Teeth Whitening: How It Works, Procedures, Treatment Options, and Costs

Having a bright white smile can be a major confidence booster. Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), teeth whitening is both safe and effective in making natural teeth appear brighter and whiter.

There are countless teeth whitening methods to help you achieve a brighter smile. This includes in-office whitening procedures and over-the-counter whitening products. This article will give complete information about Teeth Whitening.

• Approximately 37 million Americans used tooth whiteners in 2020, according to a report.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Interested in teeth whitening? First, you’ll need to understand what teeth whitening entails. Read below to learn about teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening dentistry remains one of the most popular ways to makeover a smile. Teeth whitening is a process that alters the shade of teeth to be brighter. Whitening products are often broken down into two categories, bleaching and non-bleaching. Bleaching products contain peroxides, which help remove both surface stains and deep inner layer stains. Non-bleaching agents typically only contain agents that help remove surface stains only.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

How does teeth whitening work? We can let you in on the secret processes of teeth whitening. Continue reading to learn how teeth whitening works.

Teeth whitening changes the color of teeth through a chemical oxidation process. This is often accomplished by the bleaching agents carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. Different concentrations of these ingredients are used in different whitening products. The efficacy of the whitening can not only depend on the concentration of the bleaching agents, but also on the type of staining present on the tooth.

Procedures Involved in Teeth Whitening Treatment

Teeth whitening treatment can be relatively simple. In this section you will learn all you need to know about the teeth whitening procedure.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office teeth whitening treatment can give you the smile of your dreams. With this method, you will see instant and long-lasting results, as they contain a higher percentage of peroxide.

Consultation

Before beginning any whitening treatment, you should consult with your dental professional. For the health of your teeth, whitening should not be performed until after any dental issues are resolved. After a thorough evaluation of your oral condition, your dental profession will determine if you are a candidate and can establish the best treatment plan for your case.

Preparation

To prepare for your teeth whitening treatment, your dentist will first record the current shade of your teeth. Then, your teeth will be polished to remove any surface debris.

Isolation

Next, your mouth will be isolated using dental materials such as a check retractor and gauze. Isolation is important for keeping your teeth dry and making your teeth more accessible for the whitening product. A barrier may be placed along your gumline to prevent the whitening product from being exposed to the whitening solution.

Application

Once isolated, the whitening solution can be applied to the front surfaces of your teeth. Most whitening solutions contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to bleach the teeth.

Waiting Time

Most whitening treatments require a waiting time to remain on the teeth to take effect. Some products also require light or laser for the bleaching agents to be activated. The waiting time will depend on the manufacturer’s instructions and the desired tooth shade.

Rinsing and Evaluation

After the waiting period is over, your teeth will be rinsed. Your dental professional may recommend applying a fluoride varnish if tooth sensitivity occurs to help ease discomfort. Additional follow-up visits may be scheduled for evaluation or continuous treatment until your desired tooth shade is achieved.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

Another option for whitening your teeth is at-home teeth whitening kits. These kits are provided by your dental professional and involve custom-fit trays for the whitening solution to be placed inside.

Consultation

Initially, a consultation will be performed to determine your eligibility or at-home teeth whitening. Your initial tooth shade will be recorded prior to starting treatment.

Custom Trays (Prescribed)

A great benefit of at-home teeth whitening kits is the use of trays that are made to fit your own teeth. Your dental professional will either take an impression or digitally scan your upper and lower teeth to make the custom trays. Custom trays help ensure the whitening solution is applied directly to the teeth, avoiding damage to other areas of the mouth.

At-Home Use

After the custom trays are fabricated, your dental professional will give you instructions on how to properly apply the solution at home. They will also answer any questions you may have regarding the treatment.

Application

Before applying the bleaching solution, you should brush and floss your teeth to ensure any debris are removed. Then, make sure your teeth and the trays are dry. In general, only a small drop of the whitening solution should be placed on the front side of the trays for each individual tooth. Then, you will insert the whitening trays into your mouth and wipe off any excess solution that escapes.

Duration

Your dental professional will provide you with instructions on the wear time for the whitening trays, as whitening kits can drastically vary. The duration often depends on the type and concentration of bleaching agents within the whitening solutions. For instance, some products require a wear time between 2 to 4 hours once or twice a day, while others may have a limit of 30 minutes. You will also be informed on the duration of days or weeks to use the product.

Results

Once you remove the trays, you will rinse out your mouth and brush and floss away any remaining whitening solution. You should also clean out the whitening trays. Then it’s time to sit back and enjoy your smile!

Teeth Whitening Treatment Options

There are several different teeth whitening treatment types. Some teeth whitening options are supplied by your dental professional, while others can be found in common retail stores. In this section we will dive into the different types of teeth whitening treatment options available.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office teeth whitening offers the safest and most successful way to brighten your smile. Teeth whitening treatment is performed at the dental office by your dental professional. The procedure is done quickly, taking on average only 30 to 60 minutes. You will notice immediate results, which tend to last the longest in comparison to other whitening methods.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits

Teeth whitening kits can be provided either by your dental professional or purchased over-the-counter. The most effective and safe method is to receive the at-home teeth whitening kit from your dental professional. Kits provided by the dentist use a higher concentration of peroxide bleaching agent, which will brighten your teeth faster and more effectively than over-the-counter whitening kits. In addition, your dentist will customize your whitening trays to fit your exact mouth, ensuring a more accurate and safer application of the whitening product.

Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpastes commonly contain small concentrations of peroxide-based whitening agents, which you brush directly onto the surfaces of your teeth using your toothbrush. These products are easily found over-the-counter. If using a whitening toothpaste, it is recommended to ensure that it contains fluoride for the additional cavity-fighting benefits.

Teeth Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening strips can be found at many drug stores. Whitening strips are made of a clear and thin material that is coated with a peroxide bleaching agent. The concentration of peroxide in these products is often very small, which reduces its efficacy. You must also take caution to avoid placing the strips on the gums to lower the risk of gum irritation.

Teeth Whitening Pens

Teeth whitening pens dispense a gel that contains bleaching agents. The whitening pens are applied directly to the surfaces of your teeth and then rinsed off after a specified period of time. It can be easy to brush on, especially in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. These products can be found over-the-counter.

Teeth Whitening Mouthwash

In general, mouthwash adds great benefits to an oral hygiene routine. It can help rinse away food debris and bacteria, freshen breath, and even whiten your teeth if bleaching ingredients are present! Whitening mouthwashes typically contain hydrogen peroxide that target surface stains on your teeth. Look for a whitening mouthwash that contains fluoride, which can help strengthen your tooth enamel.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Products

Over-the-counter whitening products are a popular method to whiten teeth. These products are relatively inexpensive but are not usually as effective as some of the other whitening methods mentioned. The instructions of these products can vary depending on the type of whitening product and the strength of the whitening agents within the product. It is best to inform your dental professional if you decide to use an over-the-counter whitening product.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Want to know is teeth whitening safe? Safety is an important factor to consider when determining if teeth whitening is for you. Learn more here.

Thankfully, the answer is yes! The safest way to whiten your teeth is with your dental professional. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) has also granted many whitening products with their Seal of Acceptance. When buying whitening products, make sure that the product contains this symbol, as it signifies that the product has been tested for safety and efficacy.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

How long does teeth whitening last? We’ll give you the inside scoop on how long you can expect teeth whitening to last. Read about it below.

Sadly, teeth whitening doesn’t last forever. In-office teeth whitening performed by your dental professional is known to last the longest compared to other whitening methods, as the concentration of bleaching agents is typically considerably higher. With the proper management, in-office bleaching can last between 1-3 years on average. On the other hand, at-home whitening treatments often only last between 4 to 6 months.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

How much does teeth whitening cost? Read more below to find out how much teeth whitening costs.

Teeth whitening cost can vary from place to place and based on the whitening procedure you decide to have done. On average, teeth whitening costs for in-office treatment can range from $200 to $1,000. Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes, mouthwashes, LED trays, gels, and strips can range from $2 to $300.

Does Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening?

Does insurance cover teeth whitening? Dental insurance can make dental procedures more affordable. Continue reading to discover if insurance can be used for teeth whitening procedures.

Cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening are not generally covered by dental insurances. In rare cases, insurances may cover teeth whitening when deemed medically necessary. Contact your insurance provider to determine if teeth whitening is a covered benefit.

Teeth Whitening Before and After Transformation

Teeth whitening dentistry can produce remarkable smile outcomes. Checkout the before and after teeth whitening results, they speak for themselves!

Naturally, teeth become stained overtime. Tooth enamel, the outer layer of teeth, thins and becomes more translucent which causes the underlying yellow dentin layer to show through. Not to mention, the consumption of certain foods and drinks, or habits like smoking can lead to tooth discoloration. After teeth whitening, surface and deeper staining can be overshadowed as teeth become considerably lighter in shade.

Exceptional Teeth Whitening Treatment at Great Lakes Family Dental

Great Lakes Family Dental offers exceptional teeth whitening treatment for you and your entire family. If you are looking to whiten your teeth quickly and want great results, the phenomenal dentists and specialists at Great Lakes Family Dental are the ones to contact. Our team will have a consultation with you to evaluate your smile and determine the best treatment for you and your smile goals.

Conclusion

Teeth whitening can add the dazzle to your smile that you’ve been looking for. Teeth whitening can be beneficial in removing surface and deep stains caused by natural aging and common foods and beverages. Your dental professional will determine if you are a candidate for teeth whitening and which whitening technique is best for you. Great Lakes Family Dental offers state-of-the-art whitening treatments that is guaranteed to give you a brighter and happier smile.