A simple guide to understanding the world of teeth whitening.
At Blairmore Dental Centre we are constantly focused on delivering high quality patient care. Often, we have patients asking about teeth whitening. We decided to make a simple guide to help you make more informed decisions surrounding teeth whitening.
What is whitening?
Whitening is done by removing the surface stains and outer layer of enamel. This can be done using two different methods: Mechanically or Chemically.
Fun Fact: Did you know natural teeth can be whitened? However, any fillings, crowns, veneers and implants won’t whiten, in fact they will stay the same shade. If you want to whiten these specific teeth you would require replacement in order to change the colour.
The mechanical method
The process of mechanical whitening uses an abrasive to physically rub off the surface or polish the outer enamel layer. If you take a look at a whitening toothpaste, feel it with your fingers, you can feel the grit in the toothpaste that acts like sandpaper on your teeth. This technique can be harmful to your gums and surrounding tissues, as the abrasives will wear away the gums causing irreversible gingival recession. In extreme cases this type of whitening can also cause exposure of the roots of the teeth.
Take extra caution when using this method. Always ensure that you are being mindful of the surrounding structures when using mechanical whitening products.
The chemical method
The chemical method is traditionally what people think of when they hear the term ‘whitening’ or ‘bleaching’ (think Crest White Strips). This type of whitening technique uses a chemical to remove a small layer of stained enamel from the outer surface of the teeth. There are a variety of different whitening agents (e.g. hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide) which will produce varying degrees of results. Typically take home whitening kits will have concentrations of between 10-15% hydrogen peroxide. In office whitening can use concentrations as high as 40%. While these products have been shown to be safe when used appropriately, bleaching may result in tooth sensitivity (to temperatures or biting) or damage to the soft tissues in the short term.
The effects of long term usage of teeth bleaching is not well studied. Whitening of your teeth should only be done intermittently, not continuously. The more that you use these products, the higher the concentration, and the longer you leave them on will have a direct result in the amount of enamel being removed.
Whitening should only be done under the care of a dentist. Talk to your dentist about which system might be best for you to use!
Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash
What do we recommend for at-home whitening?
Whitening Strips
If you are considering using whitening products and this is your first time, we suggest starting with over the counter products such as Crest White Strips or some other variant. Try to use them once a week to start and stick to the recommended time for leaving them on. Doing it too often or leaving them on for too long will increase your chances of getting heightened sensitivity. The downside to this type of product is that they are a low strength concentration, not as comfortable, and need to be thrown out after every use. Over the counter whitening strips are the most economical options for whitening.
Generic Whitening Trays
If you are looking to try something a bit stronger, or don’t like the feeling of over the counter strips, a next step would be to try a generic whitening tray system like Opalescence GO trays. This system is available in stronger than over the counter strips, and more comfortable. With these kits you have trays that you insert (top and bottom), and then remove to leave a soft whitening tray in your mouth that will help whiten teeth. Every time you whiten, the trays are thrown out. In most cases there are 10 tray sets per kit. This would be a mid-ranged price option. Opalescence GO trays are now available at Blairmore Dental Centre!
Custom Fit Whitening Trays
Another form of whitening would be a custom fit whitening tray system. With this option your dental team would take impressions of your top and bottom teeth, make models and then custom trays that best fit your mouth. A whitening gel is then placed in the trays and placed over your teeth for a set amount of time. Different types and strengths of whitening gels are available. When you’re done, the trays come out and are cleaned. The trays are completely re-usable, so the only consumable is the whitening gel, which can be purchased separately. This would be the most expensive option for whitening solutions.
Exceptions and in-office whitening
If a single natural tooth looks very dark in colour, it is often the result of a tooth being dead, or having had a previous root canal treatment. As the natural nerve of the tooth is no longer alive or existent, the transparent nature of the tooth causes it to appear dark over time. In a situation like this, there are two options:
The tooth may have a crown or veneer placed to restore the full strength of the tooth. It can be colour matched to the rest of the teeth.
The root canal treated tooth can be opened from the back, and a bleaching agent placed inside the tooth. This is left for several days, or until the desired share is achieved. At that point the agent is removed, cleaned, and a filling is placed back in the tooth to seal it up.
There are also in-office whitening gels that can rapidly whiten teeth. These products are only available and should only be used by trained professionals. In these cases, a gel-like protective substance is placed over your gums and cured. Then a two-part whitening system is mixed and applied on to the desired teeth. The whitening gel is left for approximately 20 minutes and then everything is removed. This process is meant to be repeated 2-3 times depending on the desired outcome. While this process is fast, in most cases it is likely to cause some sensitivity, and much care needs to be taken during the process.
If you’d like to learn more about teeth whitening, Dr Hamilton and the staff at Blairmore Dental Centre are always happy to talk. Please contact us at Blairmore Dental Centre at 306-931-0000