I’m in a friend’s wedding coming up this summer and want to look my best. But I feel like my dazzling smile isn’t looking so dazzling these days; I guess yellowing teeth is the price I have to pay for my years of drinking antioxidant-rich coffee. I decided to finally check out these whitening products that seem to be increasing in popularity.
The American Dental Association (ADA) explains that there are two main ways to “whiten” your teeth. A product can bleach the teeth, which means it actually changes the natural tooth color. Bleaching products contain peroxide(s) that help remove deep stains. Non-bleaching whitening products contain agents that help remove surface stains only. The ADA recommends that if you choose to use a bleaching product you should only do so after consultation with a dentist.
In-office bleaching:
Your dentist may suggest a procedure called chairside bleaching that can be done right in his or her office. Whitening product is applied directly to the teeth and can be used along with heat, a special light, and/or a laser. Results can be seen after one 30-60-minute treatment but it may require more than one office visit for dramatic results. This is the quickest but most expensive way to whiten teeth.
At home- procedures:
There are many types of products for at-home use which can be purchased either over-the-counter or from your dentist.
- Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips and Gels: Peroxide-based gels are applied directly to the surface of your teeth with a small brush. It is usually applied twice daily for 14 days. Whitening strips are thin, clear strips coated with a peroxide-based gel. You apply the strips twice a day for 30 minutes for 14 days. Results for strips and gels are first noticed in a few days and final results last about 4 months.
- Tray-Based Whiteners: A mouth guard-like tray is filled with a gel whitening solution which contains peroxide. The tray is worn for a period of time, usually from a couple hours a day to every day during the night for up to four weeks or longer.
- Whitening Rinses: Like other mouthwashes, they help reduce plaque and gum disease and freshen breath. But, whitening rinses also contain ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide. It may take 12 weeks to notice results. You swish them in your mouth for 60 seconds twice daily before brushing your teeth. Some say that because it is only in contact with your teeth for 60 seconds, it may not have a great effect on whitening.
- Whitening Toothpastes: Through the action of mild abrasives, all toothpastes help remove surface stains. “Whitening” toothpastes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance have gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, they do not alter the intrinsic color of teeth so they will only lighten your teeth by about on shade.
Choosing a whitening product:
When looking for a whitener or any dental product, it is recommended to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This assures you that they have met ADA standards of safety and effectiveness. The reason over-the-counter bleaching products have not received the ADA Seal is because they believe talking to your dentist is important to ensuring safe and effective use. For more information, check out the ADA’s full statement on safety and effectiveness of tooth whitening products.
Talk to your dentist:
Your dentist can tell you if whitening products would be effective for you. Although yellow-ish hued teeth tend to bleach well, whiteners might not correct all types of discoloration. Tooth-colored fillings and resin composite materials used in dental restorations (veneers, crowns, bonding, bridges) don’t whiten. Uneven whitening will occur if you use a whitening product on teeth that contain restorations.
Who should not undergo teeth whitening?
It is not recommended for some individuals to whiten teeth, including pregnant or lactating women, children under age 16, those with gum disease, and those with some other medical issues. Check with your dentist.
Remember not to go overboard on whitening products unless you want to look like Ross on Friends when he left his whitening treatment on too long! Have you tried any whitening products? What did you find worked for you?
Sources: American Dental Association, WebMD Oral Health Guide