No matter how much you brush your teeth, over time, their shine diminishes, and invisible micro-cracks cause stains to appear. Different teeth whitening methods are applied based on the color, type, and location of these stains.
Teeth stains caused by foods such as tea, coffee, and red wine, which contain chromogen and intense pigment, can be removed by teeth whitening methods. These techniques differ according to whether the stains are on or below the enamel and according to the innate tooth color.
Over-the-Counter Bleaching Products
There are whitening products, such as stripes and trays, available online that you can use. Due to the low concentration of hydrogen peroxide in stripes, the treatment process is also lengthy. A three-week period is usually recommended for their regular application.
The gums are not protected against hydrogen peroxide’s corrosive and irritating effects in these methods. They may also not whiten the teeth equally if not applied properly to the desired points.
Stain Removal Toothpaste
In kinds of bleaching toothpaste, the substances that make bleaching without abrasion are peroxide, citrate, pyrophosphate, hexametaphosphate, surfactant, and enzymes.
Calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, alumina, silica, and sodium bicarbonate, which we read in the ingredients part of toothpastes, are abrasive particles that are necessary for toothpaste to remove food residues, stains, and dental plaque accumulated on the teeth.
At-Home Bleaching from Your Dentist
In this fast teeth whitening method, the dentist gives a custom-made tray and gel containing hydrogen peroxide. Your dental provider explains in detail how much you should use the gel, how to put it on the tray, and how long you should wear it.
Depending on the hydrogen peroxide ratio used, the degree of yellowing in the teeth, and the desired whitening degree, this method can take a few days to a week.
In-Office Bleaching
This method, also called chairside bleaching, usually covers a 45-minute treatment process applied in a single session. In this method, the dentist applies a protective gel or rubber shield to the gums and soft tissues in the mouth and then applies a whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide. Then the dentist accelerates the whitening process with curing light therapy.
In a single session, it is possible to whiten teeth up to 5 to 8 times and remain white for an average of 2 years. It is also the best and safest teeth whitening method.
Best Method to Whiten Teeth
While hydrogen peroxide of up to 6% is used in-office bleaching, over-the-counter methods are only permitted to use up to 0.1%. Thus over-the-counter strips can whiten up to 1-2 shades, while professional whitening can whiten up to 8 shades.
Safest Way to Whiten Teeth
In hydroperoxide teeth whitening, hydrogen peroxide is used as a bleaching agent. When in contact with the gums, hydrogen peroxide can erode the gums and weaken the tooth roots. So, the safest teeth whitening method is to perform whitening procedures under the supervision of a professional dentist.
What is the Fastest Way to Whiten Teeth?
Teeth whitening with laser technology produces very effective results in 45 minutes, and it’s also the best teeth whitening method. Custom-made trays can also provide the same result in a few days. However, over-the-counter methods last for about three weeks, and whitening can’t be achieved to the desired level.
Teeth Whitening Side Effects
The biggest side effect of teeth whitening is due to the contact of the whitening agent (Hydrogen Peroxide) with the gums. The gums become red and irritated as a result. Laser teeth whitening can help eliminate this side effect because the gums are completely protected with a protective gel. Occasionally, unsupervised treatments can cause throat pain and stomach discomfort.
It is also possible to experience temporary sensitivity to hot and cold after teeth whitening treatments.
FAQ of Teeth Whitening
Can Yellow Teeth Become White?
Yellowing of teeth is caused by external factors such as smoking and coffee consumption that damage the enamel of teeth. Even though tooth brushing slows down the yellowing process, it still occurs.
Professional whitening methods can completely remove it. A mechanical cleaning, however, is often required before a chemical cleaning. The depth of effect and whiteness of teeth can be achieved faster with laser curing light.
How do Celebrities Whiten Their teeth?
For celebrities, having white teeth is part of their professional career. Professional teeth whitening methods provide the desired results in a short period of time for celebrities with an intensive work schedule.
How Long do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
A home whitening method without the supervision of a professional can last for 6 months to a year. However, professional whitening methods maintain their effectiveness for up to 2 years.
Can Teeth Whitening Damage Teeth?
Under the direction of the dentist and with the proper procedures, the whitening process does not cause harm to the teeth.
Teeth Whitening Results
Teeth whitening increases your teeth’ brightness and natural look while maintaining their structure.
Teeth Whitening Advice from Lara Smile
As teeth whitening increases awareness of hygiene in patients, it encourages them to take better care of their mouths. In addition to whitening teeth, hydrogen peroxide also prevents caries by preventing bacteria and infections on the teeth.
Avoid – Over the Counter Whitening Toothpaste and Teeth Whitening Strips
Home-based methods may not be suitable for all patients. Most of these products are designed to remove superficial stains, but they increase the formation of discoloration, especially in intrinsic stains.
Avoid – Online Whitening Kits
With whitening kits sold online and not produced specifically for the person, the hydrogen peroxide liquid may leak and irritate the gums. Exposure of gums and soft tissues to hydrogen peroxide may cause irreversible damage to the mouth.
Professional Teeth Whitening
With professional teeth whitening, the soft tissues and gums in the mouth are protected with a protective gel and a rubber shield. With this rapid white tooth whitening, the desired level of bleaching can be achieved in an extremely safe environment. When laser light is applied after the treatment, whitening agents penetrate the teeth faster.
Teeth whitening procedures should be done under professional supervision. Incorrect treatment methods can increase the discoloration of the teeth. Stains may be worsened if intervention is done without knowing where they are and why they formed.