How Do Teeth Whitening Work? (2024)

Teeth whitening services work by applying a special bleaching solution to the surface of your teeth. The bleaching solution is held in place by custom-made trays. These trays are made using an impression of your teeth and are fabricated to fit your teeth perfectly. This allows the enamel to be whitened completely.

In-office teeth whitening

In-office teeth whitening is a great option if you want to have the brightest smile possible. Zoom teeth whitening near me uses an in-office gel and LED lights to whiten your teeth in under an hour. The procedure is safe and will improve the color of your teeth up to eight shades.

Unlike take-home teeth-whitening kits, in-office teeth-whitening takes less than an hour to complete. The dentist will first prepare the treatment area, covering the gums and lips, then apply a hydrogen-peroxide gel to the teeth. This hydrogen peroxide gel releases oxygen molecules that will penetrate the stains on the tooth enamel. After the whitening treatment, a fluoride gel is applied to help reduce sensitivity. The results vary from patient to patient, and the type of stain in the tooth's enamel can also affect the outcome.

Take-home whitening

Teeth whitening services are a great way to give yourself a bright and beautiful smile. These services can help remove years of stains. These stains can come from coffee, tea, tobacco, and wine. Whitening treatments can also improve chipped or uneven edges. These services are both inexpensive and safe.

Take-home whitening is a great alternative to in-office whitening. Patients can enjoy brighter, whiter teeth in just a few weeks. To get the results you want, you need to wear bleaching trays at home for a minimum of two weeks. These trays are custom-made to fit your mouth and teeth and last between two and six hours per day. During treatment, you may experience some sensitivity in the teeth, but the discomfort will fade over time.

Laser teeth whitening

Laser teeth whitening is a safe procedure, but some patients may experience minor discomfort after the procedure. The most common side effects are tooth sensitivity and minor gum irritation. Patients should avoid eating or drinking acidic or dark foods after the procedure. They should also avoid smoking for 72 hours after the procedure. After the procedure, the teeth are more visible, but the results are temporary. The best way to maintain the white teeth you receive is to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings.

Laser teeth whitening services involve the use of a specialized laser to activate a gel that is applied to the teeth. The gel contains peroxide, which can cause sensitivity and irritation in sensitive oral tissues. The laser helps the gel work faster by focusing on specific stains. The laser also helps ensure a uniform whitening procedure. This treatment is more expensive than other whitening services.

Pre-existing stains can be removed

The process of teeth whitening can help you remove a number of stains, including those that are already present. Intrinsic stains are those that are built into the dentin, the layer underneath the enamel. These stains are more difficult to remove and often contribute to sensitivity. If you have these stains, you should consult with your dentist about teeth whitening treatments.

In order for teeth whitening to be effective, your dentist must first determine what causes the stains, whether they can be removed, and how to treat them. He or she must also check for oral health problems. Lastly, they must counsel you on the best way to improve your aesthetics.

Treatments available in a dentist's office

In-office teeth whitening is an option for people who wish to whiten their teeth to make them more attractive. Teeth whitening treatments are usually performed in one or two visits and take about an hour. During the treatment, the patient sits in a dental chair while a dentist uses a special apparatus to activate hydrogen peroxide. This chemical breaks down the molecules that stain the teeth.

A dentist's office teeth whitening treatment is effective for patients with severely stained teeth. The dentist uses a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide to penetrate the tooth's enamel layer. The results are visible almost immediately. Afterward, patients can enjoy whiter teeth for up to five years. In addition, some dentists also use lasers to speed up the whitening process.

How Do Teeth Whitening Work? (2024)

FAQs

How Do Teeth Whitening Work? ›

Some whitening products aim to actually remove extrinsic stains from your teeth, while others simply bleach intrinsic and extrinsic stains so that they appear lighter in color. Many over-the-counter (OTC) and in-office treatment options use hydrogen peroxide to break down and minimize stains on your teeth.

How does a whitener work? ›

Some whitening products aim to actually remove extrinsic stains from your teeth, while others simply bleach intrinsic and extrinsic stains so that they appear lighter in color. Many over-the-counter (OTC) and in-office treatment options use hydrogen peroxide to break down and minimize stains on your teeth.

What teeth whitening method actually works? ›

Option #1: In-Office Laser Whitening

This is one of the popular teeth whitening methods that some people believe is the most effective way to get a brighter smile. Using lasers and peroxide-based whitening agents in a professional setting, this teeth whitening method provides dramatic, lasting results.

How does teeth whitening actually work? ›

Whitening toothpastes work by removing surface stains on teeth, not the ones under the surface deep inside the structure. They do this by being more abrasive than other toothpastes, which is why your dentist may discourage you from using whitening toothpastes if you have complained of tooth sensitivity.

What is the process of teeth whitening? ›

First the dental team will put a rubber shield or a gel on your gums to protect them. They will then apply the whitening product to your teeth, using a specially made tray which fits into your mouth like a mouthguard. The 'active ingredient' in the product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.

What happens to teeth after whitening? ›

If teeth are overexposed to the hydrogen peroxide agent in whitening gel, the outer layers of enamel may begin to wear away, exposing the dentin and soft inner tissues. This results in lasting sensitivity and discoloration, as dentin is a naturally darker color than enamel.

How can I whiten my teeth in 2 minutes? ›

Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.

Does teeth whitening actually remove stains? ›

Teeth whitening removes most stains, depending on the type of stain and whitening process you use. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, most adults believe whiter, brighter teeth is the best way to improve their smile. Teeth whitening is a simple solution to brightening teeth.

How can I whiten my yellow teeth naturally? ›

Experiment to find a solution that works for you.
  1. Brushing your teeth. ...
  2. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. ...
  3. Coconut oil pulling. ...
  4. Apple cider vinegar. ...
  5. Lemon, orange, or banana peels. ...
  6. Activated charcoal. ...
  7. Eating fruits and vegetables with a higher water content.

Is Hi smile safe? ›

The ingredients in Hismile toothpaste are carefully selected to prioritize teeth whitening while maintaining oral health. The formula contains enamel-safe ingredients, natural flavors, and whitening agents. It provides effective results without causing sensitivity or damage to the teeth and gums.

Do whitened teeth look fake? ›

But the good news is, even if you do achieve a significantly lighter shade, it won't look fake as long as your teeth themselves aren't fake. "When whitening natural teeth, in my opinion, they will always look natural no matter how white they get," Dr. Shafee says.

Do you brush your teeth after whitening? ›

As for whether you should brush your teeth after using whitening strips, there is no definitive answer. While some experts recommend brushing immediately after removing the strips to ensure all residue is removed, others advise waiting for 30 minutes to allow the enamel to rehydrate and minimize potential abrasion.

What is the fastest way to whiten your teeth? ›

Zoom-in-office whitening is the best teeth whitening system out there. It is fast (takes about an hour) and you get great results. This is the one you have probably seen before where the patients are under that blue light and it turns your teeth up to four shades of whiter.

Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them everyday? ›

Poor Brushing Habits

You should brush your teeth at least twice daily for 2 minutes for good oral hygiene. You may already be doing this, but your brushing technique may leave room for plaque build-up, which leaves a yellow stain.

Should you brush your teeth after using whitener? ›

It's safe to brush your teeth after applying whitening strips. Just be sure to do it gently to avoid irritating your gums. Another option is to brush your teeth before using whitening strips. This is ideal for removing plaque, which can get stuck beneath the strips.

What is the disadvantages of whitener? ›

Misuse of whitening products can damage different parts of your oral cavity, using too many abrasive products may thin the enamel of the teeth which will make them more prone to damage and decay.

How long do you keep a teeth whitener in your mouth? ›

Place a small amount of teeth whitening gel into the tray(s). Place the whitening tray(s) in your mouth carefully, making sure that it is seated all the way. Remove any excess gel from the gum tissue with your finger or dry toothbrush. Keep the tray in your mouth for 30-60 minutes.

Is Whitener the same as bleach? ›

Chlorine bleach is overall better at removing stains from clothing. Not to mention, it can remove a broader range of stains and tends to be a more potent whitening agent. With that being said, whiteners work better on yellowing and work on certain materials that chlorine bleach may not be able to.

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