Bleaching has been scientifically proven to be simple, safe and effective. It has revolutionised dentistry. When used sensibly this non-destructive approach has enabled many patients to benefit significantly at very low biological risk and reasonable financial cost. Inside/outside bleaching has dramatically reduced the destruction of teeth caused by the placement of post crowns in already damaged teeth.

127 pp; 177 illus;

ISBN: 978-1-85097-131-3; 978850971313;

Contents
1. Chemistry and safety of dental bleaching
2. Nightguard vital bleaching
3. Management of discoloured dead anterior teeth
4. Bleaching of teeth affected by specific conditions
5. Chair-side bleaching
6. Over the counter bleaching products
7. Frequently asked questions
8. Information for patients
9. Complications and contraindications

Foreword
Bleaching, although not new to dentistry, has recently become extremely popular. It has the great advantage of being minimally interventive and, assuming correct use, safe. In addition, the appropriate application of bleaching agents and techniques does not adversely affect the integrity or properties of sound tooth tissues.

As emphasised in this most attractive addition to the multidisciplinary Quintssentials Series, practitioners and students must not be lulled into a false sense of complacency by the apparent simplicity and versatility of most bleaching techniques. Careful diagnosis, informed treatment planning, patient consent and cooperation and effective troubleshooting are all critical to predictable success and good, long-term clinical outcomes. Bleaching is best provided as part of the holistic care of patients seeking, together with other outcomes, an improvement in their dental attractiveness. While long-term outcomes of bleaching can be excellent, monitoring and “top-up” treatments may be required as part of longitudinal, patient-centred care.

Whatever your views on bleaching and your application of tooth lightening techniques in your clinical practice, this Quintessentials volume will be a great asset. It is succinct, authoritative, beautifully illustrated, affordable and, above all else, of immediate practical application and relevance. What more could the busy practitioner or student wish of a book? Pragmatism: well it has that too, and in abundance. For a fraction of the cost of a bleaching treatment, this Quintessentials volume is, in common with all its sibling volumes, quintessential value for money.

Bleaching is firmly established as an element of the modern clinical practice of dentistry, and practitioners and students must understand the mechanisms, application and pitfalls of the relevant techniques. This book meets these needs, let alone provides opportunity to be one step closer to satisfy the ever-increasing expectations of patients.

Nairn Wilson, Editor-in-Chief