Does professional teeth whitening really work? We explained the process of teeth whitening and if it really does work on your teeth.
Are you whitening your teeth in a photo editor every time you get your picture taken?
If so, then professional teeth whitening might be the answer for you.
But does it work?
It may take more time with one product than another, and the results can vary depending on how it’s applied.
Let’s take a closer look at the process behind teeth whitening and whether it’s an effective solution to brighten your smile.
The Active Ingredient in Common
Regardless of the teeth whitening product you choose, you’ll probably notice that peroxide is listed as the active ingredient.
As peroxide is a bleaching agent, applying it to enamel is going to start lightening the color.
The difference when it comes to peroxide is what form it’s in. There’s carbamide peroxide that your mouth breaks down into hydrogen peroxide, or the label might specify it’s already in the latter form.
Then there’s how much peroxide is in the product.
Typically this can range from 10 percent to 40 percent or more — the higher the number, the fewer applications to notice a difference. If it’s carbamide peroxide, then the percentage listed will end up being less than the concentration as hydrogen peroxide.
The bleaching gel is designed to seep through pores in the enamel to reach the dentin of the tooth, loosening the stain molecules. Because the enamel is translucent, it’s the dentin that makes the difference.
Application Effectiveness
Next, you need to consider how to apply the solution for safety and effectiveness.
Generally, the product will list detailed instructions on how to apply the gel properly using teeth-whitening trays.
In the case of a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide (25 to 40 percent), it’s recommended that you find a dentist to perform it because they will take the proper precautions to protect your gums.
A dentist might also use a light-activated technique that is thought to speed up the bleaching process.
Guaranteed Results?
There are many factors when it comes to how white you can expect your teeth to get.
Some people have lifestyle and diet factors, such as drinking wine and coffee or smoking, that limit how brilliant the teeth become. Yellowing can even be caused by certain medications.
The rule of thumb is that if the food can stain your clothing, chances are it will stain your teeth, too.
Age and genetics can play a role in tooth color as well.
People also have a natural color tint of the dentin that can make them appear naturally yellow or even gray. So while the whitening process can reduce stains, there’s no guarantee you’ll have movie-star-like teeth as you’d see in a magazine (which are oftentimes edited.)
Smile For Professional Teeth Whitening
Having a dentist for professional teeth whitening can mean having some advantages.
Namely, it can reduce the chance of gum irritation in high peroxide concentrations, and it can also dramatically speed up the results from some take-home kits.
Whatever option you choose, make sure you have realistic expectations and follow all the directions!
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