Tooth whitening has become one of the most frequently requested dental procedures by patients. Public has come to demand for whiter, more perfect smiles and in response many choices for tooth whitening have been made available. These include home-based products such as toothpastes, gels, and films, as well as in-office based systems where products containing highly concentrated bleaching agents are applied under professional supervision.
Rather than heading to the local cosmetic counter or shopping mall in search of tooth whiteners, start with a dental checkup. Rachna Pall DDS, dental Office in San Jose can evaluate, diagnose and treat any pressing oral health conditions and advise you about different options to safely and effectively whiten your teeth. We also can determine whether whitening will work for you.
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When the dentist diagnoses the cause of the discoloration—injury, stains from food or tobacco, antibiotic treatment as a child or other causes—a suitable tooth-whitening method or product can be selected. The diagnosis is important; otherwise, you could be wasting time and money because whitening treatments work only on natural tooth enamel, not on crowns, veneers, bonding materials or tooth-colored fillings.
There are two options for teeth whitening:
- In-office-based teeth whitening
- At-home care teeth whitening
Both tooth-whitening options use peroxide-based bleaching agents.
IN-OFFICE TEETH WHITENING
This procedure is performed in a dental office. During an appointment, your dental professional will apply a whitening gel to the surface of your teeth. The entire office visit generally takes about 90 minutes and you will be able to see results immediately. In-office systems typically contain from 15% to 43% peroxide. Generally, the longer you keep a stronger solution on your teeth, the whiter your teeth become. However, the higher the percentage of peroxide in the whitening solution, the shorter it should be applied to the teeth. Keeping the gel on longer will dehydrate the tooth and increase tooth sensitivity.
Types of At Home Teeth Whitening Systems
Whitening systems can be variously categorized. The following approach is in accordance with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes typically contain higher amounts of abrasives and detergents than standard toothpastes, to remove tough stains. Whitening toothpastes do not contain bleach (sodium hypochlorite) but some contain low concentrations of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide that help lighten tooth color. Whitening toothpastes typically can lighten tooth color by about one or two shades.
OTC Whitening Strips and Gels
Whitening strips deliver a thin layer of peroxide gel on plastic strips shaped to fit onto the buccal surfaces of the teeth. There are a variety of white strip products on the market with varying instructions. A typical set of instructions are to apply the strips twice daily for 30 minutes for 14 days. Tooth lightening can be seen in several days and this method can lighten the teeth by 1 or 2 shades. There are some newer whitening strip products that require only one 30-minute application per day that have the same whitening end point as the two-a-day products.
Whitening gels are peroxide-based gels applied with a small brush directly to the surface of the teeth. Like whitening strips, the teeth can usually be lightened by 1 or 2 shades.
Whitening Rinses
Whitening rinses contain oxygen sources such as hydrogen peroxide to react with the chromogens. It takes up to 3 months to see a 1 or 2 shade improvement in tooth color.
Tray-Based Teeth Whiteners
Tray-based tooth whitening systems are available both professionally and OTC. This method involves the use of a fitted tray containing carbamide peroxide-bleaching gel worn for 2 to 4 hours a day or overnight. Usually by following the manufacturer instructions tooth whitening is noticeable in a few days, lightening the teeth by 1 or 2 shades.
[source https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
FAQ’sQUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Why do teeth lose their original white color?
Lot of beverages and foods such as coffee, tea, wine, curries etc. can stain the natural white color of our teeth. Certain medications can cause discoloration as well. Smoking can also cause teeth to discolor. Teeth cleaning by your dentist can often remove any external stains. It also promotes good oral health. Be sure to visit your dentist every 6 months for a comprehensive examination and cleaning.
Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
No, Most major insurances DO NOT cover this cost but we strongly advise you to check with your insurance.
How long does the teeth whitening last for?
It depends on your food habits and more importantly your oral hygiene habits. Lot of foods and beverages such as tea, coffee, wine, smoking etc. cause staining. Whiteness may begin to fade within a month if for example you are a heavy coffee drinker. If you can brush or thoroughly rinse after you consume such foods, the effect of staining can be reduced. Those who avoid such staining foods and beverages may not require teeth whitening for a year or more.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage the teeth?
Tooth enamel which is the top most layer of the teeth is a very hard tissue and cannot be easily damaged. Studies of whitening products using 10% carbamide peroxide showed little to no effect on the hardness or mineral content of a tooth’s enamel surface. In my experience I haven’t see teeth whitening causing damage to the tooth structure or to the nerve but there are a lot of products available in the market which contain high concentration of bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide. Never use any dental product which does not carry the ADA seal of acceptance. Tooth whitening in some cases may cause increased tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation. Both conditions usually are temporary and disappear within 1 to 3 days of stopping or completing treatment. Research has shown that there can be tooth surface roughening and softening in some cases. During teeth whitening process, care needs to be taken not to eat or drink foods that can cause staining.
Do teeth whiteners damage existing dental restorations?
Teeth whitening products containing 10% carbide peroxide have not shown any damage to existing fillings. Tooth whitening may not be a good option if you’ve had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth. The color of these materials cannot be enhanced by whitening, and they will not match your newly whitened teeth. In these cases, you may consider options, such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding on other teeth.
What is the cost of teeth whitening?
Cost depends on the treatment type and the material used. It can cost upwards starting from a couple of hundred dollars. But before you go for teeth whitening, it is important to get your exams and cleaning done and understand if you really need teeth whitening. At Rachna Pall DDS, we do offer promotions on teeth whitening. Please call our office to find our current promotions on teeth whitening.
Charcoal teeth whitening
These are dental products containing activated charcoal on store shelves, from toothpastes to kits. Products containing this ingredient claim to remove coffee stains, wine stains, and plaque. There is no scientific evidence regarding their benefit and moreover these are not backed by American Dental Association.
Types of Teeth Whitening Systems
Whitening systems can be variously categorized. The following approach is in accordance with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes typically contain higher amounts of abrasives and detergents than standard toothpastes, to remove tough stains. Whitening toothpastes do not contain bleach (sodium hypochlorite) but some contain low concentrations of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide that help lighten tooth color. Whitening toothpastes typically can lighten tooth color by about one or two shades.
OTC Whitening Strips and Gels
Whitening strips deliver a thin layer of peroxide gel on plastic strips shaped to fit onto the buccal surfaces of the teeth. There are a variety of white strip products on the market with varying instructions. Whitening gels contain peroxide-based gels which can be applied with a small brush directly to the surface of the teeth. The teeth can usually be lightened by 1 or 2 shades.
Whitening Rinses
Whitening rinses contain oxygen sources such as hydrogen peroxide to react with the chromogens. It can take up to few months to show improvement in tooth color.
Tray-Based Teeth Whiteners
Tray-based tooth whitening systems are available both professionally and OTC. This method involves the use of a fitted tray containing carbamide peroxide-bleaching gel worn for 2 to 4 hours a day or overnight. Usually by following the manufacturer instructions tooth whitening is noticeable in a few days, lightening the teeth by 1 or 2 shades.
In-Office Whitening
Quicker tooth whitening can be achieved through in-office whitening because the products deliver higher concentrations of peroxide than OTC. Results are seen after one 30- to 60-minute treatment. More dramatic results can be obtained with several applications.
How to keep my teeth white and bright?
Following are some of the tips to maintain your teeth healthy:
- Avoiding the consumption of foods that stain your teeth. Using a straw reduces the contact time between the food and the teeth so that the liquid bypasses your front teeth.
- Brush or rinse immediately after consuming stain-causing beverages or foods.
- Follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once daily to remove plaque. You may use a whitening toothpaste (once or twice a week only) and a regular toothpaste the rest of the time.
- Visit your dentist every 6 months for exams and cleaning. This is covered by almost all insurances and will help you not only for your oral health but your overall health as well.
Disclaimer: This information is provided by Rachna Pall DDS and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.