Kinds of Tooth Whitening

Why Do You Need Teeth Whitening?
Do you know the enemy that causes tooth stains? It is quite interesting to note that every tooth is comprised of an inner dentin layer and a protective outer enamel layer which is much harder. Regular intake of food stuff, nicotine and caffeine tends to form another coating over the enamel layer like a pellicle film.

This film can be removed chemically as well as by scraping by a dentist. Brushing helps to clean the teeth stains to some extent and there are special abrasive toothpastes which help further the process. Teeth whitening toothpastes are also available which are effective in cleaning such stains on our teeth enamel. Our teeth enamel is porous in nature.

Hydroxyapatite crystals in the form of microscopic hexagonal "rods" make up the enamel. The accumulation of the foreign substances over the years gets into the pores and settles on the inner layer where it is very difficult to scrape them. Though these deep stains are actually quite harmless, they do not look good. Thus to get rid of these tough stains, people seek the help of professional teeth whitening procedures. During such teeth whitening procedures, a bleaching chemical agent is used called carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.

 This is present in a tooth whitener and it triggers a chemical - rather an oxidation reaction - which manage to break the staining compounds. The chemical compound carbamide peroxide breaks within the mouth into urea and hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide plays a vital role in the teeth whitening process.

When Teeth Whitening Does Not Work 

Did you know that in certain cases, teeth whitening is not advisable and may not be hundred percent effective? For example, for children below sixteen years bleaching is not advisable since the pulp chamber or the nerve of the tooth remains enlarged.

Teeth whitening below this age may cause irritation of the pulp or could make it more sensitive. Similarly, pregnant women as well as lactating mothers should also not undergo this process. Moreover, people having sensitive teeth and gum problems, receding gums and problems or defects in restoration must opt for their dentist's advice before undergoing the process. Similarly, those having allergies to peroxide are also not recommended to undergo the bleaching process.

Diseases in gums and teeth and decaying enamel are also not suitable cases for teeth whitening. Any cavity in the tooth may cause the bleaching solutions to seep into the existing decay causing further irritation. Again, people having exposed tooth roots are also discouraged since these roots do not have enamel cover. Teeth containing any kind of filling like crowns, veneer, bonding and bridges can not be bleached. Doing so may result in uneven whitening and it is advisable to complete the whitening process two weeks before the fillings. While the yellowish stains can be whitened easily, brown, gray, bluish-gray and purple ones show less response to teeth whitening.

Moreover the result may also vary from person to person. Smokers must refrain from smoking during teeth whitening the process to get the best results. The desired color should be a shade whiter than the whites of an eye.

Types of Teeth Whitening Procedures
Teeth whitening is a process of lightening or changing the color of your teeth. A few of the options are listed below in case you wish to undergo a teeth whitening procedure- - Teeth Whitening Toothpastes: These toothpastes help lighten the color of your teeth by about a shade or two. Such toothpastes contain chemical agents that gently polish the enamel and remove stains.

 These toothpastes can be purchased over-the counter from your local drug store or they can be ordered online. - Teeth Whitening Strips: These are thin invisible strips that are covered with a teeth whitening gel. Use strips for about a fortnight and you will be able to see the difference that these peroxide-based strips make on the color of your teeth. The results should last approximately for four months or so and it will set you back by more than $10 and less than $60. - Teeth Whitening Gels: Apply these gels with a brush directly to your teeth twice daily for about a fortnight.

The effects of these clear peroxide-based gels last for about 4 odd months and it might cost you about $15 - $20. - Teeth Whitening by a Dentist: Dentists use different types of tray-based procedures in which they apply a light to the gel on your teeth. This improves the teeth color between three and eight shades. This approach is the most effective out of the approaches listed above. This also removes stubborn stains deep in the tooth and can cost almost $800

Teeth Whitening Risks


There are a few risks involved in the process of teeth whitening. The treatment may make your teeth sensitive for a brief period of time. This is a feature seen in the early stages of the teeth whitening process. Again it may gently irritate the soft tissues of the mouth like the gums.

 Mostly, a mouthpiece tray which does not fit properly is responsible for the irritation of the soft tissues. But both these conditions and discomfort do not persist for long and last only for a temporary period of one to three days of the completion of the treatment. In case of acute sensitivity one can follow a few simple measures to reduce or get rid of the teeth whitening risks. Firstly, the mouth tray can be used for a shorter period of time for example, instead of two 60 minute sessions it can be worn for two 30 minutes sessions. Again, the process can be stopped for a few days to allow the teeth to get adjusted to the teeth whitening treatment. Moreover, the dentist or the pharmacist can be asked to prescribe a product containing high fluoride to restore the mineral content of the teeth.

  This product should be applied to the tray and to be worn for four minutes before starting the whitening process. Lastly, brushing the teeth with toothpaste meant for sensitive teeth containing potassium nitrate helps soothe the nerve ends of the teeth. Such steps might alleviate the teeth whitening risks and irritations to some degree.

Teeth Whitening Costs and Effects
Every one wants to smile but their yellow teeth do not allow them. So they consider methods which might whiten their teeth fast and without any pain. Bleach-based or non-bleach based are the 2 basic types of teeth whitening measures. See which of the whitening procedures best suit you and your pocket. The cheapest possible option is to use teeth whitening toothpastes.

These contain polishing agents that help remove everyday, light stains which are also known as surface stains. They don't have bleach and are not as powerful or as expensive as hydrogen peroxide based teeth whitening products. The latter is a bleaching chemical that helps lighten surface stains along with more stubborn, inner stains on the enamel. Such hydrogen peroxide based whitening products are applied orally, with a brush to the teeth enamel. Such products are available in 2 forms - the first is gel which is applied for a restricted number of days till you can see the desired effect on your teeth.

The results of the gel normally last for a few months after which, your teeth will begin to yellow and stain as before. Of course, you may use natural teeth whitening remedies to continue the effect of this gel for a slightly longer period of time. Gels usually don't cost more than $20 or so but they must be applied at least twice a day.

 Teeth whitening strips are another option costing about $50 and containing peroxide. You may also consider the more expensive and more permanent procedures like in-office whitening and tray- based whitening.

Tray-Based Teeth Whitening: Extending Professional's Touch
Out of curiosity, have you ever asked the question why teeth get dark? Or have you even pondered on the possible answers to this simple query? Tooth discoloration should not be taken lightly though the case should really lighten to brighten up a smile. There are many reasons why teeth get stained. The most typical reasons vary from factors written below:
 1. heredity
2. consumption of staining substances (such as tea, coffee, and colas)
3. excessive fluoride and use of abrasives (which only expose dentin and causes severe discoloration)*
4. tetracycline (antibiotic) staining
5. old fillings
6. aging Toothpastes that have whitening agents can minimize the stain that is on the surface of the teeth. The case is also coined by dentists as extrinsic staining.

However, professional dental cleanings and whitening toothpastes will not change the intrinsic staining of the teeth, if used appropriately. This is the main reason why tooth bleaching or tooth whitening is so popular. Normally, teeth whitening remedies are categorized into two:

1. Professional whitening systems This is usually performed by dentists using whitening gels and lasers to activate the solution. This is normally done inside a dental clinic.

 2. Home-based teeth whitening remedy This could either be done in-between appointments of professional treatments using whitening kits and tray-based whitening techniques or are just home-made remedies from kitchen and medicine items.

These applications are usually done at home and according to the frequency suggested by dentists and/or by a product's instructions. Just how is tray-based teeth whitening technique employed to the patient? Read on the following four-step procedure:

 1. A whitening gel is poured all over a tray that just fits over the teeth of the patient.

 2. The active ingredient inside the gel, carbamide peroxide will be broken down sp that oxygen can enter the enamel to bleach the discolored areas.

 3. By this, the physical structure of each tooth is not actually transformed. Crowns, fillings, and Bonding will not lighten but the colored substances will.

 4. Casts or impressions of the tray are customized by dentists. The accuracy of the trays is critical to the treatment Below are follow-up questions most patients are curious about tray teeth whitening method.

 How safe is the method? Most dentists agree that tray bleaching or whitening is relatively safe, fast, provides easy ways to lighten teeth between two and five shades in a matter of few days. How is this different from other professional whitening systems? Below is a list of some professional whitening products dentists in choosing items for their professional whitening system. The kind of bleaching laser or light is enclosed in parentheses.

1. BriteSmile (gas plasma light/light emitting diode)
2. LaserSmile (a Biolase laser)
3. LumaArch (halogen light)
4. Rembrandt Sapphire (plasma arc light)
5. Zoom! (metal halide light) Generally, laser treatment is done by applying a 35% Hydrogen Peroxide gel-based solution on the teeth of the patient.

After applying the solution on the surface of the teeth, a light is held several inches away from the patient's mouth to activate the peroxide component of the gel. There are manufacturers and dentists who advertise that this method works better than tray whitening method. There are no actual data completed to support their claims. Actually, after a year of usual lifestyle habits (drinking tea, colas, coffee, smoking, etc.) treatments using laser-accompanied whitening gel are disregarded. This will cost you another $ 500 or more to have the same treatment again. However, with the custom-made "mouthpieces", you can have your usual lifestyle habits for a year and perform touch-ups one day roughly alternately every 3-6 months to take off the new stain inexpensively.

Safety With Teeth Whitening Products
Before you decide to opt for a teeth whitening procedure you must be aware that only a few bleaching products meet ADA guidelines for safety and effectiveness. This is because only a few product manufacturers seek the ADA's Seal of Acceptance.

This is a voluntary program that requires a lot of expense and time so most manufacturers of teeth whitening products may choose to skip the procedure all together. However, you must realize that a teeth whitening product without the ADA's Seal of Acceptance might also be safe to use. You can be assured, however, that products that do carry the seal are certified to be safe.

 Teeth whitening products that are dispensed through dentist's offices are usually ADA compliant. Several whitening toothpastes that are freely available over-the-counter ADA compliant but other over-the-counter teeth whitening products are not certified by the ADA. To differentiate between the two types, check online websites and ask your local chemist for advice. Teeth whitening kits are not considered to be drugs and therefore they are not monitored by the ADA. Consider the following factors when selecting a teeth whitening kit. - Select a teeth whitening kit that allows you to mold the mouthpiece somewhat.

These are more comfortable than others - Ask the opinion of others who have already tried the teeth whitening kit you are planning to buy - If you see that the color of your gums starts changing or if you detect an increase in teeth sensitivity, stop using the kit immediately. Then, consult a professional dentist.

Dealing with the Right Teeth Whitening Product: A review