5 Facts About Teeth Whitening You Should Know

December 29, 2023
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Our patients frequently ask about teeth whitening. Indeed, according to a survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, “When respondents were asked, ‘What would you like to improve most about your smile?’ The most common response was: Whiter & brighter teeth.”

The moment you smile, it leaves a lasting impression on those you encounter. If you're contemplating teeth whitening, here are five essential facts to be aware of.

1. How Teeth Become Discolored

There are several different reasons that your teeth may have changed color. Typically, the intake of specific foods and beverages can alter the color of your teeth. Drinking red wine, coffee or tea will stain your teeth. These beverages have pigments that will attach to your tooth enamel. Tar and nicotine found in tobacco products will produce brown and yellow stains, respectfully.

Time also plays a factor.  As we age, the outer enamel of our teeth tends to thin, and the underlying yellowish dentin will tend to show through more.

Certain medications may also cause your teeth to become discolored, including some antihistamines, antibiotics, high blood pressure medication, or chemotherapy.

2. How Teeth Whitening Works

Teeth whitening is a bleaching process achieved with either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. An oxidation reaction takes place that breaks down the staining agents.

3. Teeth Whitening Options

Opting for professional teeth whitening at your dentist's office is the quickest and safest method to enhance the whiteness of your teeth. With your dentist overseeing the procedure, a more concentrated whitening solution is employed. This ensures that your gums are shielded from potential damage that could occur from exposure to these agents. Additionally, a special light or laser may be used to enhance the treatment. This typically takes less than 60 minutes and can produce whitening of your teeth up to 3-5 shades.

We use a special, gentle product which lightens your teeth multiple shades in one short visit. Our professional teeth whitening, and bleaching services remove years’ worth of staining in a single session. There are also at-home options to consider. These include lower concentrations of the bleaching agents typically applied in trays or strips that stick to your teeth. These products work but are much less effective than the treatments offered at your dentist’s office.

Teeth Whitening Trays

Whitening trays are a more costly treatment for whitening your teeth, but can be more effective than whitening strips or toothpastes. You fill the tray with the whitening gel and wear the tray for anywhere from 30 minutes a day to overnight, for several weeks.

Over-the-counter whitening tray kits often have trays that don’t fit your teeth well and are uncomfortable to wear. If your dentist offers this option, they can custom create whitening trays to fit your teeth – allowing you to use less gel and have a more comfortable fit.


Teeth Whitening Toothpastes and Rinses

Whitening toothpastes are readily available. They contain mild abrasives that can remove surface stains. These products differ from the bleaches in that they don’t change the color of your teeth. They only help remove stains on the surface of your teeth.

The most budget-friendly method for teeth whitening, whitening toothpastes and rinses are convenient as they can be easily substituted for your regular toothpaste. Nevertheless, these toothpastes and rinses require more time to show noticeable effects and typically achieve a whitening effect of only one or two shades. Additionally, the results are not as enduring compared to certain other teeth whitening techniques.


4. Teeth Whitening Doesn’t Work on All Teeth

Typically, teeth that are yellow will bleach well, brown colors much less so, and gray or purple tones may not respond at all. You may experience a limited response to whitening agents if the discoloration is caused by medications or a tooth injury. Additionally, dental restorations such as crowns, fillings, caps, or veneers will not undergo whitening.

5. Possible Side-effects of Teeth Whitening

The most common side-effect of the use of whitening products is tooth sensitivity. This happens when the whitening agent penetrates the enamel and irritates the nerve of the tooth. The effect is short-term, and you can try the application again once the effect wears off.
Remember to follow label directions or consult with your dentist on the use of at-home products, as overuse can damage your gums or tooth enamel.
Modern teeth whitening products are researched products which will cause only minimal side effects.


Talk to Your Dentist about Whitening Your Teeth

We always suggest talking to your dentist before starting the teeth whitening process. Your dentist will be able to advise you if the process is worthwhile given the specific condition (and coloration) of your teeth.