Whitening Vs. Bleaching Teeth | Highlands Ranch, CO (2024)

Whitening Vs. Bleaching Teeth | Highlands Ranch, CO (1)

When your teeth are dull looking, stained or dingy and you decide to get them brighter looking, should you choose whitening or bleaching to get the job done? On the one hand, both processes will make your teeth look brighter; however, there is a difference between the two.

The whitening process restores your teeth to their natural color. Stains and dinginess are removed and though your teeth will look much better than before the process, their natural color will remain the same. The bleaching process will whiten your teeth beyond the natural color.

Most people want their teeth to look brighter and whiter and use the terms whitening and bleaching interchangeably although there is a difference. Understanding the difference can help you choose the correct procedure for your teeth.

Deciding on the Right Procedure

Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure in the world. Having your teeth whitened can subtract years from your appearance, making you look younger, and it can boost your self-confidence. Whiter teeth also help you look healthier. So how do you decide if you want your teeth whitened or bleached?

Products that whiten your teeth beyond their natural color are, according to the FDA, “bleaching” and often have ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These bleaching agents release oxygen molecules within the tooth enamel to break down the pigmentation that causes the tooth to be stained. The molecules enter micro-fractures within the enamel to do their work.

Some of these products work quickly with the assistance of a high-intensity light source to stimulate the release of the oxygen molecules. The Zoom! whitening process is an example of this type of procedure. Zoom whitening uses a laser to get the process going.

Other procedures take a few hours to get the desired results. The longer acting products are used for custom take-home whitening treatments. The bleaching treatments provided by your dentists will give you optimal amounts of bleaching material for the teeth that are to be whitened.

Whitening your teeth restores the natural color of your teeth. Stains are removed from the surface. Below the enamel of your teeth is another layer called the dentin. This is the part of the tooth that determines tooth color. Whitening does not reach this layer of the tooth structure.

Things to Keep in Mind

Professional whitening at the dental office will provide the highest quality whitening safely and achieve the results you want. Your teeth will be whiter faster in the dental office than if you choose an over-the-counter whitening kit.

Bleaching agents can leave your teeth sensitive to cold. Tooth sensitivity is usually short term and may last for a few days.

Whitening your teeth, whether or not you use bleaching agents, will not change the color of existing fillings or crowns. Talk with your dentist about work that needs to be done if you are planning on having your teeth whitened. Also keep in mind that the procedure does not work on all your teeth.

At Restore Dental, we offer the best in cosmetic dentistry and we can restore your smile to its brightest. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today.

Posted on behalf of Restore Dental

9362 S Colorado Blvd Ste D-14
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

Phone: (720) 863-7855

Email: [emailprotected]

Monday: 11am - 7pm
Tuesday: 9am - 5pm
Wednesday: 8am - 5pm
Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 9am - 2pm (by appt only)

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Whitening Vs. Bleaching Teeth | Highlands Ranch, CO (2024)

FAQs

What is better, teeth whitening or bleaching? ›

Teeth whitening removes stains on the surfaces of teeth. It restores the natural color of teeth. Teeth bleaching goes a step higher. It uses chemical agents to lighten the color of the enamel layer.

What teeth whitening do the Kardashians use? ›

Kim Kardashian turns her teeth temporarily purple as she promotes the V34 Colour Corrector Serum from the brand HiSmile.

Can I have ranch after teeth whitening? ›

Condiments like soy sauce, fish sauce, balsamic vinegar, and ketchup may add taste to your food but harm your teeth's color. Switch these for light-colored sauces like bechamel sauce, ranch dressing, and flavored yogurt to maintain the color of your teeth.

What is the most effective teeth whitening method? ›

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.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

Fortunately, there are ways of making your yellow teeth white, from improving your oral hygiene and diet to visiting the dentist and having them professionally whitened. There's no need to feel ashamed of your smile anymore.

What is the least damaging way to whiten your teeth? ›

Overuse or misuse of teeth-whitening products can cause sensitivity, gum irritation, and other side effects. Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.

How do models get their teeth so white? ›

Let us try and find out. Veneers are the most common method of achieving perfect teeth and are widely used in Hollywood circles. Their popularity skyrocketed during the 1980s and 1990s and deflated in the 2000s.

How do celebrities get pure white teeth? ›

For celebrity-level whiteness, cosmetic dentists will usually use one of three different procedures: professional whitening treatments, veneers, or crowns.

How do celebrities get super white teeth? ›

Porcelain Veneers

These are very popular amongst celebrities because of their incredible results. Veneers are thin, strong shells that are custom-made from dental porcelain to cover the front surface of your teeth. They can fix small cracks, chips, gaps, and discoloration all at once.

Can I eat bananas after teeth whitening? ›

Dark fruits such as blueberries and dark fruit juices like grape, tomato and cranberry should also be avoided because of their powerful staining ability. Bananas, however, will not stain your teeth – so do not hesitate to grab a second one of these tropical fruits!

Can you brush teeth after teeth whitening? ›

It's safe to brush your teeth after applying whitening strips. Just be sure to do it gently to avoid irritating your gums. Another option is to brush your teeth before using whitening strips. This is ideal for removing plaque, which can get stuck beneath the strips.

What should you avoid after whitening your teeth? ›

A: You should avoid eating any type of hot spices, acidic foods or beverages for at least 48 hours following a professional teeth whitening procedure.

How to permanently whiten teeth? ›

Dental veneers are a great way to permanently whiten your teeth, so no more white strips and no need for whitening treatments. A dental veneer is a thin piece of porcelain material that is placed on top of natural teeth. They are bonded to the tooth with a cement-like material to ensure a stronghold.

Is it better to get your teeth professionally whitened? ›

The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.

How to whiten teeth without damaging enamel? ›

Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste:

Baking soda has teeth whitening properties; that's why it's prevalent in toothpaste commercials. It helps in rubbing off stains from the tooth surface due to its mildly abrasive nature. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a natural bleaching agent.

Is bleaching teeth the same as whitening? ›

Though many people use these terms interchangeably, the truth is they are actually quite different. The FDA has a specific definition of each term. Teeth bleaching is a whitening of the teeth in excess of their natural white hue. The bleaching process makes the teeth appear much whiter than they would otherwise appear.

Does anything whiten better than bleach? ›

A naturally occurring mineral, borax is a chlorine bleach alternative that helps remove stains and cuts through dulling residue. Add a half cup of powdered borax per one gallon of warm water. Add the white clothes and allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes or longer. Wash as usual.

Does bleaching permanently whiten teeth? ›

If you have been asking yourself, “Is teeth whitening permanent?” The answer is that no teeth whitening option is permanent. That remains true whether for both at-home and professional teeth whitening.

How long does teeth bleaching last? ›

The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as 6 months. It varies from person to person. Things that will stain your teeth quickly and make your whitening short-lived include: – Smoking.

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