Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic treatment that can give you a more youthful and brighter smile. There are many different ways to achieve whiter teeth, including at-home teeth whitening kits and professional laser whitening treatments.
Unfortunately, teeth whitening is not permanent, but it can provide long-lasting results. For most people, the process will need to be repeated every few months in order to maintain the desired level of whiteness.
Is it possible to whiten teeth?
There are a number of ways to achieve whiter teeth, including over-the-counter products, professional treatments, and home remedies. While some methods are more effective than others, almost all can help to some degree.
Over-the-counter whitening products are widely available and relatively affordable. They typically come in the form of gels, strips, toothpaste, or pens. While these are generally safe to use, it’s crucial that you follow the instructions carefully in order to avoid damaging your tooth enamel or gums. They’re not as strong as professional treatments but can still prove to be effective after multiple applications.
A professional whitening treatment is done by a dental practitioner and usually takes place in a dental office. This is the safest method because the procedure is performed under the careful supervision of a dental professional. It’s also the most effective treatment option because a stronger bleaching agent is used. Oftentimes, they provide results that are several shades lighter than the original tooth color within a single visit.
How many shades can teeth be whitened?
It’s difficult to predict exactly how many shades lighter your teeth will become after a whitening procedure because everyone’s teeth are different and will respond differently to these types of treatments. It depends on several factors, including the type of whitening product being used, the current condition of your teeth, and the type of stain as a result of your health and eating habits.
1. Whitening products: There are two main types of teeth whitening products: bleaching agents and non-bleaching agents.
- Bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, work by penetrating the tooth enamel and breaking up stains.
- Non-bleaching agents, such as dental trays and strips, work by physically removing surface stains.
At-home teeth whitening kits use lower concentrations of the whitening agent than professional treatments do, so not only will they take longer to produce dramatic results but they will also need to be used on a regular basis.
2. Condition of your teeth: While teeth whitening can help to brighten your smile, it will not completely eliminate tooth discoloration as a result of intrinsic stains. Intrinsic stains are those that develop on the inside of the teeth and are often caused by things like medications, aging, or genetics.
3. Lifestyle habits: Extrinsic stains are stains that occur on the surface of the tooth. The people who are most affected are those who regularly smoke, drink dark liquids (like coffee and red wine), and eat strongly pigmented foods (like pasta sauce).
As a result of these types of stains, the patient may have a harder time achieving their desired results and may also see their bright smile fade faster than expected. The good news is that periodic touch-ups and maintenance treatments can help reduce the appearance of these type of tooth stains.
In general, over-the-counter products can lead to a one to two-shade improvement over the course of multiple days and product applications, whereas professional teeth whitening can improve the color of your natural teeth by significantly within a single visit.
How long should teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening can last for several months. In this article, we discuss the various types of at-home and professional in-office treatment options, how long they last on average, and tips on how to prolong the effects of teeth whitening for as long as possible.
What is the most permanent teeth whitening procedure?
There are several at-home teeth whitening kits available, but the best treatment and the longest-lasting procedure is the one performed at a dentist’s office. These include laser teeth whitening and custom tray whitening sets.
Even though initially there may seem to be a considerable price difference between over the counter treatments and those that can only be obtained through a dentist’s office, it’s important to remember that there’s a huge difference in quality.
Whitening gel, white strips, and whitening toothpaste have a small amount of whitening solution so not only will it take much longer to obtain the pearly whites you dream of, but the entire process may eventually cost you more time, effort, and money.
Does teeth whitening damage your teeth?
Teeth whitening products available on the market today are generally safe to use, but it’s important to note some of the side effects that are associated with them. The most common complication from teeth whitening is temporary tooth sensitivity.
In more serious cases, if the product is used incorrectly it can cause damage to your teeth or exacerbate the problems associated with preexisting dental conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, or cracks in the teeth.
As with any type of cosmetic procedure, it is important to talk to your dentist before using a whitening product to make sure it is right for you. If you choose a home treatment, follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your teeth and gums.
What happens if you whiten your teeth too much?
If you whiten your teeth too much, it can cause them to become sensitive. This is because the bleaching agents used to whiten teeth can strip away the enamel, which is the protective outer layer of the tooth.
When this happens, the underlying dentin becomes exposed and can start to cause discomfort when it comes into contact with hot or cold substances. In extreme cases, too much bleaching can even cause the teeth to become brittle and weak.
If the whitening product comes into contact with the soft tissue of your mouth, it can lead to gum irritation. Professional tooth whitening methods can help you avoid this problem altogether because the custom trays that are given to you are made from the exact impressions of your teeth. In other words, the active ingredient will only remain within the area of the teeth.
If you experience prologued sensitivity or discomfort several days after whitening your teeth, discontinue the treatment and follow up with your dentist for the best solution.
Bottom line
Teeth whitening is not a one-time solution; it will need to be repeated periodically in order to maintain its results. However, it is a great way to boost your confidence and get a bright white smile.
If you are looking for the most permanent solution to yellow or stained teeth, professional teeth whitening is your best option in terms of quality, safety, and faster results.
Our team of experts at Kootenai Dental Group in Coeur d’Alene, ID are dedicated to helping you achieve the brilliant smile that you deserve!
We specialize in various types of cosmetic dental treatments including implants, dental veneers, and tooth whitening using a custom-fitted tray for each patient.
Call 208-762-8750 to schedule your first appointment today!
