Latest Dental News: Why is it safer and important to have your teeth whitened by a dentist instead of hairdresser?
You’ve seen the ads on TV and the internet for tooth-whitening products that promise a brighter, more beautiful smile. But just how effective are tooth whitening products?
How tooth whitening products work:
Tooth whiteners are products that make teeth appear whiter. There are two general classes of tooth whitening products:
You’ve seen the ads on TV and the internet for tooth-whitening products that promise a brighter, more beautiful smile. But just how effective are tooth whitening products?
How tooth whitening products work:
Tooth whiteners are products that make teeth appear whiter. There are two general classes of tooth whitening products:
- Bleaching products containing chemicals like peroxides that can remove both surface and deep stains and can change a tooth’s natural color.
- Non-bleaching products don’t contain bleach but do contain ingredients that act physically or chemically to remove stains on the surface of teeth.
Carbamide peroxide-containing whiteners:
Tooth-whitening products approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) include those with 10 percent carbamide peroxide. In water, this chemical breaks down to product hydrogen peroxide and urea. It’s the hydrogen peroxide that will bleach your teeth. Products with 10 percent carbamide peroxide may also include other ingredients like glycerin and flavoring agents. Clinical studies indicate that at a neutral pH, products containing 10 percent carbamide peroxide are safe and effective. Some side effects of these products include:
Tooth-whitening products approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) include those with 10 percent carbamide peroxide. In water, this chemical breaks down to product hydrogen peroxide and urea. It’s the hydrogen peroxide that will bleach your teeth. Products with 10 percent carbamide peroxide may also include other ingredients like glycerin and flavoring agents. Clinical studies indicate that at a neutral pH, products containing 10 percent carbamide peroxide are safe and effective. Some side effects of these products include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Occasional irritation of the inside cheeks and gums
Hydrogen peroxide-containing whiteners:
Some tooth whitening products are gels containing 15-35 percent hydrogen peroxide. The tooth whitening effects of these products can be enhanced using a light or laser system to obtain more immediate results. The gum tissues should be protected with a neutral gel or shield prior to using these products.
Side effects can include:
Some tooth whitening products are gels containing 15-35 percent hydrogen peroxide. The tooth whitening effects of these products can be enhanced using a light or laser system to obtain more immediate results. The gum tissues should be protected with a neutral gel or shield prior to using these products.
Side effects can include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Occasional irritation of the inside of the mouth and gums
- Tooth damage (rarely)
Tray-based bleaching systems versus gels:
Peroxide-containing products are available as tray-based systems or as gels that can be applied using a brush or painted on. In tray-based systems, the tooth whitening gel is placed in a tray that fits over your teeth. While you wear the tray (for example, overnight), your teeth are bleached. Over-the-counter products provide one-sized-fits all trays that can cause non-uniform bleaching and possible irritation. A dentist can provide you with a custom-fitted tray for better results.
Over-the-counter paints and gels also can be applied non-uniformly (particularly when brushed or painted on). There may be more potential for irritation of the gums and inside of the mouth with these products, since over-the-counter tooth whitening products don’t tend to come with shields to protect these sensitive areas.
Whitening strips:
Whitening strips typically contain a thin coating of a peroxide gel. Whitening strips are usually applied for 30 minutes twice a day for about two weeks. Although they can produce visible whitening in a few days, strips whiten the surface of teeth and not the enamel between teeth, which can result in uneven whitening.
Whitening toothpastes:
Whitening toothpastes are not bleaching products. Those that bear the ADA Seal of Acceptance remove surface stains by polishing or by using chemicals to bind to the chemicals that cause staining. Whitening toothpastes don’t tend to be as effective as peroxide-containing products, but can be used as maintenance products after a bleaching procedure.
In-office treatment versus over-the-counter tooth whitening
Tooth whitening can be performed in-office by a cosmetic dentist or can be performed at home with an over-the-counter tooth whitening product.
There are advantages to professional treatment, including:
Peroxide-containing products are available as tray-based systems or as gels that can be applied using a brush or painted on. In tray-based systems, the tooth whitening gel is placed in a tray that fits over your teeth. While you wear the tray (for example, overnight), your teeth are bleached. Over-the-counter products provide one-sized-fits all trays that can cause non-uniform bleaching and possible irritation. A dentist can provide you with a custom-fitted tray for better results.
Over-the-counter paints and gels also can be applied non-uniformly (particularly when brushed or painted on). There may be more potential for irritation of the gums and inside of the mouth with these products, since over-the-counter tooth whitening products don’t tend to come with shields to protect these sensitive areas.
Whitening strips:
Whitening strips typically contain a thin coating of a peroxide gel. Whitening strips are usually applied for 30 minutes twice a day for about two weeks. Although they can produce visible whitening in a few days, strips whiten the surface of teeth and not the enamel between teeth, which can result in uneven whitening.
Whitening toothpastes:
Whitening toothpastes are not bleaching products. Those that bear the ADA Seal of Acceptance remove surface stains by polishing or by using chemicals to bind to the chemicals that cause staining. Whitening toothpastes don’t tend to be as effective as peroxide-containing products, but can be used as maintenance products after a bleaching procedure.
In-office treatment versus over-the-counter tooth whitening
Tooth whitening can be performed in-office by a cosmetic dentist or can be performed at home with an over-the-counter tooth whitening product.
There are advantages to professional treatment, including:
- More immediate results: A cosmetic dentist has access and the skill to use more concentrated bleaching products.
- Greater safety: A cosmetic dentist will be aware of your dental history and will take steps to protect your gums during the tooth whitening process.
- More uniform results: A cosmetic dentist will have the experience to apply a tooth whitening product uniformly for the best results.
Even if you choose an over-the-counter product, a cosmetic dentist will be able to tell you which product is right for you and advise you as to the safest procedures. If you are using a tray-based whitening system, a cosmetic dentist can provide you with a customized bleaching tray so that you can obtain more uniform whitening results.
Source: How Effective Are Tooth Whitening Products?
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Source: How Effective Are Tooth Whitening Products?
Previous Posts:
No Dental Fear For Anxious Patients & Nervous Patients: Sedation Dentistry
Dental Crowns & Materials Used For Crowns
Dentists Dublin: Cosmetic Dentist in Ireland, Portobello
Reasons & Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Dental Implants & Bone Grafting
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