title: An overview of bleaching techniques: I. History, chemistry, safety and legal aspects.
abstract: The use of a variety of bleaching techniques has attracted much interest from the profession, as they are non-invasive and relatively simple to carry out. Coupled with the uncertain legal situation within the European community, and especially within the UK, this series of articles hopes to give a broad overview of bleaching techniques, their efficacy and relative safety, as well as update the current legal situation. This article will give an overview of bleaching: history, chemistry and safety. In addition, it will summarize types of tooth discoloration, along with indications/contra-indications for bleaching. Future articles will address in detail both home and power bleaching techniques, as well as the various ways to bleach non-vital teeth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol Dental School, Wimbledon, London.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sulieman
mesh_terms: D000075202:Contraindications; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013499:Surface Properties / Q000187:drug effects; D014073:Tooth Bleaching / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide