What is tooth whitening?

It is a process that lightens the color of teeth. The whitening process is most effective on mildly discolored teeth. Darker stains such as those caused by antibiotics, take longer to respond to treatment.

 

Tooth lightening is ideal for patients who have healthy , unrestored teeth (no fillings) and would like a brighter smile. Not recommended for people having sensitive teeth.
What causes tooth discoloration?

There are many causes. The most common factors are age, tobacco, coffee, or tea. Other types of stains can be caused by antibiotics, such as tetracycline; or too much fluoride.
What are most popular tooth whitening treatments available and how they work?

1. At home tooth bleaching kits

In a bleach based tooth whitener kit, you apply a tooth bleaching agent to a mouth tray then insert the tray into your mouth. Most of the trays are worn for an hour.

These products contain peroxide(s), which actually bleach the tooth enamel. These products typically rely on percent carbamide peroxide as the bleaching agent, carbamide peroxide comes in several different concentrations (10%, 16%, 22%).

Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouth guard. Usage regimens vary.

Some products are used for about twice a day for 2 weeks, and others are intended for overnight use for 1-2 weeks. We recommend this Arctic White Tooth Whitening Kit which is really effective and one of the best.

2. Tooth whitening strips

These are placed on the teeth and are usually removed after wearing for 30 minutes. These are one of the most effective and affordable treatment for the whitening of teeth.

The best whitening strips available are Crest White strips They are highly recommended! Read the customer’s reviews of Crest White strips here. They also have peroxides as their main ingredient.

3. Toothpastes

All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives. "Whitening" toothpastes have special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness.

Unlike bleaches, these products do not alter the intrinsic color of teeth. If you wish to use whitening toothpaste, we recommend Colgate simply White Advanced whitening Toothpaste which is probably the best out there.

4. Laser tooth whitening

A rubber dam is placed over your teeth to protect the gums. A bleaching solution is placed on the teeth.

A light or laser that generates a small amount of heat is directed at the teeth. Oxygen from the solution enters the enamel and bleaches the colored substances. The color of the tooth is made lighter.

It is one of the powerful treatment for tooth whitening. The process takes approximately one hour. The teeth have the solution applied throughout the course of the appointment. The results are usually seen at the first appointment.

5. Aura Ear drops for teeth whitening
Auro Ear Drops, which is found in most drug stores, uses 6 ½% carbamide peroxide and can be really effective for whitening of the teeth.

Even though the percentage of carbamide peroxide is slightly lower than the 10% concentration normally used, it is still carbamide peroxide and works great to whiten teeth.
How effective are bleaching systems?

Bleaching is effective in lightning most stains caused by age, tobacco, coffee, and tea. Based on clinical studies, 96 percent of patients with these kinds of stains experience some lightning effect.

Other types of stains, such as those produced by tetracycline use or fluorosis (too much fluoride), respond to bleaching less reliably. And one cosmetic dentist points out that bleaching systems are not fully predictable.

If you have a tooth-color filling when your teeth are bleached, the filling will stay yellow—dental restorations do not change color when tooth whitener is applied.

Are there any side effects?

Some people experience increased tooth sensitivity because of hydrogen peroxide, particularly at higher concentrations, and night guards often cause gum irritation. Patients have also experienced uncomfortable short-term side effects when having teeth bleached.

The general health risks of bleaching systems are minimal as far as your body is concerned.
The Bottom-Line: If you don't have sensitive teeth and looking forward for a brighter smile, then definitely go for a tooth whitening treatment.