Resumen de Historical Reflections on the Use of Internal Bleaching to Manage Discolored Teeth

Yesenia Fernandez Riera, James L. Gutmann

• The process of internal bleaching of discolored teeth has been with us for well over 150 years, during which time both materials and procedures varied significantly. The etiology of tooth discoloration also reflected on a wide range of philosophies and causes, which lent itself to many trials and errors in management. Both success and failure characterized the achievements attained by our forefathers in managing this esthetic challenge, as years ago tooth extraction was often the first pathway chosen.

  “Most of our processes for bleaching are, as yet, purely empirical or experimental, as are most of the efforts at healing the other ills to which we have fallen heirs.”1 —Atkinson WH 1865