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There are many products and techniques available for patients who want to achieve a whiter smile, and with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the method that is right for you. The best way to begin any teeth whitening regimen is to schedule an appointment and talk to your doctor about the differences between in-office professional whitening and at-home whitening.
With teeth whitening, there are two different active ingredients that you could be using - carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. If you’re using an at-home treatment, it should be listed on the packaging. Otherwise, ask your dentist. Due to the gentler strength of carbamide peroxide, it is ideal for at-home whitening kits where a professional is not available, and dentists agree that the key to long-term teeth whitening is regular at-home treatment. Take-home kits are significantly cheaper than in-office teeth whitening and significantly more effective than store-bought whitening strips or brush-on whiteners.
Professional teeth whitening has been proven as safe and effective, grounded in simple science. The whitening chemicals, oxidizing agents, react with the foreign substances to break down and remove them more thoroughly than simply brushing your teeth can. Once the stains are removed, saliva will fill some cracks and remineralize, but regular teeth whitening is necessary to maintain white teeth.
During an office visit, your dental professional will apply the whitening gel and, depending on the system being used, will shine a light source directly onto the teeth. The entire office visit generally takes about 90 minutes with immediate results. The dentist generally cleans your teeth and places some sort of protective barrier on your gums before the whitening begins. The gel sits on your teeth for several minutes before the dentist washes it off. It is usually reapplied several times before the procedure is over. Many people report increased sensitivity in their teeth during this process, but new gels contain sodium fluoride, which reduces this side effect significantly.
Your teeth are made of two layers - enamel and dentin. Enamel is the white protective layer of the tooth. Damage to the enamel can expose your dentin. Dentin is the core of the tooth. It also has a darker, yellow color. In addition to that, cracks in the enamel can fill with staining substances, like dark foods. If left for a long time untreated, stains can be difficult to remove.
