Teeth Whitening/Bleaching
What is teeth whitening/bleaching?
Teeth whitening or bleaching is the process of applying whitening products that contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbide peroxide on the teeth. These bleaches break down stains on the outer layer of the toot, which lessens discoloration and brightens the teeth. Whitening does not work on all teeth, so it is important to consult your dentist before proceeding with any whitening treatments. If a person’s teeth are yellow, these teeth whitening systems may be viable options. However, if a person’s teeth are deeply brown or tetracycline stained, bleaching may not be the most effective treatment. One should also bear in mind that whitening does no work on caps, veneers, crowns, or fillings, or if tooth discoloration is caused by medications or tooth injury because the treatment bleaches natural teeth and not artificial fillings and crowns.
In-office Whitening:
The cost of in-office teeth whitening can range from $650 to $1,000+. Though in-office teeth whitening may be more expensive than over-the-counter home products, most people notice a difference in their teeth more quickly after one or two sessions. The reason for this is that in-office bleaching agents are more concentrated than over-the-counter treatments. For example, store bought whitening strips contain no more than 7.5% hydrogen peroxide, but in-office treatments contain 35-40% hydrogen peroxide or carbide peroxide. Overall, in-office bleach saves time and requires fewer sessions for quicker results, but the treatment is more expensive.
In-office Whitening Procedure:
At a dental office, the dentist or the assistant will apply a protective gel barrier to the patient’s gums or a rubber dam shield to protect the gums during the whitening treatment. The dentist or assistant may apply a compound to the teeth to prevent tooth sensitivity before adding the whitening solution to the teeth. They will repeatedly rinse off the gel and reapply the whitening solution throughout the treatment, which can last about 40-60 minutes. After the first session, the teeth could be 4-6 shades whiter. Some patients may experience tooth or gum sensitivity, but the effects typically disappear after one or two days. The occasional sharp jolts after the whitening procedure are called “zingers.” The effects of in-office bleaching can last a couple years depending on diet and other habits, such as coffee, tea, and smoking.
Over-the-counter Whitening:
Over-the-counter bleaching products usually cost less than $100. Some examples of store-bought teeth whitening systems and products are whitening toothpaste, over-the-counter gels, rinses, strips, and trays. All toothpastes can help remove surface stains, but they do not contain sufficient peroxide, so whitening toothpastes are not as effective as in-office bleaching. As for whitening gels, they are clear, peroxide-based gels that could be applied with a small brush on the teeth’s surface or held in place with a tray, and noticeable results begin the first couple days, and the final results can last about a year. Whitening strips are thin, visible strips that are coated with peroxide whitening gel. Similar to whitening gels, noticeable results begin around the first week, and the final results can last about a year. For whitening rinses, some products may contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide. Users are supposed to swish the solution in the mouth for 60 seconds twice a day before brushing, and it may take 12 weeks to see results. However, rinses may not be as effective as other over-the-counter products because the whitening rinse is in contact with the teeth for a shorter period of time, and the concentration is lower than the strips and gels. Overall, over-the-counter whitening products are less expensive than in-office bleaching, and they can help whiten the teeth, but the results are not as immediate as in-office whitening. Home whitening systems are effective and cheaper than in-office procedures, but patience is the key for results.
Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St4kv8ZyAd0
Resources:
https://alamoanadentalcare.com/your-step-by-step-guide-to-teeth-whitening-at-the-dentist/
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/whitening
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening#1
Written by: Kaitlyn Tang
