title: Vital tooth whitening.
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.
authors.affiliation: DENTSPLY International, Inc., Susquehanna Commerce Center, 221 West Philadelphia Street, York, PA 17405-0872, USA. kihn1@comcast.net
authors.forename: Patricia W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Kihn
mesh_terms: D000077463:Carbamide Peroxide; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016877:Oxidants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010545:Peroxides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014073:Tooth Bleaching / Q000145:classification / Q000379:methods*; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000628:therapy; D014508:Urea / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D016877:Oxidants; D010545:Peroxides; D000077463:Carbamide Peroxide; D014508:Urea; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide