Teeth whitening of many kinds have become increasingly popular in recent years. Though our teeth are mostly white overall, tooth enamel can be many shades and can become discolored or stained over time. Teeth may be discolored for a variety of reasons—some in your control and others as a result of injury or illness.
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what they would like to improve most about their smile and the most common answer was the whiteness of their teeth. Similarly, the American Association of Orthodontics found that nearly 90% of patients requested tooth whitening. So, if you’ve been thinking about whitening your teeth lately, you’re not alone.
If you’re considering teeth whitening, be sure you know the facts about the process and what to expect. You should also check with your dental provider to make sure you’re a candidate for teeth whitening and to learn the best whitening method for your unique situation.
Causes of Discolored Teeth
Over time, you may notice a change in the color of your teeth. This may be happening for one or several of the following reasons:
Food and Drink
Coffee, tea, and red wine are some of the major staining culprits. Their intense color pigments called chromogens attach to the white, outer part of your tooth (enamel) and cause discoloration or staining.
Tobacco Use
Tar and nicotine are the two chemicals in tobacco that lead to tough stains on teeth. Tar is naturally dark, which contributes to staining, while nicotine is colorless until it is mixed with oxygen. Therefore, when the nicotine mixes with oxygen while smoking, it turns into a yellowish substance that is notorious for staining teeth.
Age
Below the tooth enamel, there’s a softer layer called dentin, which is more yellow in nature. Over time, our tooth enamel gets thinner, leading to more of the yellowish dentin showing through the enamel.
Trauma
If you’ve been hit in the mouth or have another type of mouth injury, your tooth may change color because it’s not receiving adequate blood flow anymore. Over time, the tooth may heal itself or it may die altogether. After a mouth injury, it’s always best to have a dentist examine the damage and recommend a treatment plan going forth.
Medications
Some antihistamines, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure medications may have a side effect of tooth darkening. Young children who are exposed to antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline during the time their teeth are forming or while in the womb may have some discoloration of their teeth in adulthood. Chemotherapy and neck radiation may also darken teeth.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
The process for teeth whitening is fairly simple. Depending on what product you use and if you choose to whiten at home or professionally at the dentist, the steps vary.
Teeth whitening products contain one of two tooth bleaches: hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These ingredients work to break stains into smaller pieces and reduce the concentration of color, in turn making your teeth brighter.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on All Teeth?
Unfortunately, whitening does not work on all teeth. Therefore, it’s important to check with your dentist to determine the right procedure for your teeth. Certain whiteners may not correct all types of staining and discoloration. For example, yellowed teeth typically bleach well while brown teeth may not respond as well and teeth with gray tones may not bleach at all.
In addition, whitening won’t work on dental appliances like caps, veneers, crowns, or fillings. It’s highly likely that bleaching your teeth will not be effective if the primary cause for discoloration is medication or trauma
Teeth Whitening Options
There are many options for professional teeth whitening and at-home teeth whitening. Be sure to consult your doctor prior to beginning any treatment plan. Most teeth whitening options fall into one of three categories and range from gentle surface whiteners to stronger ones that can remove deeper stains.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste works to remove stains on the surface of your teeth. Toothpastes are the gentlest whitener, which is great for those with sensitive teeth. Because they use a polishing action as opposed to bleaching chemicals, whitening toothpastes usually don’t have adverse side effects. However, as a result of their gentleness, they don’t whiten teeth as noticeably as chemical products. It also takes repeated use for whitening toothpastes to show visible results, usually over a period of weeks to months.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
At-home whitening kits can be purchased from your dentist or over the counter. There are many kinds of kits including whitening strips, trays, lights, rinses, and brushes. They usually contain peroxide, which works below the surface to lighten tooth enamel is used regularly over days or weeks.
Your dentist may make a special whitening tray to fit your upper and lower teeth better than one-size-fits-all trays you can purchase at a store. With these custom trays, you’ll squeeze the whitening gel in the trays and wear them for short times during the day or overnight, depending on your dentist’s advice. If you wear the trays for too long, the peroxide in the gel can irritate your teeth and/or gums so be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening is done in a dental office. In-office whiteners are much stronger than the other two alternatives because they have more peroxide in the solution. They can change the color of your teeth faster than at-home methods.
The in-office whitening takes about an hour. To help protect the mouth from the peroxide, the gum tissues are covered either with a thin sheet of rubber or a protective gel. Occasionally a light or laser is used in conjunction with the peroxide.
Differences Between Professional Teeth Whitening and At-Home Teeth Whitening
There are several main differences between at-home and professional teeth whitening, but the best course of action depends on the results you’re looking to achieve and your overall oral health.
Time
The amount of time it takes to whiten your teeth at home versus at the dentist’s office to achieve comparable results is significant. At the dentist’s office, you may spend 1-2 hours but leave with teeth 8 shades whiter, whereas at home you will have to spend 1-2 hours per day over a series of days or weeks for your teeth to become 3-6 shades whiter.
Cost
While at home kits average around $50, teeth whitening at the dental office will run closer to $300* or more. The main benefit of professional teeth whitening is that the whitening occurs much faster than the multiple kits often required to achieve and maintain whitening from at-home solutions. With at-home kits, you may also see inconsistent results depending on your teeth and oral health.
Longevity
Since in-clinic whitening can penetrate deeper below the surface of the tooth due to the concentration of the solution, your teeth will stay whiter longer compared to at-home teeth whitening methods.
If you’re interested in having your teeth whitened in our clinic or want to start whitening your teeth at home, schedule an appointment with your provider and see which method is the best for you!
The Art of Teeth Whitening
As our dentists strive to provide the best care for our patients, we primarily try to focus on the necessary restorative treatments. Patients will present with a handful of cavities, and yet they will inquire, “how can I get whiter teeth?”
The art of teeth whitening refers to the various techniques and methods used to achieve a brighter, whiter smile. It involves the process of removing stains and discoloration from the teeth, enhancing their appearance and overall aesthetics. Teeth whitening has become increasingly popular in recent years, as many people desire a more radiant smile.
There are several methods available for teeth whitening, ranging from professional dental treatments to over-the-counter products. Here are some common techniques used in the art of teeth whitening:
- Professional Teeth Whitening: This is typically performed by a dentist or dental professional. It involves applying a whitening agent directly to the teeth and activating it with a special light or laser. Professional treatments generally produce more immediate and noticeable results compared to at-home methods.
- At-Home Whitening Kits: Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits are widely available and often include whitening gels or strips that contain a lower concentration of the active whitening ingredient than professional treatments. These kits allow you to apply the whitening agent at home, following the provided instructions.
- Whitening Toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste contains abrasive particles or chemicals that help remove surface stains from the teeth. While these toothpastes can help brighten your smile to some extent, they are not as effective in removing deeper stains or significantly altering the tooth color.
- Whitening Strips: These are thin, flexible strips coated with a whitening gel that you apply to the teeth. You usually wear them for a specific period, as directed by the product instructions. Whitening strips are available over the counter and can provide noticeable results over time.
- Natural Remedies: Some people opt for natural remedies for teeth whitening, such as brushing with baking soda, oil pulling with coconut oil, or using hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness and safety of these methods may vary, and it’s advisable to consult with a dental professional before trying them.
It’s worth mentioning that the results of teeth whitening can vary depending on factors such as the initial tooth color, the cause of discoloration, and the chosen whitening method. Additionally, teeth whitening is not permanent, and the effects may fade over time, requiring touch-ups or additional treatments.
To ensure the safety and effectiveness of teeth whitening, it’s recommended to consult with a dentist or dental professional who can provide personalized guidance and determine the most suitable approach for your specific needs.
Dental whitening is one of the most commonly requested dental procedures. Patients will first inquire about which at-home treatments work best. We will always recommend that professionally administered whitening systems are the most beneficial and effective. Your dental team should create a whitening program for you. The first and most important step should involve patient education. Through this education, dentists can guide patients in having more realistic expectations from their whitening program.
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Stains
Typically, easier to remove, extrinsic stains are stains on the surface of the tooth that attaches to the biofilm and enters the enamel matrix. This stain usually builds up over time and is a product of coffee/tea consumption, smoking, or certain foods.
Intrinsic stains are not only difficult to remove but lie deeper within the surface of a tooth. These stains could be caused by fluoride exposure, medications, and/or environmental factors like genetic or systemic conditions. It is the dental team’s responsibility to obtain the patient’s history to better understand the cause of staining.