Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening
By definition, anything that cleans the dirt and debris from the surface of the teeth can be classified as teeth whitening. This includes simple toothpaste and dental floss. However, teeth whitening procedures that actually change the color of the teeth to a whiter color are collectively known as bleaching methods. It is understood and accepted that bleaching is commonly called teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening, as a cosmetic procedure, is steadily becoming more popular in today’s society. This can be attributed to the fact that a brighter smile, with whiter teeth, tends to make people more confident and ready to smile. Watching actors and well-known personalities with their bright smiles has also influenced people’s decision to try the teeth whitening process. Whatever the underlying reason, about 15% of the population have undergone some form of teeth whitening procedure.
Teeth Whitening
The most common method of teeth whitening is to apply a bleaching agent directly to the teeth. There are two types of bleaching agents used today in the process of bleaching: hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Carbamide peroxide is a chemical that breaks down into hydrogen peroxide, usually in a much lower concentration, that is safe to leave on the teeth for a longer period of time than straight hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is most commonly used for quicker treatments, especially in a dentist’s office, giving quicker results. Carbamide peroxide is generally used for at-home treatments for over-time treatments.
Teeth whitening can be accomplished in 3 main ways. Each of these ways has advantaged and disadvantages based on each person’s individual needs. Bleaching can be done during an in-office visit to the dentist, using dentist-prescribed treatments at home, and using over-the-counter products at home. With in-offices visits, teeth will become whiter faster, but will fade rather quickly. At-home treatments are easier to maintain over a longer span of time, but also take a longer amount of time for the results to be seen.
In- office teeth whitening procedures are generally done with a higher concentrated hydrogen peroxide. This concentration can be as high as 40%, depending upon how white the dentist is going to make the teeth.. Due to this higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the effects are quick and brighter than at-home treatments. The dentist will apply a peroxide gel to the teeth, letting them soak in the gel for approximately 15-20 minutes, repeating the procedure for a total time of 1 hour.
Dentist-prescribed at-home teeth whitening procedures work the same, but generally with a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide. This allows the teeth to gel to remain on the teeth for a longer period of time, generally a full hour. The lower concentration of peroxide also allows the gel to be administered over a longer period of time, even up to as long as a year, depending upon what the dentist recommends.
Teeth Whitening
The least expensive form of teeth whitening is over-the-counter at-home treatments. At-home treatments commonly use a concentration of carbamide peroxide in order for the gel to remain on the teeth for an even longer period of time, including overnight. These treatments take longer for the effects to be noticed, but generally leave the teeth whiter for a longer period of time. At-home treatments can be used as an ongoing form of teeth whitening.
Deciding on the best teeth whitening procedure is a matter of personal preference. All forms of teeth whitening are effective and will achieve results, some quicker, some with a more permanent and easier to maintain result. The best method to choose is the method that will fit into the user’s lifestyle the easiest. Ultimately, when it comes to which teeth whitening method is best, there are no wrong answers, just whiter teeth.
