Definition

Bleaching

Whitening that changes tooth colour chemically, using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down the pigment molecules inside enamel and dentin. Distinct from optical whitening, which only adds a film of violet pigment.

Related terms

Measure it on your own smile

One photo gives you a whiteness score, a VITA shade match and a visible stain estimate — the vocabulary in this glossary, applied to your teeth.