Everyone loves a bright dazzling smile. However, when we consume certain foods and beverages, your teeth may turn yellow or brown, making our once bright smile embarrassing. Drinking coffee, red wine, and berries may lead to teeth staining. Teeth may also stain and lose their brightness due to habits like smoking.   

When you have stained teeth, you may not feel comfortable to smile in front of people. You may always feel like other people are judging you, mainly because people associate stained teeth with poor oral health.  You may withdraw from social occasions or instances that may expose your teeth. You should not allow stained teeth to prevent you from enjoying life.  Effective teeth whitening procedures are available to help restore the beauty and the glamor of your teeth. Please contact us at Ganji Dental in Hawthorne to discuss the available teeth whitening options for you.

Teeth Whitening Procedures

Dentists may use several procedures to remove stains from the teeth and restore your bright smile. Some of the leading teeth whitening systems and products include whitening toothpaste, strips, rinses, whitening toothpaste, and over-the-counter whitening products. This cosmetic dental procedure is ideal for individuals who have healthy teeth and gums. The system may not be suitable for everyone. It is essential to undergo a dental examination if you are considering whitening your teeth.  How effective are teeth whitening methods?  

Whitening Toothpaste 

Numerous types of toothpaste are available in the market. Most toothpaste comprises mild abrasives that may help to remove slight stains from the surface of the teeth. Toothpaste with chemical and gentle polishing agents may provide more advanced stain removal. However, the toothpaste has a limitation because they can only remove stains on the surface of the tooth and do not contain bleach and other whitening components. 

Professional teeth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide as well as carbamide peroxide. These components help to brighten the deep color within the tooth. Toothpaste may only be effective if your teeth are slightly stained. With advanced staining, you should seek professional whitening services for better results. 

Whitening Strips and Gels

Over-the-counter teeth whitening gels comprise clear gels with hydrogen peroxide as the main component. You can apply the gel to the surface of your tooth using a small brush. The instructions for applying the gel may vary, mainly depending on the strength of the gel. Most packaging for the whitening gels will contain the application procedure. After applying the gel on your teeth, the results will show after several days. The results may last for around four months; after that, you would have to re-apply the gel again.  

On the other hand, whitening strips comprise thin, almost invisible strips with a coating of hydrogen peroxide gel. The strips come with the application instructions on the label. Just like in the case of whitening gels, you will see the results of whitening strips several days after application. The teeth whitening results will also last for four months before prompting another whitening strip application. 

Teeth Whitening Rinses

Teeth whitening rinses are among the newest forms of teeth whitening procedures.  The rinses operate almost the same as mouthwashes by helping to freshen your mouth and reduce gum disease and plaque. However, the rinses contain some additional products like hydrogen peroxide, which have teeth whitening components.  You may not see the results of whitening rinses immediately; it may take up to twelve weeks before you see the results.  

Just like in the case of mouthwash, you swish the rinse in your mouth for sixty seconds, two times per day before you brush your teeth.  However, many people point out that since the rinse will only come into contact with the teeth for a short while, they are not as effective in whitening teeth.  Other whitening procedures like whitening gel and whitening strips interact with the teeth more.

Whiteners on Mouth Guard-like Trays

You may also purchase the tray-based whitening systems from your local store or obtain the system from your dentist. This teeth whitening procedure entails filling a mouthguard-like tray with a gel-like solution. This solution contains a hydrogen-peroxide bleaching agent. You would have to wear them for a particular duration every day, preferably during the night. It is recommended to perform the routine procedure for up to four weeks or even longer if you are comfortable.  How long you undertake the tray-based whitening procedure will depend on your desired teeth whitening results and the level of discoloration of your teeth.  

Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening

This teeth whitening procedure entails visiting the dentist's office in person to seek teeth whitening procedures. This method will provide the most effective and the fastest means of whitening your teeth. During the procedure, the dentist will apply a teeth whitening product or a combination of several products on your teeth. 

The dentist uses the whitening components alongside a special light, heat, or laser. The whitening procedure may take between thirty minutes and one hour to complete. After the completion of the procedure, you will see the results immediately. 

If you want a dramatic transformation of your teeth and you are interested in getting the brightest smile possible, you may consider making several dental appointments. This teeth whitening procedure may be more expensive than other teeth whitening procedures. However, this process has the best results.  

Professional Teeth Whitening and Do-it-Yourself Whitening

Many people may opt to go for do-it-yourself teeth whitening procedures because they are more affordable. However, there is a big difference between having a professional whiten your teeth or doing it yourself.  Some of the reasons why it is advisable to undergo professional teeth whitening include:

Effectiveness

Professional teeth whitening is more effective because a dentist uses better whitening products. Over-the-counter products contain mild bleaching agents. Most over-the-counter products contain between 10% and 22% carbamide peroxide content. This is equivalent to around 3% of hydrogen peroxide.  These products have a little strength of bleaching agents.

Dentists normally use stronger and more effective whitening products with hydrogen peroxide levels ranging between 15% and 43%. The dentists also apply the hydrogen peroxide professionally, leading to more effectiveness.  Therefore, you are likely to get better results by seeking professional whitening.  

You may go for the dentist-supervised whitening procedures, which you can undertake from the comfort of your home.  Your dentist may make a mouthpiece tray using the impression of your teeth. The dentist customizes the tray to fit the exact size of your teeth. You apply the whitening gel on the mouthpiece and place the mouthpiece on the teeth. The perfect size of the tray will enhance maximum contact between the whitening gel and the teeth. The design of the tray will minimize the contact of the whitening gel with your gum tissue.  

You may opt to go for over the counter tray-based whiteners. However, the over the counter trays may not fit well on your teeth. Poorly-fitting trays may irritate your gums or lead to gum tissue damage. When gel seeps into the damaged gum tissues, an infection may occur.  

With professional teeth whitening, you can avoid the many challenges that come with do-it-yourself whitening procedures. 

Safety

It is safer to have a professional doctor conduct the teeth whitening procedure instead of doing it yourself.  Before starting the process, a dentist applies a gel on your gum tissue. The dentist may also slide a rubber shield over your teeth. The rubber shield or the protective gel will help to protect your oral cavities and the gum tissues from the adverse effects of teeth bleaching. 

However, trying to bleach your teeth on your own may do you more harm than good. The over-the-counter whitening products will not come with protective measures.

Dental Examination

Not every person is a good candidate for teeth bleaching. With professional teeth bleaching, a dentist starts by conducting a medical examination and considering your complete medical history.  A dental examination is necessary for determining the appropriate course of action, depending on the extent of staining and the cause of the stains. The dentist will use the most appropriate whitening products for a particular type of staining.   

A dentist is thorough in his/her procedures and may schedule several appointments to ensure that the procedure is effective. A dentist will look out for negative effects like gum irritation. Overall, a dentist ensures that the teeth whitening procedure is safe. However, if you decide to use the over-the-counter whitening procedures, you will be on your own. You will not have someone to look out for you and prevent negative repercussions. 

When is Teeth Whitening not Recommended?

In some instances, teeth whitening is not recommended and may have less appealing results in some circumstances.  If you are a pregnant woman or a lactating mother, teeth whitening is not recommended. Bleaching of the teeth may also not be ideal for children below the age of 16 years. Typically, the nerve of the tooth or the pulp chamber is enlarged in children until this age. Therefore, bleaching may irritate the pulp.  

Teeth bleaching may not be an ideal procedure for you if you have receding gums.  If you have sensitive teeth and gums, the procedure may not be ideal as well. Before using any form of teeth whitening procedure, it is ideal to consult your dentist, especially if you have failing or defective teeth restorations.  

The teeth whitening procedure may not be ideal if you are allergic to whitening products. For instance, you may be allergic to the hydrogen peroxide, which is the primary whitening agent in most teeth whitening products. 

It is not advisable to bleach your teeth if you suffer from gum disease and if you have a worn-out enamel and exposed cavities. You should seek treatment for dental cavities before undergoing the teeth whitening procedure. If the whitening agents penetrate the existing decay and the interior of the tooth, you may experience immense sensitivity.  If the roots of the teeth are exposed, the teeth whitening procedures may not work effectively because the roots have no enamel layer.  

If you conduct teeth whitening and you have dental restorations, it may result in uneven whitening.  Resin composite materials and teeth-colored resins like bonding, bridges, crowns, and dental veneers do not whiten. If you bleach your teeth, the exposed natural teeth will look brighter than the teeth with dental restorations.  

You should undergo teeth bleaching before the placement of the dental restoration. If you already have dental restorations, it would be ideal to consider other procedures like bonding over teeth whitening.  However, it is always good to consult your dentist about the best dental procedure to undertake. 

When you are planning to under teeth whitening, it is important to have realistic expectations. If you expect your teeth to sparkle and be extremely white, you may be disappointed with the results. If you smoke, you should face the fact the results of bleaching may not be excellent, especially if you continue to smoke even during the bleaching period. 

The results of the teeth whitening procedure will depend on the type of stain you have. If you have yellowish teeth, they are likely to respond well to bleaching. If your teeth are brownish-colored, they may not respond so well to bleaching. 

Purple -stained teeth and teeth with a grayish-hue may not respond to bleaching at all.  If the stains on your teeth are due to antibiotic staining, it may be difficult to get rid of the stains. With hard-to-remove stains, it may require many months of professional and home treatments to whiten the teeth.

If teeth whitening does not work on your teeth, you do not have to give up. You may consider other effective ways of dealing with stained teeth, including dental crowns, dental veneers, and bonding.

How Long do Effects of Teeth Whitening Last?

The results of teeth whitening are not permanent. If you undergo teeth whitening, then you expose your teeth to certain foods and beverages, your teeth will stain again.  In as little as one month, the brightness of the teeth may start to fade if you fail to take care of them.

If you take good care of your teeth by observing dental hygiene, you may be able to sustain the results of teeth whitening for up to one year.  After one year, you may need to repeat the teeth whitening procedure or to go for a touch-up. 

The results of teeth whitening will vary from one person to the other depending on the extent of staining and the form of bleaching method employed. 

Side Effects and Risks of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening may cause an increase in the sensitivity of your teeth.  Whitening may also lead to mild irritation of the soft tissues of your mouth, mainly your gums.  You are likely to experience sensitivity on your teeth during the early stages of the teeth bleaching process.   

Tissue irritation is likely to occur if you have a poorly-fitting mouthpiece. You do not have to worry

y about the side effects of teeth bleaching because they are often temporary and will disappear within three days after completion of the teeth whitening process. 

If you experience irritation on the mouth and dum tissues due to wearing a mouthpiece tray, you may consider wearing the tray for a shorter period. For instance, instead of wearing the tray for a whole hour, you may consider wearing the tray for thirty minutes. 

If you are undergoing the teeth whitening process and you start to experience the side effects, you may consider pausing the whitening procedure for several days. You will be able to continue with the procedure when the sensitivity ceases.  

To reduce the effects of teeth bleaching, you may consider using a high fluoride-containing product alongside the teeth bleaching agent.  This product will remineralize and restore your teeth. If you are using a mouthpiece tray, you may apply the fluoride product on the tray and wear it for several minutes. You can undertake this procedure before and after the application of the teeth bleaching agent.  

To reduce the sensitivity of the teeth, you may consider using a toothpaste that is favorable for sensitive teeth.  You may go for a toothpaste rich in potassium nitrate because this will help to soothe the nerve endings of your teeth.  

Choosing the Right Teeth Whitening Products

Some teeth whitening products used by dentists and stocked in the shops have a seal of acceptance from the (ADA) American Dental Association. This is an indication that the product meets the safety guidelines and effectiveness required by the American Dental Association.  Most home-use whitening products and products dispensed by dentists containing 10% carbamide peroxide have this seal. Products containing 35% hydrogen peroxide may also have the seal from ADA.

However, you should not dismiss a teeth whitening product for lacking a dental seal.  Most over-the-counter teeth bleaching products do not have the seal from ADA. However, this does not mean that the products are not ideal. 

It is important to know that certification by the ADA is voluntary, and not all manufacturers seek the certification. You may consult your dentist about the safety of a bleaching agent, but you should not fail to use a product for not appearing on the ADA's list. The FDA does not regulate teeth whiteners because they are not drugs.  

If you are considering buying under the counter mouthpiece trays, go for one that is easy to adjust or customize to fit the shape and the size of your teeth.  Some teeth whitening kits have moldable trays, which are adjustable to some extent.  Going for a whitening kit with a standard mouthpiece may not be ideal. If the mouthpiece fails to fit well, it may lead to gum tissue irritation.  

If you are not sure about the teeth whitening kit to use, you may seek the counsel of your dentist. You may go through online reviews to get honest opinions from people who have used the kits before. 

While wearing a mouthpiece tray, you should be alert and watch for signs of irritation.  For instance, you should remove the mouthpiece if you experience intense tooth sensitivity or a change in the color of your gums. If you suspect that something is wrong, you should remove the mouthpiece and consult your dentist immediately.   

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures in the United States. The popularity of teeth whitening procedures is attributed to the numerous benefits of the procedure. Some of the leading benefits include:

Enhanced Self-Esteem

Whenever you meet people, the first thing they are likely to notice about you is your smile.  If you have stained teeth, you may feel that your smile is not attractive, and this could greatly lower your self-esteem.  Having bright teeth will make you confident to interact with people without wondering about how they perceive your teeth.   

Affordability

Compared to other cosmetic dental procedures, teeth whitening is affordable.  Many cosmetic dental procedures are available to improve your smile. However, most of these procedures are too costly, and average people may not be able to afford them.  If you are unable to afford the in-office teeth whitening, you may go for dentist-prescribed in-home teeth whitening.  Most dental insurance policies do not cover teeth whitening because they consider it a cosmetic procedure.  However, the procedure is affordable, and you can comfortably pay out-of-pocket.  

Non-Invasive

Professional teeth whitening procedures are non-invasive and safe. You do not have to undergo surgery or other complicated dental practices. The process is painless, and you will not require anesthesia while undergoing the procedure. You can go home straight after the teeth whitening procedure and continue with normal life. You do not require time to recover. 

Enhances Oral Health

In the process of whitening your teeth, the dentist performs an oral examination. The dentist will also clean your mouth and look out for problems like dental cavities and tooth decay.  There is more to oral health than brushing your mouth. Regular dental visits are necessary for continued oral health. After undergoing teeth whitening, you may feel motivated to observe dental hygiene to prevent your teeth from re-staining. 

Find an Experienced Cosmetic Dentist Near Me

If you have stained teeth, it is possible to restore the beauty of your smile through teeth whitening procedures. Ganji Dental is committed to giving people a bright smile they have always desired. For teeth whitening services in Hawthorne, contact us at 310-643-8045 and speak to one of our experienced dentists.