Zoom! Whitening – How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental process intended to lighten the natural colour of teeth by breaking down stain molecules via chemical agents (commonly hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). These agents penetrate the tooth enamel and oxidise stain components, making the colour less concentrated and the teeth appear brighter.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), only natural tooth structure (not restorations such as crowns, veneers or fillings) can be reliably bleached—and compatibility of existing restorations must be evaluated.
Before initiating whitening, a dental assessment is advisable to verify oral health status (for example, to exclude untreated decay or gum disease which may influence results or cause sensitivity).