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.

How does teeth whitening actually work? ›

All Teeth Whitening Gels such as Hydrogen or Carbamide peroxide penetrate the teeth and cause a reaction called oxidation, which breaks down the stain compounds and lifts them out of the enamel.

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? ›

What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.

How long do yellow teeth turn white? ›

Ideally, you will use an electric toothbrush to eliminate as much staining as possible. Use teeth whitening toothpaste two times per day and you might notice whiter teeth in as little as half a month's time. However, it could take upwards of a month and a half to produce meaningful results.

Can a 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.

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 worth getting teeth whitened? ›

According to some studies, having whiter teeth can make you appear younger, more attractive, more employable and more successful. Just think of the instant boost of confidence that could bring to your day-to-day life.

How long does teeth whitening last? ›

If you opt for an at-home teeth whitening kit, you can generally expect your results to last for about four to six months with touch-ups as needed. However, if you choose to get your teeth professionally whitened at the dentist's office, your results could last up to a year or even longer with proper care.

What are the zaps after teeth whitening? ›

Zingers are sudden, sharp zaps in a tooth that some people may experience after tooth whitening. They usually last for a few seconds at a time. These can occur during the whitening procedure and may last for a day or two after treatment.

How to make your teeth whiter naturally? ›

Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
  1. Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
  2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
  4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Apply Coconut Oil. ...
  6. Brush Your Tongue. ...
  7. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.

Do crest white strips work? ›

If you want to know the truth, yes, Crest Whitestrips do work. They can make your teeth look whiter because of a gel that is spread along the strip and placed onto the surface of your teeth. This substance contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide and works to penetrate the tooth enamel to remove stains.

How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›

Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.

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.

Do teeth get whiter days after whitening? ›

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 teeth? ›

Even though it may include many administrations of the bleaching solution, most patients need one teeth whitening treatments session. Wearing the whitening pellets lasting up to two weeks may be required for at-home whitening kits.

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.

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