SEM image of a tooth surface with bacterial tooth discoloration
Tooth discoloration is the result of various dyes and pigments attaching to the organic matter of the tooth. To remove this discoloration,
two methods are usually used: physical removal and
chemical bleaching.
Physical removal aims to remove superficial discoloration
by using an abrasive method (e.g. with ultrasonic tips, sandblasters or
polishing instruments) during a professional teeth cleaning at the dentist from
(costs 90-200 euros).
Chemical bleaching, on the other hand, acts on both superficial and - embedded in the enamel - discoloration and is therefore the most common and effective method of tooth whitening to restore the natural white color of the
teeth.
In so-called "in-office bleaching", a dentist or his assistant carries out professional teeth whitening in the doctor's office. A highly concentrated bleaching gel (usually based on peroxide) is applied to the teeth and activated using a special UV light.
Due to the aggressiveness of the peroxide towards gums and teeth, the gum line is covered with a self-hardening plastic for protection and a timer is used to avoid overdosing. Depending on the complexity and region, this treatment costs between 300 and 800 euros.
In-office bleaching at the dentist
A weaker concentrated bleach is used by the patient at home
. Here, too, (older) peroxide-based methods are often used, mostly in the form of splints or sticks, which can be individually adapted by a dentist or can be purchased pre-packaged in pharmacies or by mail order
The costs vary greatly here, depending on whether splints are used or not, the costs are between 15 euros (without splint) and 250 euros (with individual bleaching splints made by the dental technician).
Home bleaching with ready-made and individual splints
peroxidfreies PAP+ in Gelform
More modern home bleaching procedures are free of peroxide, are used without individual splints and achieve the same or better whitening results.
The active ingredient used here is phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP), which at the same time reduces tooth sensitivity and protects the gums through the addition of hydroxyapatite and potassium citrate. We then call it PAP+ (including other stabilizing additives).
The costs here are under 50 euros (without rail) and for UV-activated assembled rail kits around 100 euros.
When using peroxide-based bleaches, oxidation occurs through a reactive oxygen molecule. This process is relatively unspecific and undesirably takes place everywhere and especially when it comes into contact with the sensitive oral mucosa: electrons are withdrawn from the phospholipid layer, holes are torn in the surfaces in order to dissolve the discolouration in the teeth
peroxidfreies PAP+
When using the more modern PAP+ bleaching gels, an epoxidation reaction takes place. This type of oxidation takes place in a quasi-different chemical "space", no longer targeting human cells and therefore acting selectively more specifically on the discoloration molecules.
The duration and effectiveness of the bleaching process depends on various factors, including the type and severity of discoloration and the chosen bleaching method.
Tooth whitening through chemical bleaching oxidizes stains and changes the molecules responsible for maintaining color.
Put simply, the bleaching agents penetrate the enamel and break down these molecules into smaller, simpler forms. The smaller the molecules, the lighter the color, resulting in an overall whiter appearance of the tooth.
Common bleaching agents include hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and phthalimidoperoxicaproic acid (PAP for short).
rendered model of color particle splitting during bleaching
Both PAP bleaching and peroxide-based teeth whitening treatments use an oxidizing effect to break down stains and whiten teeth. As part of this process, peroxide releases what are known as free radicals. Free
radicals attack organic molecules to reduce discoloration, but they can also cause unwanted side effects such as sensitivity, gum irritation and
demineralization. PAP reacts in a similar way to tooth staining, only without the release of free radicals. This means that the molecules responsible for the discoloration are safely broken down
without causing sensitivity, pain or damage.
our herosmile PAP+ Bleaching Agent (here blue) breaks down staining particles safely without oxidative stress for the organic tissue
healthy gums and white teeth without sensitivity after herosmile PAP+ treatment (herosmile PAP + tooth whitening cream in connection with herosmile Trifunction sonic toothbrush in cleaning mode "White", application time 2 weeks)