Most people love a beautiful, gleaming smile. Brighter, whiter teeth are an ideal way to enhance a smile. It’s not a surprise that tooth whitening is the most in-demand cosmetic dental procedure, with Americans spending almost $2 billion yearly to add sparkle in their mouth. Teeth change color due to tobacco use, age, medications drinks such as coffee. This article will explore different stains and how teeth whitening works.
How Teeth Whitening Works
As the name suggests, teeth whitening is a process that helps to make teeth look whiter. The procedure uses bleaching and non-bleaching whitening products. As dentists, we will recommend the best whitening option for you. Unlike over the counter whitening option, we supervise the whole procedure to ensure there are no complications.
Typically, it takes about one hour to perform professional teeth whitening procedures. The process involves applying whitening gel on a tooth. The gel contains 25 % to 40 % hydrogen peroxide. A heating lamp or laser is aimed at the teeth for 20 minutes intervals. During the heating procedure, a protective barrier is used to protect the gums and tongue from the gel.
Below is a typical step by step process of in-office whitening:
- A dentist starts by making a record of the current teeth shade
- Then, the tooth is polished using a pumice
- The dentist uses gauze to isolate the moth and keep the teeth dry. Retractors may be used to protect the tongue, lips, and cheeks from the whitening solution
- A barrier is lined along the gum line to protect it from the whitening solution
- The front surface of the tooth is coated with a whitening solution. The solution contains a bleaching agent, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide
- A laser or curing light is usually used to activate the peroxide. After applying the solution, we leave it for about 30 to 60 minutes. Some brands require reapplying the solution occasionally
- The next step is rinsing the teeth after attaining optimum shade or lapse of the maximum period. The dentist may apply fluoride to ease tooth sensitivity
- Follow up sessions are scheduled until you attain the desired shade. The dentist may suggest home whitening trays for continued treatment and a complete whitening process.
Stains that are Best Eliminated Using Teeth Whitening
Teeth stains vary significantly. Toothpaste, strips, gels, and other over the counter products can help eliminate red wine stains, coffee stains, and other everyday discoloration and stains. However, most stains can’t be removed using over the counter surface whitening products. It is best if you opt for professional teeth whitening treatments.
Surfaces stains are usually caused by tea, smoking, coffee, and sauces. Stains caused by diet are best removed using professional teeth whitening treatments. The treatment contains high-grade whitening agents that can’t be accessed over the counter.
Dentist’s office teeth whitening is best for stains caused by enamel wear and tear. However, surface whitening treatments are not suitable for teeth restored through crowns, bonding, porcelain veneer, and other cosmetic dental treatments.
Types of Stains
There are two main types of stains intrinsic and extrinsic stains.
Intrinsic Stains
Intrinsic stains are characterized by brown, yellow, or gray color caused by demineralization and fluorosis. The stains are located on the dentin and can be lightened by chemical bleaching or mechanical removal. Since whitening treatments cannot lighten these stains, the best method is crowns or bonding.
Extrinsic stains
Extrinsic stains are located on the enamel and likely to occur due to poor oral hygiene habits. The staining agent does not adhere to the tooth surface; instead, plaque incorporates the stains. Extrinsic stains can be brown, green, yellow, black, or orange. These stains are relatively easy to remove.
Age-Related Stains
Usually, these stains are caused by enamel getting thin and darkening dentin. The treatment must clean deep inside the dentin to get rid of the stains.
In Conclusion
Our lifestyles, habits, diet, and even medications put our teeth at risk of staining. The good news is that professional teeth whitening procedure can eradicate the stain and improve your smile. However, the effectiveness of each treatment depends on the cause of the stain. If the bleaching method does not attain the desired result, you can always opt for bonding, creams, and veneers.
FAQs
In a simple one-time visit, we will take an impression of your teeth and send you home with your very whitening tray and gel for you to use at your convenience. To begin bleaching your teeth, simply apply the gel to the custom-made tray, then wear the tray for the designated amount of time.
How does teeth whitening at the dentist work? ›
How Does Teeth Whitening Work? Teeth whitening involves applying hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide-based gel to the surfaces of stained teeth. The bleach breaks up the stains, making the color less concentrated, and resulting in brighter, whiter teeth.
What is the procedure of teeth whitening? ›
First the dental team will put a rubber shield or a gel on your gums to protect them. They will then apply the whitening product to your teeth, using a specially made tray which fits into your mouth like a mouthguard. The 'active ingredient' in the product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
How many sessions does it take to whiten teeth at the dentist? ›
When choosing in-office teeth whitening, patients often only require one visit annually (at most) to maintain consistently white teeth. Depending on the patient's objectives and the intensity of the stains, the dentist may use multiple applications of the bleaching solution during each session.
How painful is teeth whitening at the dentist? ›
Some dental patients typically don't feel hurt while they're having the procedure done since all they need to do is sit back and relax while the bleaching agent does its work. Although most patients report minimal to no pain when it comes to teeth whitening, everyone experiences it differently.
What is the best teeth whitening procedure? ›
Option #1: In-Office Laser Whitening
This is one of the popular teeth whitening methods that some people believe is the most effective way to get a brighter smile. Using lasers and peroxide-based whitening agents in a professional setting, this teeth whitening method provides dramatic, lasting results.
Is it worth getting your teeth whitened at the dentist? ›
As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.
What chemical do dentists use to whiten teeth? ›
Reducing intrinsic stains involves a chemical reaction that changes the color of the tooth. The most common ingredients used in bleaching are carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, which are used at different concentrations depending on the products or regimens used.
How long do you leave teeth whitening from the dentist on? ›
Remove any excess gel from the gum tissue with your finger or dry toothbrush. Keep the tray in your mouth for 30-60 minutes. After 30-60 minutes, remove and clean the trays with cold water.
How long does teeth whitening surgery take? ›
How long does whitening take? If you opt for in-practice teeth whitening, it takes about two hours to achieve results, but whitening needs to be maintained with a top-up kit for around a week to ensure the results are permanent. At-home teeth whitening kits take around two to three weeks to take effect.
Typically, you will begin to see results some weeks after the procedure. And depending on how you care for your teeth, the result can last as long as six months to three years after the procedure. Teeth Whitening Tip: The results from the procedure and its duration vary from one person to another.
How long does it usually take to whiten teeth? ›
For about two to six weeks, you can use dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste and brush twice a day. You can use a certified whitening mouthwash which usually takes about three months to produce visible results. Whitening strips are the most compelling in-house treatments that last up to six months.
What percentage teeth whitening do dentists use? ›
Tooth whitening products containing or releasing between 0.1% and 6% hydrogen peroxide can ONLY be sold to dental practitioners; For each cycle of use, the first use can ONLY be carried out by dental practitioners or under their direct supervision, if an equivalent level of safety is ensured. whitening.
How long will my teeth hurt after whitening? ›
Sensitive teeth are a common side effect of most whitening treatments. The good news is that these zingers typically only last a few hours after treatment. If they persist for more than a day or two, contact your dentist in Rancho Bernardo to discuss possible causes and solutions.
Can teeth look worse after whitening? ›
In rare cases, the white patches or streaks can remain prominent and don't go away. If this happens, then there could be another issue at play, like thinning tooth enamel, which would mean the streaks were already present in the tooth enamel before the treatment, and whitening has just made them more noticeable.
How strong is dentist whitening? ›
In-office systems contain from 15% to 43% peroxide. Generally, the stronger the solution and the longer you keep it on your teeth, the whiter your teeth become.
How long does teeth whitening last from dentist? ›
Chairside bleaching (in-office tooth whitening)
If you maintain good oral hygiene, a chairside (or in-office) procedure should provide long-lasting results for 1 to 3 years. This procedure is done in your dentist's office.
How long does it take for dentist teeth whitening to work? ›
Depending on the level of your staining and the type of whitening procedure you have done, you may be able to see results in about a week or two. To reach your desired whiteness, it may take about three weeks to a month. To maintain the shade, you will need to go for touch-up treatments or use prescribed home kits.
Do dentists clean your teeth before whitening? ›
During a dental cleaning, the dentist will carefully scrape the plaque and tartar off. For those who like home remedies, fluoride toothpaste and baking soda can stop the buildup of plaque over the teeth. Still, the dentist will perform a cleaning during the teeth whitening appointment or routine checkups.
Do dentists only whiten front teeth? ›
If you would like to whiten the front teeth only, this is certainly a question for the dentist! Most likely, he or she may have a special procedure, where a whitening treatment could be customizable to the front teeth only.
