Teeth Whitening

Like it or not, brilliant white teeth are now associated with beauty, wealth, and youth.  That is why so many people are searching for teeth whitening products that are effective (and don't break the bank).

Teeth whitening is the process whereby stains are removed from teeth. It is important to understand how the teeth were stained in order to whiten them. There are two different types of teeth staining commonly seen: internal stains and external stains. External stains are caused by foods, beverages and other items that come in contact with the teeth. The worst offenders are foods and beverages that contain large amounts of pigment, such as cherries, berries, coffee, tea, colas, and red wine. Smoking is another cause of external teeth staining. Over time, these products can cause teeth to yellow significantly.

Many external stains caused by tobacco, foods, and drinks can be removed through a standard dental cleaning. These stains can then be prevented from returning by the use of whitening toothpastes between cleanings. If these external stains are severe enough, bleaching may also be required.

Internal stains are caused when the teeth are damaged, typically during the time enamel is forming. Exposure to certain medications such as tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycline can cause the teeth to become stained. For this reason, these antibiotics should typically not be given to pregnant women or young children. Internal stains can also be caused by consumption of excessive amounts of fluoride during the period of enamel formation. This can not only stain teeth, but under certain circumstances, may also cause surface pitting of the teeth. Another cause of internal staining is when a tooth is damaged, resulting in death of the tooth's nerve, which may cause the tooth to turn black, gray or brown in color. Over time, external stains will also penetrate the enamel and become internal stains.

Not all of your teeth are the same natural color. Usually your eye teeth tend to be darker than the others, your front teeth are typically the whitest, and molars tend to be a shade between the two. The goal for everyone is to achieve their individual optimum whiteness while still looking natural.

What are the benefits of using a teeth whitening product?

Whiter teeth tend to make people look younger (as teeth darken with age), look more affluent, and feel better about themselves and their smile.  Some teeth whitening products help to clean teeth as well.  A good teeth whitening product has the potential to do all this and more.

Teeth whitening has become enormously popular over the last several years.  It seems everyone is now searching for the "perfect" way to whiten their teeth.  Because of this demand, there are now dozens of products and procedures available that all claim to be the "best" at whitening teeth.

Why teeth need whitening

Before we get to specific teeth whitening products and technologies, we wanted to give you a little background on why teeth are or get "off-white".  First of all, everyone has a baseline tooth color that is unique. This is largely due to an individual's genetics.
 
Your baseline tooth color may be very white while mine may be very dark.  Now, due largely to chromogenic agents such as red wine, smoking, tea, coffee, and soda, teeth darken over time.  This is because teeth tend to absorb these agents which causes staining. 
Keep in mind this is not a complete list of things that stain teeth.  Certain antibiotics, excessive swallowing of fluoride, and other factors can also "darken" teeth.

How teeth can be whitened

Basically, there are really only two methods in which teeth can be bleached or whitened.  First, teeth can be bleached, which changes the baseline tooth color for an individual.  Most teeth whitening products or methods utilize some form of peroxide to achieve this end.

Second, teeth can be whitened by physical or chemical action to assist in removing surface stains.  This method will not get a person's teeth any whiter than their baseline color.

Teeth whitening products
procedures currently available

There are at least six different tooth whitening options are now available to most people.  Each of these products/methods has it's advantages and disadvantages.

1. Brush-on Products- these allow you to brush-on a thin layer of peroxide that is generally to be left on overnight
    
2. Teeth Whitening Strips- here a thin strip containing hydrogen peroxide is put on the teeth and left for a certain period of time
    
3. Teeth Whitening Toothpaste- usually contain a polishing or chemical component that gently removes surface stains
    
4. At Home Kits- contains a mouthpiece you form at home.  Then a thin layer of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide gel is applied to the tray.  The tray is then left in the mouth for a certain period of time
    
5. Custom At-Home Kits- same as above except you make an impression of your teeth, send it to a lab, and then they send you back a custom mouthpiece
    
6. Dental Visit- your dentist will either recommend a variation of number 5 above or will use a new laser treatment that works by shining an intense light on a bleaching solution that is applied to your teeth

How peroxide works

Since most of the more effective products and treatments utilize peroxide, we thought a short primer on how it works would be appropriate.

Most teeth whitening products contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.  Peroxide works by lightening the stains that exist on your teeth.  As it is broken down in your mouth, oxygen acts upon the stained deposits in your teeth.  They are then oxidized or "bleached" into a whiter color.  Is it safe?  In a nutshell, yes.  The ADA (American Dental Association) has itself stated the following on its website:
"Accumulated clinical data on neutral ph10 percent carbamide peroxide continue to support both the safety and effectiveness of this kind of tooth whitening agent"

Studies have shown that teeth whitening does not change a person's tooth enamel.  The safety of most teeth whitening methods has been demonstrated in many studies over the last 10-15 years.  Furthermore, carbamide peroxide has been shown to have no carcinogenic risk when used correctly.
Side Effects
Although teeth whitening is not harmful when done correctly, several side effects do occur in some cases. The most common reported side effects are increased sensitivity to hot and cold and irritated gums while the product is being used.

How complicated is all this?
The whole process is really not that complicated.  There are those who try to make it sound a lot more complicated than it really is.  The average person generally will have no problem whitening their own teeth considerably in the comfort of their own home. 

Hopefully this page has provided you with the basics on teeth whitening. As more and more people wish to get a whiter smile, these products will continue to grow in popularity.  The key is finding which product is right for you!