What Do Dentists Use to Whiten Teeth? | Blogs (2024)

While almost everyone has heard of kits for teeth whitening at home, only a few know that dentists also offer teeth whitening services. Teeth whitening whitens and lightens your teeth. It also helps remove discoloration and stains. Whitening teeth is very popular, but ways of whitening vary greatly, and there are many scams out there.

Dental professionals are in a good place to know which products are more effective and which to avoid. So which teeth whitening do dentists use, and how do they clean yellowed teeth?

What is the Stuff Dentists Use to Whiten Teeth?

The products include:

Polishing

Your teeth are often not white because they have become stained over time. Drinks like tea, wine, or coffee commonly cause smoking. Most of these stains are removed with polishing and whitening toothpaste. A dental hygienist or a dentist can do this as part of regularly scheduled teeth cleaning.

Hydrogen Peroxide: Opalescence Boost

For tooth discoloration that’s not due to staining, whitening needs to penetrate the surface of your teeth to change the color. Your dentist near you use some form of a chemical called hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth.

The hydrogen peroxide used at the office is more concentrated than the stuff you can buy in a bottle from the drug store. It penetrates your teeth and changes the color from the inside.

One hydrogen peroxide-based product the dentists prefer is Opalescence Boost. Its main ingredient is a gel that contains 38% hydrogen peroxide. This is what brightens and whitens your teeth. Another chemical, potassium nitrate, is also applied to strengthen the tooth enamel. It also helps protect against cavities and reduces sensitivity. When the two chemicals are mixed, they become a distinct red color. This ensures the gel is placed on your teeth where it needs to be and taken off fully when done.

Opalescence Boost takes only one visit to your dentist to complete. It’s an effective and safe method when administered by a dental professional.

Whitening Gel with Ultraviolet Light Boost

The dentists activate some whitening gels further by using specific wavelengths of light. This makes the process safer and quicker. That means that you’ll spend less time in your dentist’s chair. An example of this type of system is Zoom teeth whitening

Laser Teeth Whitening

During teeth whitening in Sorrento Valley, lasers will be used to heat and activate the hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel. This is the gel that does the work of whitening your teeth. Normally, this teeth whitening method brightens your teeth from 6-12 shades brighter.

Although this method sounds dangerous, it’s safe when your dentist takes the appropriate measures.

How Do Dentists Make Yellow Teeth White?

There are many teeth whitening kits available out there to choose from. However, one needs heavy-duty equipment. Also, how your dentist at Scripps Poway Dental Care in Sorrento Valley cleans yellow teeth is much faster in the results department than anything you can buy.

There are two ways that the dentist can whiten your yellow teeth:

In-Office Bleaching:This is a one-time-only office visit, also known as chair-side bleaching. Your dentist either applies a protective gel to the gums or a rubber shield before they apply any bleach to your teeth.

At Home Bleaching:Another way your dentist can whiten your teeth is by giving you a custom-made tray to do the work yourself. This happens when you can’t stay in your dentist’s office for a few hours. The difference between this method and the in-office is how long it takes. Spending a few hours in your dentist’s office gives you teeth that are eight shades whiter. If you decide to bleach your teeth at home using the custom-made tray, it can take days to a few weeks to see the results. However, whatever method works best for you is what counts.

If you aren’t satisfied with your teeth’s color, call your dentist today and discuss the teeth whitening options with them. They’ll help you know the benefits and time commitment of each teeth whitening near you. This will help you determine which works best for you. Then, no matter your chosen method, you’ll be on your way to a brighter smile.