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? ›

Teeth whitening can make teeth whiter. The bleaching agent used for teeth whitening is peroxide which, in turn, breaks down the tooth enamel and makes it porous. This exposes the dentine below the enamel, and the bleaching agent penetrates deeper into the tooth's core to rebuild white tooth tissues from the inside out.

How long does it take for teeth whitening to work? ›

If your gums feel irritated or your teeth feel sensitive to cold, back off for a few days and let the sensation subside. With whitening several times a week, you should begin to see a difference after one week and reach your optimum whiteness after two to three weeks, depending on your level of staining.

Is having your teeth whitened painful? ›

With proper care and precaution, patients should not feel pain during teeth whitening procedures. In some cases, tooth sensitivity or gum irritation can occur when the bleaching solution is applied for too long.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

Can yellow teeth be bleached? 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.

How long does tooth whitening last? ›

Teeth whitening isn't permanent. It can last from a few months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person. The whitening effect won't last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee, which can all stain your teeth.

Can dentist whiten teeth in one day? ›

To whiten teeth in one day, an in-office whitening treatment might be the best bet. Just beware of the sensitivity side effects. Harris adds that in-office, same-day systems like Zoom Advanced Power is highly effective for immediate results when dealing with stains caused by internal discoloration.

Do teeth stain more easily after whitening? ›

During the teeth whitening procedure, your tooth enamel is slightly weakened due to the bleach. Beverages and food with high acidic content, such as citrus fruit, pickled food, and processed meats, can further weaken your enamel. This can lead to even more sensitivity and increased risk of re-staining.

What are the cons of teeth whitening? ›

Schedule an appointment with our dentist in Gainesville for more information or a consultation about your specific concerns.
  • Tooth sensitivity. ...
  • Doesn't work on all teeth. ...
  • May exacerbate certain conditions. ...
  • Temporary. ...
  • Don't use if you're pregnant.

Do whitened teeth look fake? ›

This is a common concern, but we can assure you that professional teeth whitening treatment won't make your teeth look unnaturally white. If you've seen people whose teeth look too white to be natural, you're probably seeing their veneers, not their real teeth.

Is it a good idea to get your teeth whitened? ›

In conclusion, teeth whitening has become a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can help boost self-confidence and improve oral health. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with teeth whitening, such as tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and enamel damage.

How can I whiten my teeth in one day at home? ›

10 Ways to Whiten Teeth in a Day and Keep Healthy Gums
  1. Brush with Baking Soda. ...
  2. Use Hydrogen Peroxide. ...
  3. Activated Charcoal. ...
  4. Powdered milk and toothpaste. ...
  5. Coconut Oil Pulling with Baking soda. ...
  6. Essential Oils Whitening Toothpaste. ...
  7. Turmeric Whitening Toothpaste. ...
  8. Baking Soda and Strawberry Paste.
Mar 27, 2019

Will brushing my teeth 3 times a day make them whiter? ›

Brushing your teeth is meant to remove harmful bacteria and plaque but not to whiten them. As recommended by your dentist, brushing twice a day is vital because it prevents cavities and tooth decay. Brushing alone will not whiten your teeth, though, and even whitening toothpaste only has a minimal effect on your teeth.

What home remedy whitens your teeth? ›

Rub banana, orange, or lemon peels:

To perform this “trick,” take a banana, orange, or lemon peel and gently rub it on your teeth. Keep rubbing it for about 2 minutes, then thoroughly wash your mouth and brush your teeth. The peels of these fruits contain citric acid, which theoretically helps in teeth whitening.

How do people get their teeth so white? ›

Follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss at least once daily to remove plaque, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day to kill bacteria that cause plaque. Use a whitening toothpaste (once or twice a week only) to remove surface stains and prevent yellowing.

Does baking soda whiten teeth? ›

Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.

How often do dentists whiten teeth? ›

In-office teeth whitening treatment offers a way for you to brighten your smile safely. Dentists recommend getting whitening treatment once a year or so for most patients to keep their smiles looking aesthetically pleasing. Whitening teeth too often could cause certain oral health concerns, such as worn-down enamel.

How long does it take yellow teeth to turn white? ›

The UV light is said to activate the peroxide and expedite the whitening process. If you use this every day, you can see results within 10-14 days. Whitening toothpaste contains enzymes that eliminate stains while brushing your teeth. If you do this twice a day, results can range anywhere from two to six weeks.

Do teeth get whiter days after whitening? ›

Some people respond very well and teeth can get up to 3-4 shades lighter after just 5-7days of bleaching or up to 5 shades whiter with one ZOOM in office treatment. Others may not notice as much change. Your teeth will continue to lighten for a couple of days even after you stop a whitening session.

How many sessions does it take to whiten your teeth? ›

When choosing in-office teeth whitening, patients often only require one visit annually (at most) to maintain consistently white teeth. Depending on the patient's objectives and the intensity of the stains, the dentist may use multiple applications of the bleaching solution during each session.

How long does it take to see results with teeth whitening gel? ›

Generally, you'll start to see noticeable results in around 10-14 days. It's a good idea to check back in with your dentist around that time anyway. Your dentist will first fabricate the whitening trays to fit you comfortably. You'll take home the whitening trays and apply a small amount of whitening gel inside.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kareem Mueller DO

Last Updated:

Views: 5631

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kareem Mueller DO

Birthday: 1997-01-04

Address: Apt. 156 12935 Runolfsdottir Mission, Greenfort, MN 74384-6749

Phone: +16704982844747

Job: Corporate Administration Planner

Hobby: Mountain biking, Jewelry making, Stone skipping, Lacemaking, Knife making, Scrapbooking, Letterboxing

Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.