Whitening is a cosmetic treatment that brightens teeth for a healthier-looking smile. It removes tooth staining caused by coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and other foods and drinks. It also enhances the appearance of crowns, veneers, bridges, and dental implants.
To get the best results, look for kits with a mouthpiece that can be customized to fit your mouth. For a few days after whitening, avoid eating and drinking deeply colored foods and drinks. Contact Teeth Whitening Las Vegas now!
- Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is one of the most common and affordable whitening treatments. It is often recommended in combination with baking soda to create a teeth-whitening paste that can be brushed over the teeth for a few minutes. However, hydrogen peroxide is a powerful bleaching agent that can damage teeth enamel when used at high concentrations and for prolonged periods of time. It is, therefore, important to follow directions carefully and consult a dentist for safe, effective whitening techniques.
Hydrogen peroxide works as a bleaching agent by releasing oxygen molecules that penetrate the porous surface of the tooth and break apart stain compounds, thus removing their color. In addition, it also has antimicrobial properties that can help to reduce plaque and gingivitis. It is commonly used in both professional and over-the-counter whitening products.
It is important to note that hydrogen peroxide can cause sensitivity in the mouth if used at a high concentration or for a prolonged period, as well as if it comes into contact with the gums. These side effects can be avoided by diluting the solution with water or using it for short, infrequent applications.
The oxidation of water molecules that occurs when hydrogen peroxide reacts with organic material (such as food) produces a variety of reactive compounds, including phenols and carboxylic acids. These compounds can discolor the tooth’s enamel and attack its structure, leading to the formation of cavities.
While some whitening products may contain hydrogen peroxide in the form of a solution, it is most often present as an ingredient in other products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes. These solutions can contain up to 35% hydrogen peroxide.
In addition, many DIY hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening methods are available on the internet. These include mixing equal parts hydrogen peroxide with water and swishing it around the mouth for a few minutes, or creating a paste by stirring in baking soda. The resulting paste can be applied to the teeth with a toothbrush and left for a few minutes before being rinsed off. It is a good idea to brush the teeth with fluoride toothpaste after the treatment, as this will help to protect the enamel and minimize sensitivity.
- Carbamide Peroxide
Carbamide Peroxide (or urea hydrogen peroxide) is the most common bleaching agent found in whitening toothpastes and over-the-counter whitening gels. It is also used in a few professionally applied whitening treatments. It is a compound of hydrogen peroxide bound to urea, a compound naturally found in the body. When carbamide peroxide is exposed to the air, it breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen, creating powerful free radicals that can penetrate the tooth enamel and break down the molecules of discoloration.
It is believed that the free radicals created by carbamide peroxide are able to oxidize chromogens (the compounds that give teeth their color) by breaking down their chemical bonds, thus reducing their intensity and saturation. In turn, this can lighten the appearance of a tooth and make it appear brighter. The whitening effects of carbamide peroxide are similar to those of hydrogen peroxide, but its slower release reduces the risk of gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.
In addition to being safer, a lower concentration of carbamide peroxide is more effective than higher levels. Studies have shown that a 10% solution produces the same whitening results as 16% hydrogen peroxide, but with less sensitivity. This is because the carbamide peroxide decomposes into hydrogen peroxide at a much slower rate.
When using over-the-counter whitening products, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Most whitening gels require a twice-daily application of the product for 14 days to achieve a lighter shade of teeth. It is also recommended that patients avoid acidic foods and drinks while undergoing a whitening treatment, as this can increase the likelihood of developing enamel damage from the bleaching agent.
There are several alternative methods of teeth whitening, such as whitening rinses and whitening strips that do not utilize a bleaching agent, which may provide similarly effective results with minimal risk. These options should be discussed with a dental professional, who can recommend the best option based on your individual needs. It is also important to disclose any health conditions or medications you are taking before undergoing any teeth whitening treatment.
- Hydrogen Peroxide + Light
In the United States, toothpaste and mouthwashes that contain hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth are freely sold over-the-counter for at-home use and are also dispensed by dentists in their offices. In-office whitening procedures usually involve higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to produce more rapid and dramatic results.
Hydrogen peroxide whitening products either dissolve stains and chemical compounds or bleach the molecules that give teeth their color. Bleaching agents are typically added to a tooth-whitening gel, which may be applied directly to the teeth or inserted into plastic trays that fit over them. These trays or “mouthguards” must be worn at all times during the treatment, except for when you are eating and drinking. Bleaching gels can leave a strong odor, but this is often offset by the presence of a minty flavoring.
Some teeth whitening treatments are combined with blue light to accelerate the process. A mouthguard-style tray is placed in the mouth, and a battery-powered blue light is turned on to activate the whitening gel. This whitening method is fairly gentle, and does not require any anesthetics or harsh abrasive substances that scrub away stains and can damage enamel and make teeth more sensitive.
This combination of a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide and a blue light appears to be an effective whitening technique in vitro. It was shown to increase the percentage of the whitest possible shade of enamel after bleaching by about 25%, compared to a control group that did not use the light. The authors of this study suggest that the increased effectiveness is due to a reduced alteration of the surface of the enamel and the fact that the light activates the bleaching agent for a shorter time than without it.
A more recent study by Torres et al.29 indicated that the use of a blue light in addition to the traditional 35% hydrogen peroxide gel improves the results of in-office whitening. However, the authors note that the effect of blue light is not as significant as the effect of increasing the contact time with the whitening agent.
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Most teeth whitening methods are based on a bleaching agent, which can be either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Both can cause tooth sensitivity, but it’s more likely to happen when hydrogen peroxide is used (as in professional teeth whitening treatments at the dentist’s office). Carbamide peroxide is less likely to cause sensitivity, so it’s often a safer choice for at-home teeth whitening kits.
When the peroxide in a teeth whitening gel touches the bacteria on your gums or in your mouth, it breaks down into water and oxygen. The oxygen bubbles open the pores in your teeth, allowing the hydrogen peroxide to lift the stains away from the surface of your smile. Professional teeth whitening treatments with peroxide are usually done at the dentist’s office, where a specialized teeth whitening machine can accelerate the rate of the peroxide’s activation and help you see whiter, brighter, more beautiful teeth.
Another way to whiten your teeth is to use a product that contains carbamide peroxide, which also breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea when it comes in contact with your mouth. The urea has a similar effect on your teeth as hydrogen peroxide, but it’s safer because it’s less reactive. If you’re interested in teeth whitening with carbamide peroxide, be sure to read the product’s label and follow its directions carefully. Using too much or for longer than recommended can cause severe damage to your teeth.