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
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.
How long is a teeth whitening session at the dentist? ›
The length of professional teeth whitening depends on the dentist you choose, how many shades the patients want to lighten their smile, and other factors. In general, it typically takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
How good is teeth whitening at dentist? ›
Teeth whitening done by your dentist can get teeth brighter faster. The bleaching solution is usually much stronger than that in at-home kits. Also, your dentist can use heat, light, or a combination of the two to speed and intensify the whitening process.
Does teeth whitening at the dentist hurt? ›
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.
Is in-office teeth whitening worth it? ›
Whiter Teeth
Last but not least, in-office whitening is the most effective choice. Even though the treatment is quick, it is powerful. At-home kits and whitening toothpaste cannot compete with professional results.
How long does teeth whitening last from a dentist? ›
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. It usually requires only one visit.
Is it better to get teeth whitened at the dentist or at-home? ›
Professional teeth whitening uses a more effective process
This means that the hydrogen peroxide content of your at-home kit is very low, whether you are using toothpaste, liquid filled trays, or strips. Dr. Yalamanchili is able to use a stronger process in her office, typically approved for use by dentists only.
What are the cons of teeth whitening? ›
One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration. Additionally, some types of tooth discoloration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments.
How long does it take to whiten teeth professionally? ›
The answer is somewhere around one hour. This is a minimal amount of time for someone to expect professional whitening results, especially when considering that professional in-office whitening can last upwards of two years.
How long do teeth hurt after whitening? ›
The whitening chemicals can enter dentin tubules, which are microscopic channels in the enamel that lead to the nerves. Fortunately, dentinal hypersensitivity rarely lasts longer than 48 hours, and you can take steps to prevent sensitive teeth after whitening.
No. Although sensitivity is experienced due to the removal of the teeth stains, professional teeth whitening does not cause any threat to the enamel. The bleaching agent leaves the enamel in perfect condition while being able to remove deep stains.
Is teeth whitening at a dentist damaging? ›
Bleaching agents are used by targeting the enamel and to hide any stains within the underlying dentin. The dentin can be considered as the shade that forms on the tooth. The more stain molecules that appear in the dentin, the darker the smile. Therefore, teeth whitening does not damage your enamel.
Can dentist clean yellow teeth? ›
Yellow teeth greatly affect aesthetics, causing loss of confidence when communicating. However, you do not need to worry too much about yellowing teeth, because yellow teeth can be completely whitened by modern dental methods and technologies.
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.
How long does it take to whiten your teeth with trays from the dentist? ›
In regards to how long trays need to be worn, patients should expect to wear them until the teeth have reached the right shade of white. In some cases, it can take a few weeks or for serious stains, it can take up to a year.
Does cleaning your teeth at the dentist make them whiter? ›
The short answer is: no. It's important to clarify that these deep cleanings alone do not directly whiten your teeth. Professional cleanings focus on removing plaque, tartar, and surface stains, which can definitely improve the appearance of your smile and give your teeth a cleaner and brighter appearance.
