Teeth Whitening
There are many teeth whitening systems and products
including whitening toothpastes, over-the-counter gels,
rinses, strips, trays, and whitening products obtained
from a dentist.
Teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy,
unrestored teeth (no fillings) and gums.
Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond best.
But this cosmetic procedure is not recommended
for everyone.
Whitening Systems
Whitening Toothpastes
All toothpastes help remove surface stains,
because they contain mild abrasives.
Some whitening toothpastes contain gentle polishing
or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal
effectiveness.
Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains
only and do not contain bleach;
over-the-counter and professional whitening products
contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide
that helps lighten the color deep in the tooth.
Whitening toothpastes can lighten the tooth's color
by about one shade.
In contrast, prescription strength whitening conducted
in your dentist's office can make your teeth
three to eight shades lighter.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips and Gels
Whitening gels are clear, peroxide-based gels
applied with a small brush directly
to the surface of your teeth.
Instructions vary depending on the strength
of the peroxide.
Follow the directions on the product carefully.
Initial results are seen in a few days and final
results are sustained for about four months.
Whitening strips are very thin, virtually invisible, strips
that are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel.
The strips should be applied according to the
instructions on the label.
Initial results are seen in a few days
and final results are sustained for about four months.
Whitening Rinses
Among the newest whitening products available
are whitening rinses.
Like most mouthwashes, they freshen breath and help
reduce dental plaque and gum disease.
But these products also include ingredients,
such as hydrogen peroxide in some, which whiten teeth.
Manufacturers say it may take 12 weeks to see results.
You just swish them around in your mouth
for 60 seconds twice a day before brushing your teeth.
However, some experts say that rinses may not be as
effective as other over-the-counter whitening products.
Because a whitening rinse is only in contact with the
teeth for such a short time -- just two minutes a day
compared to 30 minutes for many strips
it may have less of an effect.
Tray-Based Tooth Whiteners
Tray-based tooth whitening systems,
purchased either over-the-counter or from a dentist,
involve filling a mouth guard-like tray with a gel
whitening solution -- which contains a peroxide-
bleaching agent.
The tray is worn for a period of time,
generally from a couple of hours a day to every day
during the night for up to four weeks and even longer
depending on the degree of discoloration and desired
level of whitening
In-Office Whitening
In-office bleaching provides the quickest way to
whiten teeth. With in-office bleaching, the whitening
product is applied directly to the teeth.
These products can be used in combination with heat,
a special light, or a laser.
Results are seen in only one, 30- to 60-minute
treatment. But to achieve dramatic results,
several appointments are usually needed.
However, with in-office bleaching, dramatic results
can be seen after the first treatment.
This type of whitening is also the most
expensive approach.