How to Get White Teeth
Popular Methods for Tooth Whitening
In today’s society, a white smile is a symbol of health and beauty and a sign that an individual cares enough to take care of his or her teeth - and likely other areas of his or her life. Getting a better smile is possible through many tooth-whitening treatment options today, from those available in the dental office to those available over the counter or for use at home.
In-Office Whitening Treatment
In-office bleaching can take as little as 30 minutes to an hour during a visit but might require more than one visit, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). The results can include having teeth become five shades lighter, based on research by Doni L. Bird and Debbie S. Robinson, certified dental assistants and the writers of Torres and Ehrlich Modern Dental Assisting.
Two common reasons for getting teeth whitened include having aged teeth or having extrinsic stains from food, tobacco, coffee, colas or tea. In the office, the dentist uses a rubber shield called a dental dam to protect the oral tissues and then applies a higher-concentration whitening agent to the teeth. The dentist also can use a light or laser source to enhance the application.
At-Home Whitening Treatment
An individual will see results in a couple of weeks and can expect to see his or her teeth become six shades lighter after using a whitening product at home under the care of a dentist. To do this at home, the individual should have a dental office make him or her a custom-fitted mouth guard to hold a peroxide-based gel in place.
The carbamide peroxide, which actually bleaches the tooth enamel, comes in different concentrations (10 percent, 16 percent or 22 percent). Some products require use twice a day for two weeks or overnight for one to two weeks. Make sure there’s enough peroxide-based gel available to apply for the suggested length of time.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Options
The three types of over-the-counter tooth-whitening systems available today include brush-on whitening, whitening strips and trays with bleaching gels. Brush-on whitening, which is available in most drug stores, contains peroxide that whitens surface stains. However, saliva can stifle the effectiveness of this method. If it’s not used properly, it can even cause blotches on the teeth.
Thin, flexible whitening strips also can be placed on the front of the teeth and folded onto the back of the teeth. An adhesive hydrogen peroxide whitening gel coats the strips. The third option, a tray with bleaching gel kit, most often includes a tray that is molded to the mouth by first boiling it in water, then cooling it slightly and then placing it in the mouth until it molds to the teeth.
After the tray is fully cooled, peroxide gel is placed in the tray and it goes into the mouth for about 30 minutes. This is a very popular option because the process is affordable and the results are long-lasting. An individual also can use “whitening” toothpastes in the ADA Seal of Acceptance Program, which have special polishing agents that provide additional stain removal. They do not alter the intrinsic color of the teeth as bleaching products do.
Tooth-Whitening Warnings
An individual might experience sensitivity to hot and cold after removing a tooth-whitening tray and material, in which case he or she should use “sensitive teeth” toothpaste. Whitening gel also might ooze onto the gum if the tray isn’t placed or fit properly, thus causing tissue irritation. To prevent this, don’t overfill the tray with material, and remove excess material after placing the tray in the mouth.
It’s also wise to note that tooth-whitening products might not enhance a person’s smile if he or she has had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in his or her front teeth. These materials will only stand out in a newly whitened smile. Also, while yellowish teeth will likely bleach well, grayish teeth might not bleach at all, so it’s best to speak with a dentist before choosing a whitening option.
Sources:
American Dental Association. (Retrieved 16 September 2009). "Tooth Whitening Treatments"
Bird, Doni L. and Robinson, Debbie S. “Tooth Whitening.” Torres and Ehrlich Modern Dental Assisting, Ninth Edition, Elsevier Inc. 2009, pp: 790-793.
Related Reading:
How to Get Back to Basics to Whiten Teeth
How to Become a Dental Assistant
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for diagnosis, care and treatment by a qualified health professional.
Many tooth-whitening options are available today
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