6 Factors that Affect Tooth Bleaching

6 Factors that Affect Tooth Bleaching

1. Surface debridement:

Thorough scaling and polishing removes the superficial debris and enhance the effectiveness.

2. Hydrogen peroxide concentration:

The higher the concentration, greater the effect of oxidation process the highest concentration used is 35 percent. (Addition of gelling agent reduces the concentration to 25 percent).

3. Temperature:

Increase in temperature by 10°C doubles the rate of chemical reaction. Generally, if the temperature is elevated to a point at which the patient doesn’t feel discomfort, then the procedure is taking place at a safer temperature range.

4. pH:

During the storage of hydrogen peroxide, the acidic pH must be maintained to extend shelf life.

The optimum pH of hydrogen peroxide to have its oxidation effect is 9.5 to 10.8. This gives 50 percent greater results in the same amount of time compared to lower pH.

5. Time:

The effect of bleaching is directly related to time of exposure. Longer the exposure, greater the color change.

6. Sealed environment:

Placing the hydrogen peroxide into sealed environment increases the bleaching efficacy.