Many people want to brighten their smiles with teeth whitening services. Teeth whitening products and methods are available at home and in the office. Teeth whitening services don’t work for everyone. There may be some whitening options that work better for you than others.
The kind of stain on your teeth can affect how well teeth whitening works and which method is best:
Extrinsic Stains
Stains on the surface of your teeth are called extrinsic stains. Extrinsic staining can be caused by tobacco and certain beverages.
Intrinsic Stains
Intrinsic stains occur deeper within the teeth than on the surface. Trauma or exposure to particular minerals or chemicals can cause them.
Different Types of Teeth Whitening Services
There are many different kinds of teeth-whitening products, kits, and procedures. As long as they are applied correctly and in the appropriate concentration, the chemicals that are used to whiten teeth are generally regarded as safe.
The majority of whitening products contain either carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down into urea and hydrogen peroxide. Because they penetrate tooth enamel, both substances are referred to as bleaching agents.
Phthalimido-peroxy-hexanoic acid (PAP) is another bleach. PAP may be better for sensitive teeth than peroxide, which is why some products use it instead.
1.Teeth Whitening Over-The-Counter (OTC) Methods
Include strips, toothpaste, whitening gels, mouthwashes, and toothpaste. If you only have light stains on your teeth and are on a budget, these products are ideal.
There are also natural whitening products like coconut oil, charcoal, and some toothpaste and whitening strips that don’t use much or any peroxide. By acting as mild abrasives, these items remove surface stains.
Your teeth won’t lighten as dramatically or quickly as they would with toothpaste or other products containing peroxide. However, their cost is significantly lower.
Because they remove the outer layer of enamel, abrasive whitening products have the potential to eventually result in sensitivity. Use them only once per week, and make sure you follow the directions to ensure proper application.
Cons
- Compared to other types of whitening,
- Gels can only lighten teeth by one to two shades,
- Necessitating more frequent reapplications.
Pros:
- Cost-effective;
- Easily accessible;
- Can be purchased online or in drugstores;
- Can be used in place of regular toothpaste and mouthwash;
- Less sensitivity.
2.LED Teeth Whitening Kits
Blue light from a led light teeth whitening -emitting diode (LED) and a bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide. For people whose teeth are sensitive, some kits may use PAP instead of peroxide.
A home LED whitening kit will include the following:
- Serum or gel containing the bleaching agent
- Tray or mouthpiece containing LEDs, which you will place after applying the gel.
The light from the LED accelerates the chemical reaction of the whitening agent, penetrating the enamel to remove stains that are deeper in the shade.
LED teeth whitening kits can also save you a lot of money when compared to in-office whitening, according to several studies. These at-home kits can provide comparable or even identical results to professional in-office whitening treatments, even though they may take longer to complete.3, 4, 5 However, they cost more than store-bought whitening strips or toothpaste.
Pros
- The majority of kits cost less than $200.
- Ingredients that are safe for enamel.
- Treatment time is short.
Cons
- Take longer than in-office treatments
- Because many require a fixed power source, requiring you to remain in one location during treatment.
3. Professional (in office) Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can also be done professionally (in the dentist’s office) as an in-office procedure. The cost of a professional teeth whitening treatment will be higher, but the results will be more dramatic and immediate.
The dentist near me will check your mouth to see if there are any problems that could make the whitening process less effective. They will also check for any allergies or sensitivities you might have.
A higher concentration of carbamide peroxide may be utilized for this kind of treatment. Before adding the bleach, your dentist may apply a protective layer to your gums.
Blue light from LEDs or a laser may also be used in an in-office whitening treatment. However, there is evidence to suggest that bleaching may not be improved by using high-intensity light.
Cons
- Costs between $500 and $1,000 per treatment
- Can result in temporary sensitivity
Pros
- Contain higher concentrations of the bleaching agent
- Dentists provide gum shields to protect the gums
- Brightens teeth more than any other treatment
- Only needs to be repeated every six to twelve months
4. Tray-Based Whitening Devices
A tray is used in some whitening devices, which are left in your mouth for a few hours each day or overnight. These trays contain a bleaching agent like carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, like at-home LED whitening systems.
Your led light teeth whitening may be one to two shades lighter in just a few days if you follow the instructions for a tray-based system8. These systems can be purchased at pharmacies, grocery stores, or online. With a prescription, you can purchase stronger whitening trays from your dentist.
Cons
- Take longer and
- May cause sensitivity non-custom
- Trays can lead to uneven whitening.
Pros
- Professional dental advice and instruction
- Whiten teeth at your own pace
- zoom teeth whitening at your own pace
- Less expensive than completely in-office whitening treatments
5.Teeth Whitening Pens
Teeth whitening pens are tubes made of plastic that have brush tips on them. A gel-like bleaching agent is dispensed by them. The pen’s shape and size make it easier to get into hard-to-reach places on teeth.
To get the most out of the gel, you might need to leave it on your teeth for a certain amount of time. A gel that dries in less than a minute is dispensed by some pens, making it simple to leave on.
Whitening pens can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC), just like toothpaste, mouthwash, and other whitening products. Follow the pen’s instructions exactly.
Cons
- Can take longer for results to show
- Gel may need some time to stay on the teeth before rinsing
Pros
- Can easily access hard-to-reach
- areas of the mouth
- Easy to bring around and use daily
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
The way you whiten your teeth and how well you keep your mouth, in general, will both affect how long it lasts.
LED and tray-based treatments, especially those applied by professionals, typically produce the longest-lasting results. In contrast, whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes require consistent use multiple times per week to achieve the same results as a single in-office teeth whitening session.
In between are numerous over-the-counter whitening pens, LED systems, and whitening trays zoom teeth whitening. To maintain their benefits, you may need to use them more than once per month.
Additionally, oral hygiene and dietary habits play a significant role. If you consume a lot of foods and drinks that cause stains, such as red wine, coffee, tea, leafy green vegetables, and certain fruits like blueberries, dark chocolate, and soda, the effects of whitening treatment may not last as long. Inadequate or inconsistent brushing and flossing can also cause plaque and debris to build up on your teeth. This reduces the benefits of whitening treatment over time.
For the best and longest-lasting results from teeth whitening, follow these steps:
- Follow the directions for your dentist or whitening product.
- Brush, floss, and rinse your teeth every day.
- Be aware of foods and drinks that stain teeth. Don’t smoke or drink too much.
