching agents used in teeth whitening formulations. Carbamide peroxide is different from hydrogen peroxide,
- Larger sized molecule,
- More stable,
- Longer shelf life,
- Weaker having approximately one third strength in comparison to hydrogen peroxide,
- Safest ingredient for at home use.
Carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea during teeth whitening process. 10% carbamide peroxide solution breaks down to produce 3.5% hydrogen peroxide and 6.5% urea. Both these molecules can penetrate tooth enamel within quick time for achieving the intended whitening effect.
Dentist grade high intensity Crystal Clear Teeth Whitening gels are manufactured for producing quicker and efficient teeth whitening outcomes for beautifying smiles. These professional kits contain 35% carbamide peroxide in their formulations for removing all types of stains and discolorations.
On the other hand, Crystal Clear Teeth Whitening gels contains 35% carbamide peroxide which produces results comparable to >10% hydrogen peroxide Various characteristics important for achieving teeth whitening are,
- Concentration of bleaching agents,
- Ability of the active agents to penetrate and reach closer to the chromophore molecules which cause discolorations,
- Duration of contact,
- Frequency of the active ingredients to interact with chromophore molecules,
- Surface cleanliness of target surface of teeth,
- PH values of bleaching agents.
Crystal Clear Teeth Whitening ™ does not cause the sensitivity of other systems thanks to its unique, proprietary serum.
CRYSTAL CLEAR teeth whitening gels have added potassium nitrate as desensitizing component in their formulation in order to reduce the chances of hypersensitivity, pain and discomfort.
- Potassium nitrate acts as a strong desensitizer in bleaching gels. It prevents the chances of nerve re-polarization and prevents signal transmission to the brain,
- Decreased pain and sensitivity due to diffusion of potassium ions into the dentinal tubules resulting in decreased excitability and altered nerve membrane potential.
People with healthy discolored natural teeth without fillings or restorations are the best candidates for home whitening procedures. Healthy gums are also important. However, teeth whitening procedures will not provide beneficial results in the following conditions,
- Medically induced discolorations in teeth such as tetracycline staining,
- Heavily restored teeth,
- Teeth having veneers,
- People undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed braces,
- Pregnant and lactating mothers,
- Children under 16 years of age,
- Individuals with hypersensitive teeth,
- People having allergy to bleaching agents,
- Persons with unrealistic expectations.