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Teeth whitening by its name is misleading because “whitening” products are merely removing stains and restoring the tooth to its natural color. No two people have identical shades of white. In fact, most teeth have an off white or slightly yellowish hue to their coloring. Whatever the natural color of the tooth is will be the end result after all stains have been removed.
The process of whitening teeth works by applying a bleaching agent that penetrates the tooth enamel and oxidizes the colored staining molecules (chromogens) on the tooth intrinsically and extrinsically. With repeated use, stains are lifted and the natural color of the teeth is revealed.
Applications needed vary based on severity of stains, types of stains, active ingredient, and concentration of peroxide. The higher the concentration of peroxide in the gel the fewer the applications needed
The final result will be the stain free natural color of the tooth. Not all teeth are colored equally. The natural color of teeth is that of the dentin which is a hard bone like tissue that is generally yellowish-white.
Most whitening products use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which breaks down into water and oxygen, with the oxygen molecules actively targeting and breaking down stain molecules. Concentrations of both HP and CP vary from 5% to 35%. The higher the concentration the few number of applications needed to remove all stains however both tooth sensitivity and gum irritation will be greater.
Teeth whitening uses active ingredients to open the microscopic pores of the tooth's enamel, allowing stains to be lifted over time. The bleaching process causes temporary tooth dehydration which can constrict the teeth and cause pressure on the nerve. For most its mild but for some it can be more intense. To reduce or prevent tooth sensitivity all together utilize the remedies below.
Shorter whitening sessions - A normal whitening session lasts around 1.5 hours. If you are unsure of your sensitivity level, start with 45 minutes and progress upward
Fewer whitening sessions - Without sensitivity, a person can whiten every day until they reach their desired results. For sensitive teeth, try whitening every other day or every 2 days.
Remineralization Gel - For optimal stain prevention and reduction in sensitivity, use a post-whitening desensitizing gel.
When shopping for your next teeth whitening system know that so long as the whitening agent is fresh and active and can hold to the entire surface of the tooth long enough it will remove all extrinsic stains and some intrinsic stains it comes in contact with after repeated use. With that being said you’re shopping for both fresh whitening gel and a device that will ensure the gel holds to the tooth without interruption.
The most effective form of treatment varies based on the type of tooth stains the individual has.
Occur on the outer surface of the tooth (enamel) and are caused by external factors like food, beverages and tobacco
Treatment: At home whitening systems
Develop within the tooth structure (dentin) and can be caused by genetics, medications, trauma and long term exposure to extrinsic staining factors left un-treated
Treatment:it's a case by case basis. In some instances at home whitening will help but the best route is in-office whitening initially, followed by an at home system for maintenance.
The result of trauma to the tooth, the effect of a medication, or dental work.
Treatment for staining due to trauma or medication - the dentist will need to inject bleach into the tooth.
Treatment for dental work discoloration - dental work is not porous therefore it does not stain. What your seeing is the natural teeth are either free of all stains or stained darker than the dental work.
Tetracycline’s are a group of varying antibiotics used to treat common bacterial infections. If tetracycline is taken by the mother during pregnancy from the second trimester onward or if the child takes tetracycline from birth through age 12 it can cause permanent tooth staining.
Treatment: At home whitening may help but its best to consult with your dentist
The result of consuming too much fluoride while the teeth are still developing. Fluoride has been commonly added to the US water supply and most toothpaste.
