The Options for Teeth Whitening

There are three popular whitening techniques available. All of these options have different levels of peroxide and different times that you must apply them.

In Office Whitening

The ability to get the best color change for you teeth is through in office whitening. This process is accomplished by using a high concentration of peroxide gel that is applied by the dentist after the gums have been protected. Usually you will keep this peroxide on your teeth for about 15 to 20 minutes, that add up to intervals of an hour. If you have really difficult staining you may wish to go back to the dentist for a touch up one or two more times. The cost on average is usually about $650 per visit nationwide.

Professional Dispensed Take Home Whitening kits 

Many in the dental industry believe that take home whitening kits that were professionally dispensed are you best bets for your brighter smile. They come with a lower peroxide number and may stay on your teeth for a longer period of time. The gel is usually applied using a mouth guard called a bleaching tray.

Buying Whiteners over the Counter

Probably the cheapest and easily the most convenient is the over the counter bleaching system that are bought in local pharmacies. These come as an easy to use kit that usually contains the bleaching gel, which has less peroxide that the take home whiteners given by your dentist. The gel is applied to your teeth using the bleaching tray designed to fit everyone’s mouth. The drawback to this system is that it usually only whitens the front teeth unlike the customized one made at your dentist which will whiten your whole mouth. The normal cost is $20 to $100.

Using Hydrogen or Carbamide Peroxide

 When you find that your time is limited, the preference would be an in office treatment of hydrogen peroxide concentration that will lighten teeth about 9 percent to 40 percent.

When you are whitening at home, the preference is the slower acting carbamide Peroxide, which when broken down is a hydrogen peroxide. The solution is about 1/3 of the strength you would get with hydrogen peroxide.

How White Will Cleaning Get Your Teeth

The process of whitening differs from person to person in regards to how white your teeth may become. Some may be very happy with their whitening results while others will be disappointed that their teeth are not whiter. Before you get any treatment, you may wish to consult your dentist about the results you will receive, he will give you a realistic picture of what to expect.

Shade Guides for Whitening

Usually before you get your whitening procedure in your dentist’s office you will get to see where your teeth ranges on the shade guide, and again after your whitening process, so that you can see how the shades differ. There is also shade guides that are hand held that could be used in your home for the same purpose of comparison.

The standard measure is the Vitapan Classic Shade Guide, which shows 16 shades arranged for your convenience from light to dark and are broken into four-color groups, and teaches you the universal tooth color terminology.

Even though whitening can lighten your teeth up to 9 or more shades, it is likely that you will see a change of 2 to 7 shades with your whitening treatment.

The Risks of Whitening

While treating your teeth with whitening procedures is relatively safe, sometimes there are some risks that may be associated with the bleaching process.

  • Sensitivity: You may experience some sensitivity to temperatures, and in some cases to pressure or touch after a bleaching. Other people experience shooting pains in the middle of their teeth. Most people will be more sensitive when they have gum recession issues, if they have extensive cracks in their teeth and there is some leakage after a restoration gone wrong.
  • Gum Irritation: Many people who use peroxide may experience some sort of irritation that comes from higher bleach concentrations or even from that contact with there bleaching tray. These types of irritations result from bleach concentration are usually cleared up after several days after you stop the process or lower the concentration of the peroxide.
  • Technicolor Teeth: In this case, when you have had some sort of restoration like bonding, porcelain veneers and dental crowns, you may find that they are not affected by the bleach and will maintain their color while all of the other teeth are whitened by the solution. In those cases your teeth may have a Technicolor appearance.

Maintaining your Whiter Smile

To maintain your smile, your dentist may suggest that you do the following

  • Make sure to follow up at home to maintain your whitening and to have the procedure repeated at least once a year or more.
  • Stay away from foods and drink that is darkly colored for the week following your whitening procedure.
  • If it is possible, sip on darker beverages through a straw.
  • Practice good oral hygiene, be sure to brush between meals and before you go to bed.

Caveats

In addition to the risk factors, you will also have this list of caveats to contend with when you are getting a teeth whitening procedure.

  • No bleaching procedure will make unnaturally white teeth.
  • Whitening results will be fully noticed about two weeks after the procedure. This is a very important thing to remember if you are going to get a restoration so that you can get it in the color of your teeth. This will help you avoid the Technicolor effect.
  • Recessed gums may show to have a yellow root surface that may be very hard to color.
  • Don’t use teeth whitening procedures when you are pregnant, because you may swallow it and the effects of bleach on your fetus is currently unknown, but you don’t want to take that kind of risk.

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