Bleaching basically means discoloration. In Dentistry, Bleaching means whitening of teeth.
There are many factors contributing to discoloration of teeth. These include:
Tooth-cleaning habits: Most of the people do not clean their teeth after their meals that lead to sticking of food particles on their teeth, leading to yellowing of teeth. Although is being repeatedly stressed upon to brush twice a day daily, yet major part of population doesn’t follow this rule. Reason being laziness and in some cases ignorance, also.
Chewing of tobacco and other related items: This is one of the major causes of tooth-discoloration and infection. Tobacco is unhealthy for the whole body but specifically for tooth and gums. People who are regularly chewing tobacco start developing yellowing of teeth. This creates bad impression on others and sometimes loss of image as well. Excessive use of beverages like tea and coffee also results in staining of teeth.
Disease: Many a times certain toothy and gum related diseases also infect teeth in such a way that patients develop certain pigmentation on their teeth.
Cosmetic Purposes: Glamour world is purely based on outlook. Even the smartest looking fellow cannot do without sparkling teeth. They are essential part of beauty and aesthetics. Root canal treatment also leads to discoloration.
In all these cases, bleaching is highly recommended to improve upon the facial portfolio and better functioning of teeth.
There are mainly two types of bleaching:
Home Bleaching: Home bleaching as the name suggest is a simple and painless method of tooth-bleaching, sitting at home. Patients can treat themselves with the help of custom-made bleaching trays. They contain bleaching agents also, needed for treatment.
It is basically a fifteen night treatment, carried out at night because bleach requires specific time period to act upon teeth and bleach them to desired level. This procedure of bleaching the teeth at home requires constant monitoring. Trays require four days’ upper, four days lower and four days both upper and lower treatment. The effect is worth appreciating as tooth is lightened by 3-4 times its original shade. Bleaching at home requires thorough reading of instructions to avoid any complications. Moreover, one should not revert to bleaching every now and then.
Office Bleaching: Bleaching of tooth at dental clinic under strict professional guidance is known as office bleaching. This involves single procedure and gives desired results, immediately. | 
