Exploring the Different Teeth Whitening Options

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help patients achieve unrivaled brightness levels. When choosing one, knowing what they are, how they work, and their effectiveness is important. If you are considering ways to brighten your smile, read on.

Teeth whitening options

Causes of discoloration

Teeth discoloration is a common problem that affects millions of people. There are several causes, including:

• Age: Throughout aging, the enamel in the teeth will become thinner, making it easier for stains to penetrate the tooth’s surface.
• Smoking and drinking alcohol: Both can cause staining by darkening existing pigmentation in the teeth or creating discoloration when they interact with certain foods and beverages, like wine.
• Medications: If used consistently, some medications may cause yellowing or brownish tints on the surface of the teeth over time.
• Poor dental hygiene: If one does not brush regularly or floss enough, plaque buildup around sensitive areas, such as the gums, can cause discoloration over time due to exposure to food particles trapped between teeth.
• Teeth grinding: Grinding occurs when applied against one side of the jawbone while sleeping at night. Teeth grinding leads to tooth wear and gum recession that exposes roots underneath the enamel surfaces, where bacteria can build up easily, resulting in staining.

Laser teeth whitening

Laser treatment is the first and most popular of the two in-office teeth whitening treatments. It is a safe and effective way to brighten one’s smile. It is a painless procedure that happens in 15- to 20-minute circuits. This procedure can take up to an hour, depending on the brightness level one is looking to achieve. If cared for properly, results can last six months to a year.

During the procedure, the dentist will apply a whitening gel to the patient’s teeth that contains hydrogen peroxide. The teeth whitening gel also usually contains carbamide peroxide, an oxidizer that breaks down the stains on the teeth. The dentist then uses light energy from lasers to help activate the oxygen within the gel, helping it penetrate the enamel and gently remove stains from deep within the teeth without damaging them or causing extreme sensitivity.

Professional teeth whitening trays

The second of the two in-office teeth whitening procedures is whitening trays, which are also painless. To begin, the dentist will apply a desensitizing gel. This protects the gums from irritation when the whitening gel, which is used in the laser treatment, is applied. The dentist then places a thin plastic film over each tooth and secures it using adhesive bands. This helps keep the gel in place on top of the teeth while it works to lighten them. Some trays come with lights that shine down on the tray while in use. This helps to speed up the reaction time. With proper care, results can last up to a year.