Understanding Teeth Whitening at Home
What is teeth whitening, and how does it work to brighten teeth?
Teeth whitening is when we use a chemical agent to get rid of the stains on our teeth. There are two types of stains: extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains occur because of the things we consume, like soy sauce, wine, or coffee, which stain our teeth from the outside in.
There are also intrinsic stains, which are the stains we're born with. Some people have whiter teeth, and some people's teeth are a little browner. That's really intrinsic to how our teeth developed. Teeth whitening is effective in removing extrinsic stains and can help with some intrinsic stains as well.
Are at-home teeth whitening options as effective as professional treatments?
At-home teeth whitening options can be a potentially good option. One of the most common issues I hear is that they're not quite as effective as professional whitening options available at the dental office. Sometimes people say it doesn't uniformly whiten their teeth or just doesn't work that well. However, some people have had success with it. It can be used, but it's probably not quite as good.
How do professional teeth whitening treatments compare to at-home teeth whitening kits?
Professional teeth whitening can be done in a couple of different ways. One is in-office, where things like lasers are used to help whiten teeth. We can also have you sit in the chair where we apply a very concentrated chemical on your teeth that whitens them quickly.
Additionally, we can make custom trays that fit your teeth after taking a digital impression. These trays ensure the right amount of chemical is applied directly to the teeth. In-office treatments are more tailored to you and are much more effective, whereas at-home kits from supermarkets are not as customized and use a less potent chemical than what we use in the dental office.
Learn More About Professional Teeth Whitening
What is the best at-home teeth whitening method?
The best at-home teeth whitening method is the one we use often at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center. We bring you in, and one of our assistants takes a digital scan of your teeth. From that scan, we reproduce a 3D model of your teeth and make custom trays that fit your teeth. These trays have a little extra space on the front side to allow room for the whitening gel to work effectively. We'll provide you with some tubes of the whitening gel and show you how to use the trays. Typically, you'll use them for 30 minutes a day for about two weeks, which usually yields great results.
Can you use your retainers to whiten your teeth at home?
Sometimes people ask if they can use their retainers. Not really, because retainers fit intimately against your teeth to hold them in place. Whitening trays have a built-in space on the front side to allow room for the whitening gel. They're also less rigid than retainers to enable the gel to surround the tooth and do its work effectively.
How effective are natural teeth whitening remedies like baking soda or hydrogen peroxide?
Natural at-home teeth whitening options can sometimes work, typically on extrinsic stains. However, the hydrogen peroxide you get at home isn't as strong as what we use in the dental office. While they can work, they're not as effective as professional teeth whitening systems.
What should I look for in top-rated at-home teeth whitening kits?
If you're using an at-home teeth whitening kit, ensure it delivers the chemical onto your teeth uniformly to avoid splotchy whitening. Make sure it doesn't irritate your gums. The reason for using over-the-counter options is that they should be less expensive. However, the cost difference is not that much compared to our office. My recommendation would be to come into the office for a professional teeth whitening for a potentially better result.
How often can I safely whiten my teeth at home?
You can whiten your teeth multiple times. Some people get more tubes of gel during their cleaning to continue whitening. As long as you're not doing orthodontics or major crowns, you can use the same whitening tray indefinitely. Every six months, you can touch up your teeth, which is fine.
If there's one downside to teeth whitening, it's that it can sometimes make teeth more sensitive. Whitening every week or month might be excessive due to sensitivity. Using sensitivity-reducing toothpaste like Sensodyne can help, and there are other treatments available in the office to reduce sensitivity. We can tailor an appropriate whitening treatment plan for each individual.
Is it possible to whiten teeth at home in just two minutes?
It's not really possible to whiten your teeth in just two minutes. Even with the strongest chemicals used in the office, it takes more than two minutes. Advertisements claiming to whiten teeth in a couple of minutes or with just a whitening toothpaste are misleading. Using whitening toothpaste over a long period might help a little, but not as much as professional whitening.
What are the benefits of using home teeth whitening gels over home remedies like baking soda or hydrogen peroxide?
The big advantage of using professional bleaching kits over home remedies is the strength of the gel or chemical used to whiten your teeth. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide at home won't have the right concentration levels to optimally whiten your teeth. While you can use those at home, for best results, it's better to come into the dental office.
How can I maintain white teeth after at-home whitening?
Maintaining white teeth after bleaching depends on your level of home care and the types of foods you eat. Brushing and flossing appropriately is crucial. Certain foods stain teeth quicker, like wines, berries, soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, and coffee. Avoiding these, especially in the first week or two, and minimizing them will help keep your teeth whiter.
Are there specific steps to follow when using at-home teeth whitening kits?
There are important steps to follow when using at-home whitening kits. It's good to brush and floss before whitening. Use a small amount of gel, about a grain of rice to a pea-sized amount, in each tooth well, concentrating on the front side. I don't recommend whitening all the way to your molars as they are not usually visible when smiling. Focus on the front eight to ten teeth. You don't need to apply gel on the back side of the teeth, only the visible side.
What about crowns and veneers?
It's important to know that artificial materials like crowns, veneers, fillings, and dentures won't whiten with whitening products. If you plan to whiten and have dental work to do, whiten your teeth first if the dental work will be visible. Teeth can change color, but these restorations will not. Ideally, you want to whiten your teeth to your desired shade before completing dental restorations so they can be matched to your teeth.
Are there any risks associated with using homemade teeth whitening solutions?
The primary risk of at-home whitening solutions is sensitivity. Each dental whitening system varies, and some may cause more sensitivity than others. Sensitivity is the main concern, but whitening doesn't damage enamel. It can be irritating to the gums, which is why custom-made trays help prevent gum irritation from the bleaching agent.
Can at-home teeth whitening kits damage enamel if overused?
Studies show that bleaching does not damage enamel. It can help eliminate extrinsic and intrinsic stains without harming the enamel.
If you have any further questions or are interested in whitening your teeth, please call us at (480) 888-8123, or schedule below! Our staff would love to talk with you.