1. Introduction
There are notable benefits to using the services provided by dentists over those obtained from using teeth whitening kits. Firstly, dentist-supervised methods are a lot more effective than kits you use at home. They will benefit from using higher concentrations of peroxides and using alternative light sources to accelerate the whitening process. Often it is the case that the better the result you desire, the higher the costs it will take to achieve the desired outcome (Dental Guide Australia). The cost of teeth whitening performed by a dentist can vary, but usually they consist of being fairly high.
The procedures of teeth whitening provided by dentists are significantly more efficient and safer than they were in the past. The primary substance used in tooth whitening is hydrogen peroxide. This substance contains bleaching properties that are able to whiten teeth. The strength and concentration of the hydrogen peroxide used varies and is often used in correlation with a light or laser to accelerate the whitening process. Teeth whitening performed in a dentist clinic is highly effective and the least time-consuming method of enhancing the appearance of your teeth. Examples of common methods include Zoom, Britesmile, and Laser whitening. These methods can whiten teeth up to 8 shades lighter; however, this varies depending on each individual.
1.1 Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Improved oral health. A healthy smile is a product of good oral hygiene. Regular checkups at the dentist will help the vitality of your teeth. It is well known that a vast majority of dentists will recommend a cleaning every 6 months. It is during these checkups and cleanings that people will be informed of issues such as cavities or unhealthy gums. Discolored teeth usually have many unhealthy areas, and by addressing tooth color, one can also be addressing other problems. So it’s not just for looks. By whitening your smile, the confidence you feel will also promote an even healthier mental state.
Improved appearance and self-esteem. As we get older, our teeth get stained and discolored. This is a natural process caused by aging. While this is unavoidable, it is not something everyone wants to deal with. When we take care of our teeth regularly, such as going to the dentist for checkups, we are more likely to extend the vitality of our teeth. Tooth whitening is a great way to increase the quality of your teeth and also build self-esteem both socially and in the workplace.
1.2 Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Some people were born with tooth discoloration. This can be caused by a condition called dentinogenetic imperfecta, which is a rare genetic disorder that can cause amber, blue, grey, or purple discolorations. Then there is enamel hypoplasia, which is a defect that occurs when the enamel does not form properly. This can be caused by a high fever due to illness, certain medications, or poor nutrition during the time the teeth are forming. Another defect is fluorosis, which is a discoloration of the enamel caused by excessive exposure to fluoride. This can happen to children while their adult teeth are forming from ages 1-4 due to swallowing a marked amount of toothpaste, but a child cannot get fluorosis after the teeth are formed. A person who loves sports may have experienced a tooth trauma, which can cause a tooth to turn a variety of colors from pink to black. And sometimes a mother may take tetracycline antibiotics while with child or when the child is 8 years or younger. The result can be a serious and permanent discoloration of the child’s teeth. All of these defects can normally be fixed with a take-home tray or in-office whitening treatment.
When it comes to our teeth, most of us would like a sparkling white smile. But with all the coffee, tea, cola, red wine, and tobacco people consume, and with the natural effects of aging, teeth often become stained and discolored over time. There are various ways to brighten your smile, but what are the causes of tooth discoloration?
2. Professional Teeth Whitening Options
Opting for professional teeth whitening usually takes place in a dental office. The dentist will clean the teeth and remove any cavities or gingivitis before the tooth whitening process begins. He may even advise you to not go through with the treatment if he feels that there will be unfavorable results. A common form of professional teeth whitening is known as laser whitening or zoom whitening. Laser teeth whitening is when a concentrated light source, such as a laser, is applied to the teeth in order to expedite and enhance the tooth whitening process. Differing from other professional teeth whitening methods, an acid gel will be placed on the teeth prior to the laser treatment. The price of professional teeth whitening is relatively high, but the results almost always justify the cost.
For heavily stained or discolored teeth, professional teeth whitening options are the most effective and safe means of achieving a whiter and brighter smile. The procedure is relatively simple and can be completed in a relatively short period of time. The convenience alone of professional teeth whitening treatment makes it one of the most popular cosmetic dental options available. Depending on the method of treatment, you can generally see noticeable results in as little as one office visit.
2.1 In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is the most effective way to whiten teeth. The best place to have teeth whitening performed is at a cosmetic dentistry practice. Teeth whitening can be done at home, which is an available procedure, and provides quicker results. The most common type of teeth whitening involves having a gel-like solution applied to the teeth. The solution, typically hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, is applied to the teeth in custom-fitted mouth trays. This solution breaks down and allows oxygen to enter the tooth enamel, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth remains unchanged. This is a simple and painless procedure that can be done in the convenience of your own home. It is a cheaper alternative to in-office teeth whitening. Discuss which option is best for you with your dental professional before making any purchasing decisions.
2.2 Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
These are kits purchased from the dentist which allow you to whiten your teeth at your convenience in a safe and effective way. The take-home kit consists of a custom-made tray which is made in the dental office to fit your teeth. This will make the whitening process more comfortable and the better the fit, the more the tray will be in contact with the teeth, hence better results. At your next appointment, the dentist will issue the tray along with the whitening gel. The gel is usually placed in the tray and inserted over the teeth. Length of wear will depend on the strength of the gel and the desired result. An overnight application usually takes between one and two weeks. This is the most cost effective method of whitening for those with minimal sensitivity. During the move to phase down hydrogen peroxide in the EU, the European Council stated that only a dentist can prescribe the use of hydrogen peroxide, over 0.1% and up to 6%. This law came into effect in May 2011. This means that in order to use effective and stronger teeth whitening agents, the patient must consult a dental professional. This is a benefit as far as controlling the safety and use of such treatments. Take home kits are intended to be less invasive as they are used over a longer period of time compared to in-office whitening where the effects are seen much quicker and can fade fast.
2.3 Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening is a process that is put into effect in the office. The process takes not very much time in order to achieve tremendous results. Using a hydrogen peroxide-based gel and a low heat laser, the stains in the enamel and dentin are broken up. This is a process that has been around for only about 10 years but has become very popular due to the fact that it only takes an hour or so to do. It is very effective, and there are usually immediate results. The procedure involves the placement of a rubber dam in the mouth to protect the oral soft tissues from the laser. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a laser light is employed to activate the crystals to absorb the energy from the light and penetrate the teeth enamel to increase the lightening effect on the teeth. The duration of this procedure is usually about an hour, and results can be seen in just one session. This type of process is often used in vital and non-vital teeth, improved results in vital teeth, and up to 6-8 shades lighter can be expected. In a world that puts more of an emphasis on looks, having teeth that are whiter will give the perception of a person who is younger and a lot more attractive. Sipping through a straw can help prolong the whiteness of teeth, as it will provide a barrier between the teeth and a drink. Depending on genetics, whitening results can last anywhere between 6 months to 2 years. Usually, a touch-up is recommended for best results.
3. Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products
There are many brands of whitening mouthwash that claim to whiten your teeth with the added benefit of providing fresher breath. Like regular mouthwash, it freshens breath, improves oral health, and prevents tooth decay, gum disease, and the best of brands can slow or even prevent staining. The cost of this method is usually relatively low.
Whitening strips are very thin, virtually invisible strips that are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. They are usually applied twice a day for 30 minutes for 14 days. Initial results are seen in a few days and final results are sustained for about 4 months. This is a very cost-effective and quite efficient method of brightening your smile.
These products are perhaps the most likely and the first from which a vast majority of people will try to whiten their teeth. Toothpastes that are designed to whiten your teeth work by including special silica particles which gently polish the enamel. These are an inexpensive and convenient option. However, some people may experience increased tooth sensitivity when using whitening toothpaste.
3.1 Whitening Toothpaste
Peroxide is a known bleaching agent and is the key constituent for the best teeth whitening products. Carbamide peroxide is the actual bleaching agent and is only used in quality products to ensure excellent results. There is little carbamide peroxide in toothpaste and the product is in the mouth for a short amount of time, so the overall potency of the peroxide is very low. A better, faster, and more effective, but higher cost method would be to use a mouthguard with a whitening gel.
One widely used whitening toothpaste, that some claim to be effective, is a brand called ‘BriteSmile’. This toothpaste has a small amount of peroxide which is a bleaching agent mixed with a small abrasive which polishes the teeth. Although this toothpaste is priced at around £4 and £8, it is not clinically proven and is not a reliable method of teeth whitening. Another known toothpaste is ‘Macleans White and Shine’ which also has mild abrasives to remove stains. This is a much cheaper option at around £1 to £3, but effectiveness is still poor.
Whitening toothpaste is the simplest form of tooth whitening. It is the act of brushing teeth with a specially made toothpaste, which can be compared to normal toothpaste, but with some added mild abrasives to ‘scrub’ the teeth. Brushing with these toothpastes is minimally effective and requires a lot of time before results are noticeable.
3.2 Whitening Strips
The outer layer of our teeth is comprised of enamel, while the natural color of our teeth lies within the dentin under the enamel. It is common to see discoloration occur on the enamel and teeth stains, which usually will be based on the severity of the discoloration. Whitening strips are effective at removing discoloration on the enamel. But compared to other methods and depending on the severity of the stains, it may not clean deep enough to remove all stains. The effectiveness of whitening strips can also greatly depend on the brand and type of strip and can vary greatly from person to person.
Whitening strips, similar to those used to adhere to teeth, usually contain hydrogen peroxide and have become very popular among home remedy enthusiasts. The plastic strips are placed over your teeth and left for a period of time. Teeth whitening strips clean the outside of your teeth and can be very effective in conjunction with the use of newer LED whitening systems. But on their own, the use of teeth whitening strips can take a very long time to see results.
3.3 Whitening Mouthwash
There come quite a few benefits of using a whitening mouthwash. The first and most obvious benefit is fresh breath and improved oral hygiene. Most people that use whitening methods for their teeth sacrifice oral hygiene for a brighter smile, but with mouthwash, you can have both. A bright smile usually will not last too long if the teeth are not being taken care of, so it won’t just benefit your looks. Mouthwashes also cost less than the other methods, you can buy a bottle of standard mouthwash and it will last you about a month, whereas a month’s worth of whitening strips and similar products may cost up to triple the price. The chemicals in mouthwash also work to help fight against gum diseases and tooth decay.
The whitening mouthwashes are usually cheaper than the other teeth whitening products. A mouthwash is very easy to use, just rinse the liquid around in your mouth for 60 seconds twice a day before brushing your teeth for optimal results. Most brands claim that it takes about 12 weeks to show results. The active ingredients in whitening mouthwash are usually peroxide and/or other chemicals that whiten and also help to prevent surface stains from building. This is a low cost and low effort method of whitening your teeth, so if you are a lazy person or just don’t have time to think about whitening teeth, then this is the method for you.
4. Natural Teeth Whitening Remedies
Lemon juice is well known for its cleaning ability. In a small bowl, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and one tablespoon of water. In a thin layer near the rind of the lemon. Then add a pinch of salt and rub the lemon peel against your teeth. Repeat the procedure once a week, as the lemon juice could potentially erode tooth enamel. Remember to wash your mouth thoroughly after using this method.
Coconut oil is a popular fad as of late, but people have been using it for hundreds of years as a teeth whitener. Simply put a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it between your teeth for five to 20 minutes, or add a few drops to your toothbrush and brush it on. Another option is to apply coconut oil to a corner of a clean washcloth and rub it on the teeth. A bonus regarding coconut pulling? Coconut oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Baking soda has natural whitening properties, which is why it’s a popular ingredient in commercial toothpaste. It’s a mild abrasive that can help scrub away surface stains on teeth. Additionally, baking soda creates an alkaline environment in your mouth, which prevents bacteria from growing. This is not a remedy that will whiten your teeth overnight, but over time your teeth should appear whiter. The ADA also states that it’s not a good idea to use a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide as a toothpaste. To prevent enamel damage, you should stick to using this remedy once or twice a week.
4.1 Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Paste
So, how does it work? Baking soda is actually a chemical compound that is a crystalline solid. It is a salt composed of sodium ions and bicarbonate ions. Although the use of baking soda is often a hit or miss method due to its gritty nature and poor taste, it does have proven whitening capabilities. The paste works as a mild abrasive to remove surface stains. Heated by the warmth of the body, the baking soda breaks down into free radicals, which have been shown to have a whitening effect on teeth. Walk down the dental care aisle and you will see many types of toothpaste, some that have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal and some that do not. The ADA seal is important to consider when choosing a toothpaste. The ADA suggests that toothpastes containing baking soda have an increased ability to remove plaque and tartar from teeth. This is not to say that toothpastes not containing baking soda are ineffective, but this shows that baking soda has been a proven ingredient with regards to cleaning. Flossing might not be the best comparison, since most people hate to floss and do it irregularly, but it is the same way that people seem to hate the grittiness of the baking soda but get used to it and do not see it as a major deterrent from chewing feel cleaner.
When you think of teeth whitening, you may not think of your pantry as a source of inspiration. I mean, I can’t say I blame you. Why would you look to your kitchen when there are so many commercially available teeth whitening treatments? Treatments that cost less than whitening at the dentist, right? For the very same reason, people at all income levels are investing more and more time and money improving the quality of their smiles. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste (commonly used as a homemade cleaning agent) are considered one of the more popular at-home teeth whitening remedies. These two ingredients are marketed in several different commercially available toothpastes. Proponents of this method claim that the paste is a cost-effective way to achieve the same results one would get by professional whitening.
4.2 Coconut Oil Pulling
This article on oil pulling by the Indian Journal of Dental Research explains the process and the results of various studies. They concluded that it is a safe and natural way to maintain oral hygiene.
I find coconut oil far more enjoyable to swish than sesame or sunflower oil. It may seem like a big spoonful, but it will melt as soon as you put it in your mouth.
The recommended way to do this is to put a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it between your teeth for five to twenty minutes. Anymore than that and you risk re-absorbing the toxins you are trying to remove. Also, be sure not to swallow the oil as it is loaded with the toxins you are trying to remove. Then just spit out the oil and brush your teeth. It is suggested that this is done first thing in the morning before eating. You can also do it right before bed if you find it easier this way.
Oil pulling is an ancient Indian folk remedy for oral health and detoxification. It involves swishing oil around in your mouth and is believed to help pull out toxins from your body. It is very effective because of the way the oil is able to cut through plaque and remove toxins in the process. This is a cheap method that can improve oral health and has shown some amazing improvements in teeth.
4.3 Lemon Juice and Salt Scrub
Lemons are a fruit and the juice, particularly, is highly acidic. The general consensus is that the usage of acidic fruits as a tooth whitening agent has potentially damaging consequences, due to the ongoing and continuous research regarding erosion of tooth enamel. A study published in the British Dental Journal has stated with regard to the erosive potential of certain foods, drinks and fruit juices, that it was the prolonged exposure that caused damage. The study, however, was based on the consumption of said liquids; it is common knowledge that the frequent application of lemon to teeth would expedite the bleaching process, so the extent of potential damage is inconclusive. Brushing teeth with a salt scrub made from lemon juice, a tablespoon of pure water and a teaspoon of salt is mildly effective. The salt acts as a preservative, and possibly a material to assist in manual removal of stains, and the lemon juice is a bleaching agent. This method is not recommended for prolonged use.
Lemon juice and salt may offer physical exfoliation, however, the effect would be similar to using a very abrasive whitening toothpaste. Using a solution of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda has long been used as an effective at-home teeth whitening method. When combined, the two form a compound called percarbamide, a potentially harmful bleaching agent.
5. Maintaining and Enhancing Teeth Whitening Results
The effects of any teeth whitening on your smile are not meant to be permanent, and you will likely find within a year that a touch-up is necessary. This is because the whitening process works by having hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent, seep into your teeth and clean them of stains. Most products are only effective in removing yellowing that results from age or stain from tobacco, tea or coffee. Deep stains from antibiotics or discoloration from damaged nerves or a tooth injury may not improve that much. The in-office whitening is the most effective means to whiten your teeth, although it may not be a viable option for everyone. With different trays and gels at varying strengths, some people might find that their teeth become sensitive. This is only a temporary side effect, and will go away after a few days. In extreme cases, it is possible to switch treatment, though this is only necessary under rare circumstances. The primary downside of the at-home whitening comes from misuse of the products, perhaps by leaving the trays in overnight and waking up to find sensitive teeth and irritated gums. As long as you follow your dentist’s directions, this method should be relatively risk free.
5.1 Proper Oral Hygiene Practices
The final step to maintaining good oral hygiene is making dietary changes to avoid the substances that lead to stains and discoloration on the teeth. Good brushing and flossing are imperative but are not a cure for poor dietary habits. By understanding what foods and drinks contribute to the problem of discoloration, better choices can be made to keep a brighter, healthier smile. Understanding which foods and beverages have the potential to stain can help prevent the yellowing of teeth. Although it is most commonly known that coffee is harmful to tooth color, tea and cola can also lead to staining. Wine, both red and white, is also attributed to causing discoloration. Cranberry juice and certain sports drinks can be a problem as well. It need not be said that smoking is a contributor to discoloration, and its effect on general health and oral health is reason enough to quit.
Finally, rinsing daily with water or a mouth rinse to help prevent stains caused by beverages is highly recommended. Although it is difficult to prove that one particular mouth rinse is most effective, chlorhexidine gluconate has been associated with less tooth staining (ADA council on scientific affairs, 2008). But be sure to ask your dentist for the best recommendation.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential to keeping teeth looking their best. This means developing everyday habits that will assist in preventing the build-up of stain-causing food and beverages. Adopting appropriate brushing techniques and using the right toothbrush is the initial step to good oral hygiene. A toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles is gentler to teeth and gums, and an electric toothbrush with a head that rotates is more effective in removing stains and is less damaging to tooth enamel. An effective brushing technique should clean the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and chewing surfaces of the teeth. It is also beneficial to brush the tongue, as it removes bacteria and food that reside there. Flossing is another integral part of oral hygiene. It removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line, areas where a toothbrush is unable to reach. This is important as plaque not removed by brushing and flossing will harden into calculus or tartar. This can only be removed by a professional cleaning and is harmful to the health of gums.
5.2 Limiting Staining Foods and Beverages
Tobacco products, including cigarettes and chew, can stain your teeth. One way to prevent these stains from occurring is to try to avoid these products. Of course, not only do these products stain your teeth, they also contribute to a large number of other health risks including various cancers and gum disease. It is ideal to cut these products out of your life entirely. Wine and cola, even light or white colored, can also cause stains. In addition to potentially staining your teeth, cola is very acidic and can also cause your teeth to be more susceptible to staining from other foods and beverages as well as causing other forms of damage. A good rule of thumb is that if a food or beverage can stain clothing, it can also stain your teeth. If you do decide to consume any of these items, it is best to drink and rinse with water while eating and afterwards to minimize their effects. By no means should you stop consuming essentials such as tea and coffee, but for those who very much seek to keep their teeth as white as possible, the consumption of these beverages can cause staining over time. Rinsing with water while drinking coffee or tea can help reduce the potential for staining. In all cases, it is ideal to consume less of these items and more spaced apart to reduce overall teeth staining.
5.3 Regular Dental Check-ups and Cleanings
Regular professional cleaning is an important component in maintaining a healthy smile. Stains that have accumulated on the teeth’s outer layer, called the enamel, often will be removed during a cleaning. Tooth polishing will also remove any remaining stains and plaque that is not removed during tooth brushing and scaling. A strong correlation exists between the frequency of professional cleaning and the absence of extrinsic staining. In other words, people who have their teeth cleaned regularly have a better chance of avoiding stained teeth. The whitening process is effective on most discoloured teeth. Darker stains such as those caused by antibiotics are more difficult to whiten. The degree of whiteness will vary from patient to patient depending on the structure of the tooth so if you are dissatisfied with the results, discuss your options with your dentist.
6. Conclusion
In the case of safety, professionals believe their treatments are very harmless. Twenlow asserts that dental bleaching is very safe. Used as directed, most teeth bleaching products are harmless. In a worst-case scenario, teeth may become temporarily sensitive, Twenlow says. The safety of bleaching depends on the honesty of the patient. Before performing a bleaching, or when deciding whether or not to do it, it’s important that a patient has discussed with their dentist the reason for discoloration. This may affect the whiteness of the teeth. In this case, the dentist will advise if bleaching is appropriate. Highler, Dental Hygienist for Dr. Lawrence Addleson, DDS, says that the most common whitening procedure, the application of 10% carbamide peroxide in a custom-made tray worn by the patient at home, is very safe on tooth enamel. She says that the only side effects are occasional light sensitivity of the gums and about a 5% chance of relapse, where the patient will have to touch up the treatment usually for a day or two. In this study, Power SW found that participants that used over-the-counter kits experienced a significant reduced Fluorapatite to Hydroxyapatite index, which is a measure of enamel demineralization.
The search for the right type of teeth whitening can be daunting. With so many options and yet often sub-par results, it’s difficult to know who to trust. This essay has endeavored to provide comprehensive research in helping individuals make that choice. When considering whether or not to choose at-home, over-the-counter, or getting it done professionally, it’s key to evaluate how safe the procedure is. Other certain contributing factors may be how long each treatment will take and cost. The effectiveness of each treatment can also be a deciding factor.
Revitalize Your Smile with Professional Teeth Whitening Services at Smile Magic Dentistry! Visit our website at SmileMagicDentistry.com to schedule your appointment today and unlock a brighter, more confident smile!
