The main choices for tooth whitening include bleaching in a dentists office, done by a professional dentist, prescription at-home bleaching, and over-the-counter bleaching, which is also done at home. There are also bleaching procedures done at spas, salons, and other non-dental retail establishments. For maintaining tooth whitening, there are also special whitening gums, toothpastes, and mouthwashes.
Before buying over-the-counter bleaching kits, it is a good idea to have teeth checked out by a dentist to learn of any major dental problems that need to be addressed. Tooth and gum problems can be aggravated even by the milder, over-the-counter bleaching methods, and should be taken care of first.
The two methods that produce the most dramatic results in the shortest time are in-office bleaching procedures done by a dentist, and prescription home tooth whitening, which is prescribed by a dentist and performed by the patient at home. Both these methods use high concentrations of bleaching agents – concentrations that are unavailable in over-the-counter kits. Another difference between this type of procedure and over-the-counter kits is that the trays that hold the bleaching agent against the teeth are custom fitted, which ensures that the bleaching agent contacts the maximum tooth surface.
In-office bleaching gels have concentrations of 10% to over 40% carbamide peroxide, and are best for patients whose teeth have been severely stained by years of smoking, and consumption of staining liquids like red wine, coffee, tea, and sodas. In-office bleaching can cost several hundred dollars.
Nonprescription at-home, or over-the-counter bleaching kits contain much lower concentrations of peroxide and can be bought for around $20. However, they, too can achieve visible whitening, and are generally very easy to use. Some over-the-counter tooth whitening kits use trays similar to those a dentist would create in order to hold the bleaching gel in contact with the teeth for a prescribed amount of time.
Other tooth whitening kits have a gel that is brushed onto teeth, while still others have thin plastic strips that are placed onto the teeth for prescribed periods one to two times per day. While these won’t achieve the dramatic effects that office bleaching does, these kits can make a real difference for people whose teeth are lightly to moderately stained from tobacco use, and consumption of coffee, tea, and red wine.
Maintaining a white smile after tooth whitening depends on avoiding things that stain teeth, and maintaining good dental hygiene. Special tooth whitening toothpastes, mouth rinses, and even tooth whitening gum can help maintain a whiter smile longer. However, no bleaching treatment lasts forever, and over time you will lose some of the whiteness you have at the completion of a bleaching treatment cycle.
As long as over-the-counter tooth whitening systems are not used more often than recommended, and as long as general dental health is maintained, over-the-counter tooth whitening can be a great way to improve confidence and have a brighter, more engaging smile.
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