The brightest smile can give you the power of confidence, and teeth whitening is the standard of dentistry for people who want to feel better about themselves. As many whitening treatments are available today at BellaVista DentalCare in Phoenix, you will know which treatment will work best for you.
In this blog, I will discuss the different teeth whitening solutions and how they work, what the side effects are, and how long it takes for you to notice the difference.
Why Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening treats stains and discoloration caused by:
- Nutrition: Coffee, tea, red wine and sodas are among the main culprits.
- Tobacco: Nicotine and tar cause dingy yellow or brownrks.
- Wear: As enamel becomes thinner with age, the yellowish dentin underneath is more apparent.
- Medications: Antibiotics such as tetracycline or some antihistamines will also bring about surface discoloration.
- Diet: Bad brushing habits and excessive fluoride can stain.
Whatever the reason, contemporary dentistry at BellaVista DentalCare in Phoenix, Arizona has several solutions to make your smile shine again. Here’s a breakdown of the most common whitening procedures.
1. In-Office Professional Whitening
Overview
Dental In-office whitening is performed by a dental professional using a concentrated bleaching gel on the teeth. Most often combined with a special light or laser to speed up the process, this is one of the most efficient and fastest solutions.
Benefits:
- Instant Results: Patients can expect to see a visible improvement (up to 3 shades whiter) within the first session.
- Under Dentist’s Guidance: Completed under dentist’s guidance to minimize gum infection and sensitivity.
- Individualized Treatment: The dentist can tailor the concentration and dosage for the best outcome.
Downsides:
- Cost: It’s one of the most costly, treatments cost $300 to $1,000.
- Sensitivity: The concentration of peroxide could lead to temporary tooth sensitivity.
- Timing: Classes run for 60–90 minutes, which is not convenient for the average person.
Time Needed:
- Effective: Instant results but 1–2 sessions may be required to get whites best.
2. Take-Home Whitening Kits (Professional)
Overview
Dentists will offer custom fitted trays based off of dental impressions. Office-standard whitening gel is given to be used at home. Patients are on the trays for a fixed period, which can be 1–2 weeks, then can use the home treatment as needed.
Benefits:
- Convenience: The whitening trays are always available at one’s convenience. The treatment can be repeated as needed.
- Custom Size: Designed trays ensure the gel is evenly spread and gum irritation is reduced.
- Long-Term Effects: Similar to office treatments with proper treatment.
Downsides
- Less Prompt Results: Effects are not as immediate as in-office whitening.
- Patient Wearing Obligation: Patients must wear the trays for a specified amount of time during treatment. If major dental work is done, new whitening trays may need to be remade.
- Cost: While less expensive than the in-office whitening treatment, the professional kits are still $200 to $400.
Time Needed:
- Great Results: Experience results after continuous 1–2 weeks, then once or twice a month as needed.
3. Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips and Gels
Overview
There are also OTC whitening strips and gels that are available all over the world and use low concentrations of peroxides to whiten the teeth.
Benefits:
- Price: These products are $20–$60 and relatively inexpensive.
- Accessibility: Easy to find in pharmacy and online.
- Convenience: No need to visit the dentist.
Downsides:
- Slightly lower Strength: Low peroxide content translates into milder effects.
- Missing Dentition: Strips won’t be able to completely whiten every aspect of the tooth and provide inconsistent results.
- High Risk of Sensitivity: Continuous use can cause irritation to gums and sensitive teeth.
Time Needed:
- Good Effect: Results can occur 7–14 days, based on the product and use patterns.
4. Whitening Toothpaste
Overview
Whitening toothpastes have a gentle abrasive and chemical that work to scrub off surface stains. They don’t bleach and they to not alter teeth’s intrinsic color in a way that other methods cannot.
Benefits:
- Cheap: Whitening toothpaste is a cheap solution and can be purchased for $5–$15.
- Use Daily: Quickly added to your maintenance routine.
- Comfortable: No potential for sensitivities or gum irritation.
Downsides:
- Low Impact: Results are confined to surface stains and does whiten the enamel much.
- Consistent Use: Results may be weeks or months away.
Time Needed:
- Good Results: Expect mild improvement in 4–6 weeks of daily use.
5. Whitening Mouthwash
Overview
Mouthwashes with hydrogen peroxide, in very low concentrations, remove surface stains. It’s generally used as a secondary whitening product, but it can stand in for other methods.
Benefits:
- Low priced: Prices start at $5–$10 a bottle.
- Easy to Use: Can be a part of your regular oral hygiene routine.
- Breath Freshening: Also lowers bacteria and freshens breath.
Downsides:
- Low Whitening: Effects are very minimal because teeth are exposed only very briefly.
- Long-term Use Required: Only consistent, long-term usage will show whitening.
Time Needed:
- Great Results: Small effects can show up after 12 weeks of use daily.
6. Natural Remedies
Overview
Baking soda, activated charcoal or oil pulling are common home remedies marketed as ‘natural’. Some treatments can get rid of surface stains but are not proven scientifically.
Benefits:
- Cheap: Ingredients such as baking soda or coconut oil are cheap and readily available.
- Natural Ingredients: Great for people looking for chemicals free options.
- Simple Use: Can be used without tools at home.
Downsides:
- Limited Effectiveness: These procedures can help you with the stains on the surface and might be ineffective for intrinsic stain.
- Abrasive: Too much baking soda or charcoal wears away enamel over time.
- Unexpected Results: Results can vary from one individual to another.
Time Needed:
- Good Impact: It takes weeks- to months to see any effects.
7. Internal Whitening (Intrinsic Whitening)
Overview
Intrinsic whitening corrects stains within the tooth, which are usually the result of damage, medication, or root canals. A dentist will put bleach inside the tooth and encase it so that the whitening solution penetrates through.
Benefits:
- Best for Deep Stains: Great for staining that cannot be repaired from outside.
- Dentist’s Oversight: Performed by a dentist to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Long-Term: The outcomes are typically long lasting for treated teeth.
Downsides:
- Strict Use: For single teeth which are naturally discolored.
- Price: $ 300– $ 700 a tooth.
- In office treatment: In office visits required for treatment.
Time Needed:
- Excellent Results: It usually results within 1–2 weeks from the beginning of treatment.
Which Is The Best Whitening Method?
The right whitening product depends on many things, such as:
- Stain Type: Surface stains (extrinsic) can be easily removed with most whitening products; while stains that are inside the skin (intrinsic) will require professional treatment.
- Cost: In-office therapy is more effective but more expensive than over-the-counter or herbal medicines.
- Speed: If you are in preparation for an occasion, professional whitening is the fastest option.
- Sensitivity: If your teeth are sensitive, you can use low-peroxide solutions or ask your dentist for specific solutions.
Maintaining Your Results
These are some whitening tips to prolong the life of your whitening process:
- Don’t consume foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, turmeric, and wine.
- Brush and floss as needed to avoid plaque buildup.
- Drink from a straw to avoid teeth touching stains.
- Ensure to have your teeth cleaned on a regular basis.
Conclusion
Tooth whitening is a safe and effective way to whiten your teeth, but you have to make sure that you are selecting the right treatment for your needs and lifestyle. Whether you choose in-office professional whitening or take-home kits or cheaper over-the-counter products, knowing the difference between them will allow you to get the results you want.
To get personalized recommendations or professional whitening, consult your dentist today. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized and comprehensive dental care to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile and the desired smile you wish for. Contact BellaVista DentalCare in Phoenix, Arizona to schedule your appointment and experience the benefits of regular dental checkups with our Ahwatukee dentist. You have your hygienic smile in sight.