Tooth whitening also known as dental bleaching is a common procedure in dentistry. There are various whitening agents available in the market like teeth whitening toothpastes, gels, rinses, trays and strips. Powerful whitening agents are also available at the dentist’s clinic, which need to be used by a professional only. Smile with bright teeth builds confidence and shows hygiene. White teeth also add to the oral health of a person. Sounds very attractive but this whitening system cannot be used by everyone like who have restored teeth (tooth fillings), eroded enamel and bleeding gums. If you have yellow toned teeth they will respond best to tooth whitening kits.
Whitening kits
Let us see the various tooth whitening systems that are available:
1. Tooth whitening toothpaste
Generally all the toothpastes have some kind of mild abrasives and/or polishing agents added to make the teeth white. Whitening toothpastes help remove stains from the teeth and are mild in action as they do not contain bleaching agents. Most of the whitening toothpastes are capable of making teeth one shade lighter but are considered mild as compared to the treatment done at dentists’ clinic.
2. Over the counter gels and strips
These are the products that contain bleaching agents like carbamide peroxide (10% or less) and are more effective in whitening teeth than toothpastes. Gels are applied to the teeth with the help of a brush twice daily for a period of 14 days. The whitening effect is noticeable within days of application and lasts for approximately 4 months. Strips too contain bleaching agents like peroxide and are applied on the teeth for 30 minutes twice daily and for 14 days to get almost 4 months of lasting white teeth.
3. Tooth whitening rinses
This is a new entrant in the tooth whitening system. Rinses generally were used to help fight plaque, gum diseases and bad breath, but now rinses are available in the market that include bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide that offer tooth whitening properties. Just move the solution in the mouth for about 60 seconds at a time before brushing your teeth for two times a day and it will start whitening the teeth. The process is slow though that may take around 12 weeks duration to make noticeable change. Some people believe that rinse is less effective than other methods like gels and strips since the contact time of rinse is very less comparatively gels and strops..
4. Tooth whitening tray kit
Available over the counter or in the dentists’ office these contain peroxide bleaching agents that act as powerful whitening agent. The tray fits the teeth in the mouth (just like the boxers who use teeth guard) and is to be worn for couple of hours (say in the night) and depending upon the stains on the teeth it may take one month or more to give you pearl white teeth.
5. Whitening at the dentist’s office
The fastest of all methods and the most expensive too is getting the teeth whitened at your dentist. This method takes the least time of about 30 to 60 minutes to give you a noticeable change. However few more sittings are required to get better and longer duration whitening effect. It depends upon the staining on your teeth. Your dentist uses more powerful bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide (the concentration may vary from 15-43%). Since this is an assisted method, various protective measures are taken by your dentist like protecting the gums with a rubber shield or a gel and using a customized tray for bleaching purpose.
Whitening system safety tips
The whitening systems that are available in the market generally come with the seal of American Dental Association (ADA) which authenticates the safety and effectiveness of the product.
“While teeth whitening is one of the most conservative and cost effective ways to improve your smile; there are potential risks including damage to the gums and tooth sensitivity. Anyone considering teeth whitening should have an examination by a dentist to make sure there are no current problems that will be aggravated by the process and to discuss their goals and whitening options,” says expert dentist Dr. Carl Metz DDS.
The ADA seal of acceptance had been given currently to the office dispensed home use whitening system bleach containing 10% carbamide peroxide and professionally used tooth bleach system having hydrogen peroxide 35%. Over the counter whitening systems are not endorsed by the ADA because this organization believes that the best method to get teeth whitened is the professional way. Laser assisted teeth whitening products are not endorsed by ADA. Several over the counter whitening kits have got the ADA seal of acceptance though. Consider that not every manufacturer of the teeth whitening system gets the ADA seal. This is because of the high expenses involved and a lengthy procedure, but that doesn’t mean that these kits and not effective or safe. If in doubt it is always better to consult a professional.
Tips for choosing whitening kit
1. Do not use a whitening system if your teeth are restored (filled) and are sensitive to hot or cold.
2. It is always better to take advice. Do talk to your acquaintance who has tried any whitening systems personally so that you can get an idea what could be best for you.
3. Given a choice you must always prefer using kits that offer customization as standard kits generally don’t fit best in every mouth.
4. If your teeth are getting sensitive and your gums are showing discoloration, it is advised to sonsult a professional immediately.
