Teeth Whitening Basics
It can be hard making sense of the many teeth whitening options out there. Fortunately, we can help with that. Below you will find out how teeth whitening works, a short summary of the popular methods, and links to more information on each one.
How It Works
Teeth whitening methods most often use a form of peroxide to bleach the teeth and remove stains and discoloration. As the peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and bleaches the colored substances. This lightens the natural color of the teeth without removing any of the tooth surface.
Teeth whitening can be performed by a dentist office, or in the comfort of your own home. Let's take a closer look at the methods below…
Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes work by using mildly abrasive chemicals to remove surface stains. They do not contain bleach. Although some of them have polishing agents that make teeth cleaner and therefore looking whiter. Be sure to check for the American Dental Association seal of approval.
Toothpastes may help, but they will not whiten your teeth nearly as much as other whitening methods.
More information about whitening toothpastes.
Whitening Strips
Bleaching/Whitening strips were made to replace mouth guards and a bleaching solution. They are much more comfortable than a mouth tray because they are basically a sticky tape that you apply by placing the strips on your front teeth. Whitening strips are typically worn twice a day for a half an hour each time.
Teeth whitening strips are available over-the-counter and through your dentist. The strips that you can obtain from a dentist office contain a stronger concentration of peroxide.
More information about teeth whitening strips.
Brush on Whitening
Brush on whitening gels are peroxide based gels that are applied with a small brush onto the front teeth.
More information about brush on whitening gel.
Teeth Whitening Gel Kits
Teeth whitening gel kits can be purchased over the counter. This method is very similar to Dental Supervision Gel Treatment, the difference being that you get to do everything at home.
This method works by putting concentrated peroxide gel in a mouth tray and leaving it on for a specified period of time. Look for a kit with a tray that will form to your teeth or you may have some inconsistent results. This method of whitening is very affordable and efficient.
More information about teeth whitening gel kits.
Dental Office Whitening
Dental office teeth whitening usually involves gel being directly applied to the teeth and accelerated with heat, a special light, laser or a combination of the three. Dental treatments will typically last 30 to 60 minutes. Sometimes more than one appointment is required.
A dentist office bleaching typically produces the quickest results. So if you have an upcoming event that you need your teeth whitened for, the dentist is probably your best bet. Expect to pay a nice chunk of money for it though.
More information about dental office whitening.
Dental Supervision Gel Treatment
One of the most popular methods of teeth whitening, dental supervision gel treatments gives you a little break in the cost department but you still get the guidance of a professional. You will get a tooth tray that is custom-made for you which helps to get every area of your teeth as white as possible.
The gel used is carbamide peroxide. It works much more efficiently than the hydrogen peroxide which found in cheaper methods. The custom tray will also come in handy later on when you need to touch up your teeth. Dental supervision gel treatment is very similar to using a teeth whitening gel kit.
