Teeth Whitening - Guide To Whiter Teeth

How does teeth whitening really work? How long will it last? What are my options to get it done right? Learn the answers to all of those questions, and more with the complete guide to teeth whitening.

How Teeth Whitening Works

We all know how attractive a dazzling white smile is. It lights up your face like a ray of sunlight and makes you feel like a movie star. These days, an increasing number of people are whitening their teeth, either at home or at the dentist’s office. But how does teeth whitening work?

Currently, there are two types of whitening solutions available and can be divided into the following two groups:

1. Teeth Whitening – The traditional meaning of teeth whitening is a product which works to remove dirt and debris, thus restoring the natural color to the smile.
2. Teeth Bleaching – Tooth bleaching work to remove stains by using chemicals that is formulated with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These systems work to get deeper into the enamel and remove stains that are right on the teeth. The active ingredient breaks down into molecules of oxygen that penetrate the enamel (the hard coating on your teeth) and the dentin (the darker root surface that is exposed if your gums have receded somewhat) and attack the stains there. As the stains are broken down into smaller particles, more light enters your teeth, which in turn look whiter.

Understanding that there are two types of teeth whitening products available is important. For those with a mild case of yellowness a teeth whitening system may be all that is needed. In most cases though, a bleaching system will be the better option if you want a whiter and brighter smile.

The Causes of Tooth Discoloration

To have a better understanding of how teeth whitening work, one must also first understand the cause of the problem. The main causes of staining and discoloration of the teeth can be both extrinsic and intrinsic (external and interal) and these stains may be caused by any of the following:

• Aging - Your teeth may become discolored or yellow with age.
• Tooth Thickness - Those with thinner teeth have less pigment and thus will experience discoloration and staining of the tooth faster.
• Genetics - Everyone starts off with different coloration to their teeth. Some of us are born with whiter teeth.
• What You Eat/Drink - Those who drink coffee, tea, wine, and soft drinks will experience staining and discoloration more quickly. Acidic foods and deeply colored foods (such as beets) can also discolor your pearly whites.
• Smoking - The tar in cigarettes is one of the worst chemicals for staining teeth. It can also cause tooth decay, and other oral problems.
• Medications - Certain medications or antibiotics such as tetracycline contain chemicals that work to create a yellow or brown tinge to the teeth.
• Trauma - Due to cracking, breaking, and other trauma: Injury to the teeth, including broken, or even decayed tooth can crack the protective surface of your teeth and lead to both intrinsic and extrinsic staining.

Teeth Whitening Options

Now that you understand the causes of discoloration, let’s discuss options for teeth whitening. There are really two ways to go about getting a whiter smile. You can visit your dentist, or choose an at-home tooth whitening kit.

Teeth Whitening at the Dentist
Visiting the dentist is likely the fastest way to get your teeth whitened. The main drawback to all of the dentist-delivered methods is the high cost of the treatments.

1. Power Bleaching – Power bleaching involves placing bleaching gel on your teeth using dental trays, and a high intensity light to trigger the reaction of the gel on your teeth. This is one of the faster whitening methods and usually this treatment is completed in one or two visits at a cost of $300 - $800 per visit. Further home treatments may be recommended by the dentist to help you maintain the whiteness of the teeth.

2. Dental Veneers – A dental veneer is a porcelain cap that is placed over the stained tooth. These veneers are resistant to staining, and will keep your smile whiter for a long time. This option is the most costly (as much as $800 per tooth) but for those who need to fix an imperfect tooth with lots of fillings it may be one of the only options.

3. Bonding – As an alternative to porcelain, bonding uses a special resin which is applied and coated onto the teeth. When dried this coating becomes a type of plastic. Bonding is less expensive than veneers and like veneers, tooth bonding can also be used to close small gaps and slightly straighten the smile. However, dental bonding doesn’t last as long as a dental veneer.

Home Whitening Products for a Whiter Smile
With the extreme costs involved in visiting the dentist, many are turning to the much cheaper home whitening products. These teeth whitening products generally come in three varieties which range in effectiveness.

1. Whitening Trays – Tray systems include a bleaching product much like the dentists bleaching systems do. Trays filled bleach are applied to the teeth. In most home teeth whitening kits the bleach concentration is usually weaker than the one the dentist uses and treatment may varies from one to two weeks. Nowadays, some of the latest home teeth whitening kits include dentist strength peroxide and a laser element, and produce the same professional results at a less expensive price.

2. White Strips – White strips, such as Crest White Strips, are flexible plastic like strips that has a bleaching element built in. You place the strips on your teeth and wear them for a period of time each day. Complete whitening is usually accomplished within a few weeks. This is the most cost effective bleaching method with an entire 2-4 week system costing only $30 - $40.

3. Teeth Whitening Toothpastes – The least expensive home treatment is whitening toothpaste. These products do not include a bleaching element and instead help remove surface stains through the action of mild abrasives. Teeth whitening toothpaste don’t work well for more severe cases of staining and is usually used as a supplement to another at home whitening system.

How Long Will Teeth Whitening Effects Last

Once you have your teeth whitened, a question many ask is how long will the whiteness last? This question isn’t that hard to answer, but it will vary from one person to another.

For most people, tooth discoloration occurred over a period of time as a result of aging, choice of foods and lifestyle habits. If you don’t drink coffee, wine or smoke, your teeth can retain the whiteness after a treatment for as long as 1-2 years. On the other hand if you continue to smoke, consume coffee or red wine on a regular basis, you may have to repeat the teeth whitening treatment again within 6 months.

How to Maintain Tooth Whiteness

For those who drink a lot of coffee, smoke, or eat a lot of acidic or strongly colored foods, changing those habits will work to extend the effects of the initial whitening. There are also other things you can do:

• Brush Regularly – The American Dental association recommends that you brush your teeth after every meal (at least three times a day).

• Floss Once a Day – Food build up between the teeth gives plaque and food a place to stay, and can quickly work to stain your teeth.

• Keep up Regular Dental Visits – Regular dental visits (at least once a year) will ensure you get a professional cleaning, and also help to keep your teeth healthy which will avoid staining due to decay or other trauma.

Risk Associated With Teeth Whitening

As with any product that includes chemicals or bleach there are some risks in teeth whitening. These risks aren’t great, and most never experience any problems as a result of their efforts, but you should be aware of the following three problems that may arise.

1. Sensitivity – Especially true for bleaching products, which slightly weaken the enamel in order to remove stains, added sensitivity may be felt while using a whitening treatment. This effect will usually go away 2 to 3 days after the treatment is completed. For some, it may last as long as a month.

2. Irritated Gums – Many who use bleaching products, that contain peroxide, may experience gum irritation while working to whiten their teeth. For the most part this is normal and needn’t be a cause for worry. Usually, rinsing after treatment will dissipate the bleach and will lessen this effect.

3. Blotchy Teeth – For those who have extensive dental work (fillings, crowns, etc), there may be discoloration where that dental work lies. Fillings do not take bleach as well as a tooth does, and this can lead to a multicolored effect.

Generally, teeth whitening is quite safe and only a very small percentage of people suffered from sensitivity issues. You can actually minimize these risks when you whiten your teeth by taking a few precautionary steps. Make sure you follow the directions exactly when you use a home teeth whitening kit, including the time that you should leave the product on your teeth. Leaving it for longer than recommended won’t make your teeth any whiter. It will just expose your teeth to more potential damage.

When you start any teeth whitening treatment, make sure you don’t have any mouth ulcers or abrasions on your gums. These sensitive areas can be aggravated by the whitening treatment.

Who isn’t Suitable for Teeth Whitening

From the risks associated with teeth whitening, certain people should avoid treatment, or at the very least consult your dentist first.

1. If you already suffer from sensitive teeth, treatment may make that sensitivity unbearable.
2. Those who have poor oral health, or who suffer from gum disease should avoid teeth whitening.
   
3. If you have extensive dental work, you may want to ask your dentist first.
   
4. Tooth whitening procedure is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

If in doubt about whether or not whitening is right for you, a trip to the dentist will help you find the answers you need.

Additional Tips for Teeth Whitening

While you work to whiten your smile, here are some tips that you can use to help make your teeth whiter and healthier.

• Brush and Floss Regularly – While you are working to gain whiter teeth, be sure to brush after every meal, and especially after coffee, tea, or cigarettes. Not only will this help to increase the speed with which you gain the full effects, it will also prevent further staining due to your already weakened tooth enamel.

• Avoid Staining Foods/Drinks/Chemicals – If you are a heavy smoker, heavy coffer drinker, or are on medications that are known to causes staining, you should avoid and if not possible, at least limit these while treating your teeth. In the case of medication you should obviously talk to your doctor to see if it is okay to discontinue the medication for a temporary period.

• See the Treatment Through – When you start an at home treatment system for teeth whitening, don’t stop before you’re done. If the system recommends a three week treatment, use if for that length of time. Too many expect results in a day, and then quit when those results aren’t seen.

Things to Consider When Choosing A Teeth Whitening Product

If you are considering whitening your teeth, here are a few final things to consider when choosing which treatment is right for you.

Severity of the Discoloration – If you only have a mild problem you may want to start with a less expensive home whitening kits. For those with more severe discoloration a home tray kit may be a good way to start, of if money allows you may even want to start at the dentist.

Cost of Whitening – With the huge difference in cost, it may be worth trying something like Crest Whitestrips before spending $1,000 at the dentist. Most people find the home kits to be quite effective, and the cost savings are enormous.

Effectiveness – If you have tried one whitening system with little results, don’t let it discourage you. There is a difference in the quality between one product and another. Try another product or alternatively, go consult your dentist.