A bright, white smile can significantly enhance one’s appearance and confidence. When it comes to teeth whitening, many people turn to dentists for safe and effective solutions. Dentists have a range of tools and techniques at their disposal to help patients achieve a more brilliant smile. In this article, we will explore what dentists use to whiten teeth, the science behind these methods, and their potential benefits and drawbacks.
Professional In – Office Teeth Whitening
In – Office Bleaching Gels
High – Concentration Bleaching Agents
Dentists often use professional – grade teeth whitening gels during in – office procedures. These gels typically contain a higher concentration of bleaching agents compared to over – the – counter products. The most common bleaching agents are hydrogen peroxide and its derivative, carbamide peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide, in particular, is a powerful oxidizing agent. In in – office gels, the hydrogen peroxide concentration can range from 15% to 40%. When applied to the teeth, the hydrogen peroxide penetrates the enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth. Once it reaches the dentin, the layer beneath the enamel, it breaks down into water and oxygen radicals. These oxygen radicals react with the chromogens, the colored molecules that cause tooth discoloration. The reaction oxidizes the chromogens, changing their chemical structure and making them colorless or lighter in color.
Custom – Made Application
To ensure even and effective application of the whitening gel, dentists use custom – made mouth trays. These trays are precisely molded to fit the patient’s teeth. The dentist first takes an impression of the patient’s teeth, and then a dental laboratory creates the custom – made tray. The whitening gel is placed inside the tray, which is then carefully fitted over the teeth. This method ensures that the gel has maximum contact with all tooth surfaces, leading to more uniform whitening. The dentist can also control the amount of gel used, minimizing the risk of excess gel contacting the gums and causing irritation.
Laser – Assisted Teeth Whitening
How Laser Technology Works
Laser – assisted teeth whitening is another option dentists may offer. In this procedure, a special dental laser is used in combination with a teeth whitening gel. The laser emits light energy that activates the bleaching agent in the gel. Different types of lasers can be used, such as a diode laser or a plasma arc laser. The light energy from the laser increases the temperature of the whitening gel slightly. This increase in temperature accelerates the chemical reaction of the bleaching agent. The hydrogen peroxide in the gel breaks down more rapidly into oxygen radicals, which then react with the chromogens in the teeth more quickly. As a result, the whitening process is speeded up, and patients may see more immediate and significant results compared to traditional in – office bleaching without laser assistance.
Benefits and Considerations
One of the main benefits of laser – assisted teeth whitening is its relatively short treatment time. A single session can often produce a noticeable whitening effect, sometimes lightening the teeth by several shades. However, laser – assisted teeth whitening can be more expensive than traditional in – office bleaching. There is also a slightly higher risk of tooth sensitivity immediately after the procedure due to the more intense activation of the bleaching agent. The dentist will usually take steps to minimize sensitivity, such as applying a desensitizing agent before and after the treatment.
LED – Activated Teeth Whitening
LED Light Activation
Similar to laser – assisted teeth whitening, LED – activated teeth whitening uses light energy to enhance the effectiveness of the whitening gel. LEDs (Light – Emitting Diodes) emit a specific wavelength of light that is designed to activate the bleaching agent in the gel. The LED light is less intense than a laser but still provides enough energy to speed up the breakdown of the hydrogen peroxide in the gel into oxygen radicals. This method is often considered a more gentle alternative to laser – assisted whitening.
Treatment Process and Results
During an LED – activated teeth whitening treatment, the dentist first applies the whitening gel to the teeth using a custom – made tray or a brush – on application. Then, the LED light device is placed over the teeth. The light is left on for a specific period, usually around 10 – 20 minutes per session. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired level of whitening. The results of LED – activated teeth whitening are generally very good, with patients typically seeing a significant lightening of their teeth. It is also a relatively cost – effective option compared to laser – assisted whitening, while still offering the advantage of in – office professional supervision.
At – Home Teeth Whitening Options Recommended by Dentists
Custom – Made At – Home Whitening Kits
Components of the Kit
Dentists often provide patients with custom – made at – home whitening kits. These kits typically include a custom – made mouth tray, similar to those used in in – office procedures, and a supply of professional – grade whitening gel. The custom – made tray is made from an impression of the patient’s teeth, ensuring a perfect fit. The whitening gel in these kits usually has a lower concentration of the bleaching agent compared to in – office gels, typically around 10% – 15% hydrogen peroxide or an equivalent amount of carbamide peroxide. This lower concentration makes it safer for home use without the need for constant professional supervision.
Usage Instructions and Results
Patients are given detailed instructions on how to use the kit. They are usually advised to fill the custom – made tray with a small amount of the whitening gel and wear it for a specific period each day, typically 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the product and the dentist’s recommendation. The treatment may need to be repeated daily for 1 – 2 weeks or longer to achieve the desired level of whitening. While the results may not be as immediate as in – office procedures, custom – made at – home whitening kits can still effectively lighten the teeth by several shades. The advantage of this option is its convenience, as patients can whiten their teeth in the comfort of their own homes.
Prescription – Strength Whitening Toothpastes and Gels
Unique Formulations
Dentists may also prescribe special whitening toothpastes and gels for at – home use. These products have a higher concentration of active ingredients compared to over – the – counter whitening toothpastes. For example, prescription – strength whitening toothpastes may contain a higher amount of abrasive agents, such as hydrated silica, which can help to remove surface stains more effectively. Prescription – strength gels may have a slightly higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide or other whitening agents. These products are formulated to be more effective in addressing both extrinsic and some mild intrinsic stains.
Monitoring and Guidance
When prescribing these products, dentists will closely monitor the patient’s progress. They will provide specific instructions on how often to use the toothpaste or gel and for how long. The dentist may also recommend additional oral hygiene measures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. For instance, they may suggest using a desensitizing toothpaste if the patient experiences any tooth sensitivity during the whitening process. Prescription – strength whitening products can be a good option for patients who want a more effective at – home whitening solution but do not require the more intensive in – office treatments.
Other Dental Procedures for Teeth Whitening – Related Concerns
Dental Cleaning for Extrinsic Stain Removal
The Role of Professional Cleaning
Before considering any teeth whitening procedure, dentists often perform a professional dental cleaning. Dental cleaning, also known as scaling and polishing, is crucial for removing extrinsic stains from the teeth. Extrinsic stains are caused by factors such as food, drink, and tobacco use. During a dental cleaning, the dentist or dental hygienist uses special tools, such as ultrasonic scalers and hand – held scalers, to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth daily, and if not removed, it can harden into tartar. Tartar and plaque can trap stains and make the teeth appear yellow or discolored. By thoroughly cleaning the teeth, the dentist can remove these surface – level contaminants, which can enhance the effectiveness of subsequent teeth whitening procedures.
Enhancing Whitening Results
A clean tooth surface allows the whitening gel or other whitening agents to better penetrate the enamel and reach the chromogens. If there is a layer of plaque or tartar on the teeth, the whitening agents may not be able to fully contact the tooth surface, reducing the effectiveness of the whitening treatment. Dental cleaning also helps to improve overall oral health, which is essential for the success of any teeth whitening procedure. After a dental cleaning, patients may notice an immediate improvement in the appearance of their teeth, and the subsequent whitening treatment can then further enhance the whiteness.
Bonding and Veneers for Severe Discoloration
Dental Bonding
In cases where teeth have severe discoloration that cannot be effectively treated with traditional whitening methods, dentists may recommend dental bonding. Dental bonding involves applying a tooth – colored resin material to the surface of the tooth. The resin is carefully shaped and hardened using a special light. The color of the resin can be matched to the patient’s desired tooth color, effectively covering up the discolored areas. Dental bonding is a relatively quick and inexpensive option compared to some other restorative procedures. However, the bonded material may not be as durable as natural tooth enamel and may require periodic touch – ups or replacement over time.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are another option for addressing severe teeth discoloration. Veneers are thin, custom – made shells that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. They can be made from porcelain or composite resin materials. Porcelain veneers are highly aesthetic and can closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth. They are also very durable and resistant to staining. Composite resin veneers are a more cost – effective alternative but may not be as long – lasting or as stain – resistant as porcelain veneers. Veneers can completely transform the appearance of the teeth, covering up even the most severe intrinsic stains, such as those caused by tetracycline use or dental trauma. However, the procedure is more invasive than traditional teeth whitening, as a small amount of the tooth enamel may need to be removed to ensure a proper fit of the veneers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dentists have a wide range of options available to whiten teeth. From in – office procedures using high – concentration bleaching gels, laser – or LED – activated whitening, to at – home options like custom – made whitening kits and prescription – strength products, there is a solution to suit different patient needs and budgets. Additionally, other dental procedures such as dental cleaning, bonding, and veneers can be used in combination with or as an alternative to traditional teeth whitening methods for more complex cases of tooth discoloration. When considering teeth whitening, it is always best to consult a dentist to determine the most appropriate and safe method for achieving a brighter, more confident smile.
Related topics:
What Does the LED Light Do in Teeth Whitening?
Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe for Braces?
Is Carbamide Peroxide Safe for Enamel?
