Teeth whitening is becoming so popular nowadays as we become more esthetic-centered as a society. For example, the increasing pressures of having a well-built social media presence demand more personal pictures and selfies, which call for a beautiful smile. For many, that means yellow teeth are a no-no. Though teeth whitening is generally safe, it is important to go over the science behind the way it works, so you can determine which way is best and safest for your teeth.
What causes teeth staining?
When we eat colored drinks and food such as red wine, coffee, tea, or blackberries, the stains from the color of the food or drink linger on top of our enamel. These are called extrinsic stains. If we do not remove the extrinsic stains using a toothbrush, the stains travel down through the enamel into the inner layer of teeth called the dentin. The dentin is the yellow part of the teeth, and its discoloration is amplified as it receives more stains from the external surface. These become intrinsic stains. Thus, to avoid permanent teeth stains, it is very important to brush your teeth within 3-4 hours of drinking anything dark such as coffee, tea or red wine.
How does teeth whitening work?
Teeth whitening uses peroxide as a bleaching agent. Peroxide can penetrate the inner layers of the teeth, removing discoloration. The difference in over-the-counter and in-office whitening kits lies in the concentration of the peroxide. The higher concentration of peroxide the whitening gel contains, the stronger it is.
Over-the-counter whitening kits can have peroxide component as high as 3%, while dental office whitening kits can have hydrogen peroxide concentrations as high as 40% and thus need professional supervision during application.
The concentration of peroxide also inversely correlates with the amount of time necessary to whiten teeth. The higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide used, the less time it takes to achieve whiter results. Those who prefer immediately whiter teeth should opt for in-office whitening treatment because a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide is used, and whiter teeth can be achieved in as little as 45 minutes to an hour.
Those with hypersensitive teeth should opt for lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide because it does not cause as much sensitivity. However, it will take more time to achieve the same whitening results. For example, an over-the-counter whitening mouthwash will contain 1.5% hydrogen peroxide, but it may take up to 4 weeks to achieve a whiter smile.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is generally stronger; thus, it should be done under the supervision of a dental professional. It has immediate results, which is perfect for those with time restrictions, such as those going to a weekend wedding or reunion. Since it has a stronger concentration of hydrogen peroxide, people may experience sensitivity during and after treatment. Thus, in-office teeth whitening is not recommended for those with hypersensitive teeth.
KOR Whitening
If you are looking for the most effective and most long-lasting whitening product, KOR Whitening is your brand. Though it is also the most expensive, it can whiten the most discolored and stained teeth. KOR Whitening is a month-long process and has 3 steps that involve both at-home and in-house whitening.
Step 1: 14 days of at-home whitening with your custom-made whitening trays
Step 2: 1-hour appointment for in-office whitening
Step 3: Continue at-home whitening for 14 more days or as needed/maintenance basis.
Philips Zoom!
Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed promises their consumers immediate results in as little as 45 minutes. The in-office appointment involves placing a higher concentration hydrogen peroxide on your teeth under UV light in 20-minute sessions that is repeated up to three times.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
At-home teeth whitening is exactly as it says. Using custom whitening trays, you place the gel on the outer surface of your teeth and place the trays on top of it for as little as 30 minutes or as long as overnight. At-home teeth whitening kits are great for those wanting to maintain a whiter smile and to avoid general staining from coffee, tea, or red wine.
Philips Zoom DayWhite: the DayWhite whitening kits use hydrogen peroxide as their main bleaching agent. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down faster and therefore works faster, so it can be used for as little as 30 minutes. It’s ideal for those who don’t like wearing trays overnight because it’s fast and easy.
Philips Zoom NiteWhite: the NiteWhite whitening kits use carbamide peroxide as their main bleaching agent. Carbamide peroxide breaks down much slower than hydrogen peroxide, so it releases its whitening compounds in the first two hours and can remain active for up to 6 hours. It must be worn for at least two to four hours to achieve maximum effectiveness. It’s ideal for those who prefer to whiten their teeth overnight.
FAQs:
How do I avoid coffee stains on my teeth?
Overall, to avoid stained and discolored teeth, you must brush your teeth within 3-4 hours after exposing your teeth to dark-colored drinks. By removing the stain while it’s still on the superficial layer of your enamel (extrinsic stain), you prevent the stain from penetrating the inner layers of your teeth into the dentin and becoming an intrinsic stain, which is much harder to remove.
How do I avoid sensitivity during and after teeth whitening?
A little trick I use is applying Sensodyne toothpaste before and after. Sensodyne uses potassium nitrate to block the tubules on your teeth, which cause sensitivity. Here is the step by step process:
- Before applying any whitening solution, dry your teeth with a paper towel and place Sensodyne paste on top of your teeth. Place your custom trays on top of your teeth and leave it on for at least 5-10 minutes.
- Proceed with your whitening protocol.
- After finishing with your whitening, apply Sensodyne again on your teeth, and cover it with the trays. Leave it on for another 10 minutes.
- Rinse.
Which whitening should I use if I have sensitive teeth?
Generally, I recommend using a lower concentration of peroxide if you have sensitive teeth. For example, I would opt for a 10% Carbamide Peroxide, wear it for 2-4 hours at most, and use Sensodyne before and after as a desensitizer.
For more information about teeth whitening, visit my website at BMEDental.com!