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what are the contents of a
bleaching agent?

Today's bleaching gel contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Several bleaching gels contain among other things; thickening agent (e.g. Carbopol), that also makes the peroxide in the bleaching gel to slower up its degradation process. Glycerine for more viscosity, flour and potassium nitrate to minimize the risk of hypersensitivity.

We can divide bleaching agents in three categories:

1.
15-38 % hydrogen peroxide or 35% carbamide peroxide. These agents are used by the dentist. The manufacturer of these agents recommends light/heat to activate the agent.
2.
Bleaching gels with 4-7.5% hydrogen peroxide or 10-20% carbamide peroxide. It's provided by the dentist and is used as home bleaching in special trays. The treatment takes either place during the day or night depending on bleaching agent.
3.
Some bleaching agents are sold as cosmetics in Warehouses, post order and the Internet. The contents are for example sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride or hydrogen peroxide. Often the quantity is not mentioned on the package. The contents for rinsing are for instance; vinegar, citric acid, which give a very low PH-value.

It is hydrogen- or carbamide peroxide that is the bleaching substance. Small hydrogen-/carbamide peroxide molecules can penetrate the tooth through an oxidation process. The result is breaking down the big, strong coloured molecules to smaller ones and with those lighter molecules. The dentine in the tooth will also be lighter. The more carbamide peroxide the bleaching agent contains, the better result. 10 % carbamide peroxide is better than 35 % hydrogen peroxide.

It's easier to bleach teeth that have yellow or brown colour than teeth that have grey - blue tones.

The result of a bleaching depends on the tooth's basic colour, type and age of discolouration, bleaching agent's concentration and how long the treatment period is.

 

1. Introduction
 Smile Design  2. Discoloration
 Teeth bleaching  3. Products you should avoid
 Porcelain veneers  4. How white can you teeth be?
 Bonding 5. What is the contents?
 Inlay/Onlay/Crowns 6. Bleaching methods
 Amalgam removal 7. Complication and side effects
 Gum lifts  
 Crown, bridges and dentures  
 Implants