Teeth Whitening

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening, also known as tooth bleaching, is a cosmetic dental procedure that aims to lighten the color of your teeth. It works by breaking down stains and discoloration on the enamel (the outer layer of your teeth) and dentin (the layer beneath the enamel).

Why Do Teeth Get Stained or Discolored?

Over time, teeth can become stained or discolored due to various factors:

Food and Drinks: Coffee, tea, red wine, colas, and certain fruits and vegetables can stain enamel.
Tobacco Use: Smoking and chewing tobacco are major contributors to tooth discoloration.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can allow stains to accumulate.
Age: As we age, the enamel thins, making the yellowish dentin more visible.
Certain Medications: Some antibiotics (like tetracycline) taken during tooth development can cause intrinsic staining.
Dental Trauma: Injury to a tooth can sometimes cause it to darken.
Fluorosis: Excessive fluoride intake during tooth development can lead to white spots or streaks on the teeth.

Types of Teeth Whitening Procedures:

You’ll typically find a few options for teeth whitening:

1. In-Office Teeth Whitening (Professional Bleaching): This is done at the dental clinic and is usually the most effective and fastest way to whiten teeth.

- Procedure: Your gums and soft tissues are protected with a barrier. A professional-grade whitening gel (often containing a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) is applied to your teeth. Sometimes, a special light or laser is used to activate the whitening agent. The gel is left on for a specific amount of time and then rinsed off. This process may be repeated a few times in one appointment.
- Advantages: Noticeable results in a single visit, controlled and safe procedure performed by a dental professional.
- Disadvantages: Generally more expensive than at-home options, may cause temporary sensitivity.

2. At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits (Professional Take-Home Kits): These are provided by your dentist and involve custom-made trays and a professional-strength whitening gel.

Procedure: Your dentist takes impressions of your teeth to create custom-fitted trays. You are given the whitening gel and instructions on how much to use and for how long to wear the trays each day (usually for a few hours or overnight) over a period of one to two weeks.
Advantages: More convenient than in-office treatment, can achieve significant whitening over time, custom trays ensure even application and minimize gum irritation compared to over-the-counter trays.
Disadvantages: Takes longer to see results compared to in-office whitening, requires patient compliance.

3. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Teeth Whitening Products: These are readily available at pharmacies and supermarkets and include whitening strips, gels, toothpaste, and mouthwashes.

Procedure: These products contain lower concentrations of whitening agents compared to professional options. Instructions vary depending on the product. Whitening strips are thin plastic strips coated with a whitening gel that you apply to your teeth for a specified period. Whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes contain mild abrasives or chemicals to help remove surface stains.
Advantages: More affordable and easily accessible.
Disadvantages: Less effective and slower results compared to professional options, may not whiten as many shades, ill-fitting strips can cause uneven whitening and gum irritation, whitening toothpaste primarily removes surface stains and has a limited effect on deeper discoloration.

What to Expect During and After Teeth Whitening:

During: You might experience mild sensitivity during the whitening process, especially with stronger bleaching agents. This is usually temporary.
After: It’s common to have some temporary tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures after whitening. Your dentist may recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste. It’s also important to avoid staining foods and drinks (like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas) for a few days after the procedure to maximize the results.

How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?

The longevity of teeth whitening results varies depending on individual habits¹ and lifestyle. On average, the effects can last² from several months to a few years. To maintain your brighter smile:

Practice good oral hygiene (brush twice a day, floss daily).
Limit consumption of staining foods and drinks.
Avoid tobacco products.
Consider touch-up whitening treatments as recommended by your dentist.

Important Considerations Before Teeth Whitening:

Dental Exam: It’s crucial to have a dental check-up before undergoing any teeth whitening procedure. Your dentist can assess the cause and extent of your staining, check for any underlying dental issues (like cavities or gum disease) that need to be addressed first, and recommend the most suitable whitening method for you.

Not All Stains Respond Equally: Yellow and brown stains generally respond well to whitening. Gray or blue stains, often caused by certain medications or trauma, may be more resistant.

Fillings and Crowns Don’t Whiten: Teeth whitening products only work on natural tooth enamel. Existing fillings, crowns, veneers, and bridges will not change color. If these are in your visible smile zone and don’t match your desired whiter shade, you may need to consider replacing them after the whitening process.

Sensitivity: Discuss any history of tooth sensitivity with your dentist before whitening. They can recommend strategies to minimize discomfort.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Teeth whitening is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.Sensitivity: Discuss any history of tooth sensitivity with your dentist before whitening. They can recommend strategies to minimize discomfort.