Teeth Bleaching

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In the past only movie stars had blinding, white-teeth. Now, cosmetic dentistry has gone ordinary. Cosmetic dentistry has become a billion-dollar industry. As thousands of Americans sink their teeth into bleaching trays full of chemicals, consumers are left to wonder, Is this trend safe?

The first successful method of bleaching discolored teeth was created by Dr. James Truman in 1864. This consists substantially of liberating chlorine form chlorinated lime by the addition of a weak solution of acetic, tartaric, or oxalic acid. "One process is to saturate the entire canal and the pulp chamber with the acid before inserting the chlorinated lime: another is to dip the instrument in the weak solution of acid, and then in the lime, and pack it rapidly into the cavity; and still another is to make a paste by the used of distilled water, and pack this into the tooth and then apply a stronger acid solution by means of cotton wrapped around the point used." (UK Cosmetic Dentists) This method is repeated every two or three days until the required shade is obtained. After the desired color is obtained the tooth must be filled with some material which will by its antiseptic and coagulating qualities prevent the future decomposition.

Another method of bleaching teeth with chlorine was invented by Dr. Wright, of Richmond Va. This consisted of forcing a continuous stream of chlorine gas-previously prepared in the lab. This was very efficient and rapid in its action but the apparatus and the trouble of preparing the gas were obstacles which prevented its general adoption and it was abandoned. This invention of bleaching has came a long way from just a simple toothbrush and toothpaste for a white smile.

Teeth whitening is a painless method p...

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