Vital tooth whitening

Dent Clin North Am. 2007 Apr;51(2):319-31, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.cden.2006.12.001.

Abstract

Vital tooth whitening, when administered correctly, is by all accounts one of the safest, most conservative, least expensive, and most effective aesthetic procedures currently available to patients. This article traces the evolution of the technology, describes what is known about the mechanism of action and explores such issues as toxicology and side effects associated with tooth whitening. The article also describes the various tooth-whitening systems, which include dentist-supervised night-guard bleaching, in-office or power bleaching, and bleaching with over-the-counter bleaching products. Combination treatments and light-activated treatments are also discussed. Finally, the article summarizes the areas of research needed in this field.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carbamide Peroxide
  • Drug Combinations
  • Esthetics, Dental
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / adverse effects
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / therapeutic use
  • Oxidants / adverse effects
  • Oxidants / therapeutic use
  • Peroxides / adverse effects
  • Peroxides / therapeutic use
  • Tooth Bleaching / classification
  • Tooth Bleaching / methods*
  • Tooth Discoloration / therapy
  • Urea / adverse effects
  • Urea / analogs & derivatives
  • Urea / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Drug Combinations
  • Oxidants
  • Peroxides
  • Carbamide Peroxide
  • Urea
  • Hydrogen Peroxide