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Vital whitening is considered a noninvasive treatment for extrinsic stains because it involves the use of bleaching agents that can be applied directly to the tooth surface. This procedure works by breaking down the molecules that cause discoloration, making it effective for treatment of stains that are on the outer enamel layer of the tooth.

The process does not require any physical alteration or removal of tooth material, differentiating it from other treatments. For instance, scaling often involves the removal of tartar and plaque buildup, which is more invasive as it can affect the surface of the tooth. Microabrasion removes a thin layer of enamel to eliminate superficial staining, making it a more invasive option. Composite bonding entails the application of a resin to correct aesthetic issues or damage, but this alters the natural surface of the tooth. In contrast, vital whitening effectively brightens the enamel without compromising its integrity or structure, thus making it the best choice for a noninvasive treatment for extrinsic stains.