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As a dentist, there is one question I am asked daily, and that is “how can I get my teeth whiter?” It’s become almost like a sport where people want more, and their teeth are never white enough. Naturally, our patients ask for guidance on the best method of teeth whitening and how they can achieve their goal.

With many teeth whitening products on the market – both at-home teeth whitening and professional teeth whitening – it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This blog will provide you with essential information about teeth whitening, including how it works, and various methods to achieve a whiter smile.

How does teeth whitening work?

When we talk about teeth whitening, we’re talking about changing the color of the tooth’s enamel. Enamel is a very porous surface. We all know that things like coffee and red wine can stain your teeth. That is because the tannins and chromogens in these drinks penetrate the surface of the enamel, causing discoloration.

Teeth whitening products aim to reverse this discoloration using a bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide has an oxidation reaction and chemically bonds to the stains within the enamel. This reaction removes the stains to reveal a brighter, whiter smile.

At-home teeth whitening products

Today, there are many at-home teeth whitening products to choose from.

• Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash: While these products can help maintain oral hygiene and prevent future stains, they may not provide significant whitening results.
• Whitening strips: These are thin plastic strips coated with a bleaching agent. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to use at home. The percentage of bleaching agent on the strips is on the lower side, and they are not as form fitting as some of the other options we’ll discuss.

Whitening strips are a great place to start for someone who is looking to whiten their teeth a few shades. However, for them to be effective you must be consistent and apply them correctly. I would recommend using them for 30 minutes several times a week for a few weeks to see results.

Professional teeth-whitening treatments

If whitening strips are an entry-level tooth whitening option, the next level would be professional teeth whitening. There are a few options that we recommend.

1. Custom-made whitening traysYour dentist can create personalized trays that fit your teeth perfectly. You can then use these trays at home with a lower concentration bleaching agent in a gel form. The combination of the custom-fitted tray and gel solution ensures that the bleaching agent is distributed evenly for the best results. Like other at-home teeth whitening products, you must be consistent to see results.The cost of this treatment is roughly the same as a filling.
2. Boost WhiteningFor more stubborn stains, we recommend a treatment called Boost. Boost has been used for more than 20 years and is a one- two- punch of an in-office treatment and at-home trays. The in-office portion of the treatment involves isolating the teeth and applying a strong bleaching agent to the area. This bleaching agent opens the pores of the enamel to remove tough stains. You then continue the treatment at home with custom trays.The cost of this treatment is roughly the same as two filings.
3. Kor WhiteningFor severe stains, such as tetracycline staining, we recommend Kor whitening. Tetracycline staining is a deep stain that affects the enamel and even the dentin of the tooth causing banded streaks or purple teeth. Kor whitening uses a range of whitening solutions over three office visits. There are specific protocols for different staining levels.This method is highly effective and has saved many patients who experience tetracycline staining from needing veneers. It’s also effective for people who have tried other methods and haven’t seen results.The cost of this treatment is roughly the same as one or two veneers.

Teeth whitening expectations

You may be thinking – “what sort of change should I expect from these teeth whitening options?”

• Whitening strips will whiten your teeth one shade.
• Boost whitening will whiten your teeth one shade immediately, and typically three over time.
• Kor whitening will whiten your teeth up to six or seven shades.

Teeth whitening maintenance and tips

With each of these teeth whitening products, the key to achieving a whiter smile is consistency. Whether you are using at-home whitening strips, custom trays or professional whitening treatments, you must follow the protocol to see results. It’s also important to change your habits to reduce staining – particularly while you are whitening. For red wine and coffee drinkers – either avoid those drinks or use a straw. We also recommend using a fluoride toothpaste while whitening to help with sensitivity.

Things to consider before you whiten your teeth

Before you spend the time and money on teeth whitening, there are a few things you should know.

• Whitening will only change the color of your natural teeth. If you have restorative dentistry like crowns or fillings, those will not change.
• Oftentimes, replacing old crowns can help you achieve a whiter smile. Don’t let old crowns hold you back from getting whiter teeth.
• You should wait at least three weeks after you have completed a whitening protocol before doing any restorative dentistry on the front teeth.

Consult with Your Dentist

Interested in getting a whiter, brighter smile? Call our office to schedule a consultation. We’d be happy to assess you and discuss your options. You can schedule an appointment online, or call us at 813-689-4226.