Ever wanted pearly whites like your favourite movie stars? Tooth whitening or bleaching can provide you with a bright and white smile that you can confidently show and make a great first impression. But how exactly does that happen? Here are 10 facts on teeth whitening. Tooth whitening uses bleaching agents, specifically carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, to lighten the colour of the teeth. Since our teeth are semi-permeable, these chemicals penetrate the tooth enamel to remove stains1. Additionally, when undergoing teeth whitening in a dental clinic, dentists often use special bleaching lights which catalyses the chemical process, thus accelerating the whitening process. The colour of our teeth is determined by the layer of tooth enamel covering them. Teeth may be intrinsically discoloured as tooth enamel naturally comes in different shades varying from light yellow to off-white. Alternatively, teeth may be extrinsically discoloured due to lifestyle factors such as heavy smoking, or food consumption habits such as coffee, tea, red wine or co*ke. It is also natural for teeth to change color and become darker or more yellow as we age. In fact, teeth whiteningis becoming a popular option among older individuals seeking a more youthful appearance. In-office teeth whitening is a minimally invasive procedure and when performed by a qualified dentist, is both safe and painless. If it is your first or second treatment, you may experience some teeth sensitivity but this typically will subside with time and your dentist may recommend products with potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride gel to alleviate this temporary sensation of sensitivity. The extent of whitening and brightening of the teeth is reliant on numerous factors, including the individual tooth condition, the cause of discolouration and how effectively the dentist’s post-procedural instructions were followed. Your dentist will be able to guide you to achieve a shade of white which you will be happy with after treatment, and will consult with you before the treatment starts to diagnose and plan your treatment. A single dark tooth is usually due to two factors. The first factor is due to root canal treatment on the affected tooth. In such cases, your dentist may suggest internal bleaching, veneers or crowns. The second reason for a single dark tooth is pulp degeneration, often triggered by trauma to the tooth. Teeth whitening treatment of a single dark tooth is, therefore, more complex and may require veneer or crowns to cover up the colour. It is always best to consult with your dentist who will be able to recommend an effective treatment. Such blue or grey discolourations typically respond less well to tooth whitening procedures and as a result, require a longer treatment time. The underlying cause of such discolouration may be due to antibiotics such as Tetracycline consumed when younger, which leads to a band of discolouration that affects many teeth. Accordingly, a combination of teeth whitening and veneers or crowns may be needed to achieve a natural whitened appearance. In-office whitening offers you immediate results, revealing a smile of at least 2-4 shades whiter than your current teeth. The process utilises whitening gel that is activated by laser or light2 to accelerate the whitening process. Your lips and gums will be protected from the bleaching agent with rubber seals or gel that the dentist prepares beforehand. However if the starting shade is very dark, multiple sessions may be required to achieve enhanced whitening effect. Home whitening kits, in contrast, deliver a more gradual whitening outcome. The dentist will take a mould of your teeth to make custom-fit trays. At home, you will be able to fill these trays with bleaching gels and wear them between an hour to overnight, depending on your dentist’s instructions. These gel-filled trays are needed to be worn for at least two to four weeks. Thisgradual process allows you to lighten tooth shades according to your preference. We would recommend avoiding certain foods and beverages immediately after teeth whitening. Those that can potentially stain or discolor your teeth or are likely to irritate your sensitive teeth should generally be avoided. These include dark coloured food and drinks, like coffee and tea, as well as acidic food and drinks such as citrus fruits and carbonated drinks. Teeth whitening is not permanent and factors such as lifestyle choices, dietary habits, and natural tooth discoloration can gradually diminish the whiteness achieved through whitening treatments. On average, both in-office and take-home teeth whitening treatments can maintain their effects for up to 3 years. However, it is recommended to go for periodic touch-ups to keep your smile bright and white. Your dentist is still the best person to advise which whitening procedure will be most suitable for you! They will perform a comprehensive intraoral examination with a tooth shade evaluation, followed by an analysis to complete your proper prognosis of the treatment outcome. Ready to explore the world of teeth whitening?Book an appointment with us!1) How does teeth whitening work?
2) Why do i have stained/yellow teeth?
3) will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?
4) How much improvement to the whiteness can I expect to see?
5) Can I treat a single dark tooth?
6) can i whiten teeth that have blue or grey discolourations?
7) in-office teeth whitening or take-home whitening kits, which is better for me?
8) do i need to avoid certain food after i whiten my teeth?
9) is teeth whitening permanent?
10) Your treatment options are best discussed with your dentist!
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FAQs
What is the new method of teeth whitening? ›
LED-Activated Whitening: The Power of Light
LED-activated whitening systems have gained significant traction in 2024, thanks to their effectiveness and non-invasive nature. This technique uses a cool, blue LED light to activate the whitening agent applied to the teeth, speeding up the process of breaking down stains.
On average, a teeth whitening session in the Philippines may range from Php 3,000 to Php 10,000. This cost variance is influenced by factors such as session duration, chosen products, and the overall process.
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.
Laser whitening, also known as power whitening, is another type of teeth whitening system that a dentist can provide. A bleaching product is painted onto your teeth and then a light or laser is shone on them to activate the whitening. Laser whitening takes about an hour.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.
What is the fastest most efficient way to whiten teeth? ›Zoom in office whitening
Zoom-in-office whitening is the best teeth whitening system out there. It is fast (takes about an hour) and you get great results. This is the one you have probably seen before where the patients are under that blue light and it turns your teeth up to four shades of whiter.
As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.
How long does teeth whitening last? ›The most effective way to whiten your teeth is professional teeth whitening treatment applied by your dentist in the office. The results of this type of treatment can last between 1 and 3 years. In-office teeth whitening involves the following process: The gum tissue is protected from the effects of the bleaching gel.
How many sessions for teeth whitening? ›When choosing in-office teeth whitening, patients often only require one visit annually (at most) to maintain consistently white teeth. Depending on the patient's objectives and the intensity of the stains, the dentist may use multiple applications of the bleaching solution during each session.
How to whiten teeth over 60? ›Bleaching Trays
Compared to commercial products, whitening trays from your dentist are stronger and much safer for seniors in particular. As you age, your gums and teeth can become more sensitive. Your dentist can first evaluate your oral health to determine if you are eligible to receive teeth whitening.
How do celebrities whiten their teeth? ›
To do this, a cosmetic dentist might target the size, shape, alignment, or whiteness of the patient's teeth. For celebrity-level whiteness, cosmetic dentists will usually use one of three different procedures: professional whitening treatments, veneers, or crowns.
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 to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide to whiten my teeth? ›Hydrogen peroxide is an inexpensive household product you probably have on hand right now. When used carefully, it can be an effective way to whiten your teeth. But if used incorrectly — in concentrations that are too high or if used too often — it can cause serious and sometimes expensive tooth damage.
What teeth whitening product do dentists recommend? ›Crest 3D Whitestrips are currently the only ADA-approved whitening strips — they also won an NBC Select Wellness Award. The Classic Vivid strips come in a pack of 24, which is enough for 12 treatments. Strips are made with hydrogen peroxide and have a no-slip grip that helps them stick to teeth.
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.
What solution do dentists use to whiten teeth? ›Yes, teeth whitening works if carried out by a trained dental professional. Whitening uses a peroxide-based gel to lighten the teeth.
What are the side effects of UV light teeth whitening? ›In addition, UV lighting comes with short and long-term risk factors that are important to make note of. Short-term risk factors include burns and bleeding of the gums, tooth sensitivity and even sunburn to the skin, while long-term risk factors may lead to wear on the teeth's enamel and even oral cancer.
How much does zoom teeth whitening cost? ›Generally, the entire Zoom WhiteSpeed costs approximately $500, while the Zoom QuickPro costs between $125 and $150. At-home treatments cost less than in-office options. However, they take longer and may not achieve perfect results.