Teeth yellow and darken from intrinsic stains inside the enamel and extrinsic stains external to the tooth surface. Multiple options exist for cosmetic whitening, primarily divided into three treatment methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| In-office | Whitening gel with higher hydrogen peroxide concentration applied by dentist |
| Take-home | Custom dental trays and lower concentration carbamide peroxide from dentist |
| Over-the-Counter (OTC) | Direct application of whitening strips or gels purchased in stores |
All bleaching methods utilize peroxide solutions but concentration levels and thus also cost and efficacy varies significantly across the professional and OTC categories. We summarize the differences below for achieving optimal whitening results.
Teeth Whitening Results
When considering different teeth whitening methods, one of the foremost questions people have is: how much brighter will my smile actually become?
Professional whitening administered under dentist supervision generally produces the most dramatic results. With highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide between 20-40%, stained molecules are broken up more efficiently. However, several factors impact your potential lightening, including:
Extrinsic vs Intrinsic Stains
- Extrinsic stains on the outer enamel layer from food, drinks, tobacco respond better to bleaching.
- Deep set intrinsic stains in the inner dentin require more treatments.
Initial Shade
- Teeth that are slightly yellowish will whiten faster.
- Grey, brownish, or very yellow teeth take longer.
Dentistry History
- Past trauma, tetracycline exposure, or too much fluoride limits whitening.
- Fillings, bonds, crowns stay same shade.
To measure improvement, dentists use professional shade guides to match patient tooth color before and after whitening procedures:
| Shade Guide | Description |
|---|---|
| Vitapan Classical | Industry standard with 16 shades from light to dark |
| VITA Bleachedguide 3D | Shows most popular 6 "bleached" shades |
| Chromascop | Hundreds of minute calibrated color distinctions |
Average Whitening Levels by Method
However most people can expect between 2-6 shades of lightening from professional teeth whitening:
- In-office whitening: 4-8 shades improvement
- Dentist custom trays: 2-5 shades improvement
- OTC whitening: 1-3 shades improvement
Whitening Limits
There exist reasonable boundaries to how white your teeth can become. A few preventing factors:
- Natural fluorescence - teeth give off subtle inner glow
- Translucency - thinner enamel means grey undertones
- 60-80% whitening maximum without harming pulp
Be realistic about your desired results when speaking to your dentist. Rapid 14 shade transformations seen on social media often involve veneers instead of true whitening.
Whitening Considerations by Method
Since patients don't all respond identically, your dentist will advise on projected outcomes based on:
In-Office Whitening
- Highest peroxide concentration
- Use of activation light
- 1-3 appointments likely
Custom Take-Home Trays
- Moderate peroxide level
- Patient compliance wearing trays
- Gradually increasing results
Over-the-Counter Products
- Lowest peroxide formulas
- Fits poorly around teeth
- Front teeth whiten faster
Maintaining Bright Whitening
Regardless of process, no whitening permanently changes tooth color. Without occasional touch-ups, stains gradually return and dim results. We recommend these best practices after whitening treatments:
- Use daily whitening toothpaste
- Brush and floss thoroughly after meals
- Limit dark drinks like coffee, wines, sodas
- Abstain from smoking
- Get repeat whitening every 6-24 months
Following post-whitening care steps helps you retain shining pearly whites for longer periods without redoing intensive in-office procedures. Consult your dentist on crafting a maintenance plan tailored to your lifestyle and sensitivity.
Professional In-Office Whitening
In-office teeth whitening performed at the dentist office can dramatically brighten smiles in just one intensive session. Your dentist applies a strong whitening gel directly to teeth and enhances it with light technology while isolating gums. This thorough procedure offers immediate results but requires aftercare to maintain brightness long-term.
The In-Office Whitening Process
At your appointment, expect these steps during professional whitening:
- Exam - Dentist inspects teeth and existing restorations
- Pumice Clean - Special paste to polish outer enamel
- Shade Analysis - Match current tooth color on shade guide
- Gum Protection - Resin dam placed to avoid burns
- Whitening Gel - Concentrated peroxide syringed onto teeth
- Light Activation - LED, laser exposes gel for 20+ minutes
- Additional Coats - More gel and light based on stain level
- Fluoride - Q&A on results, aftercare given
Your dentist determines the precise procedure during consultation when you first request teeth whitening. Complex cases with many fillings or dental work may require modifications or shorter application times.
In-Office Whitening Gel Active Ingredients
Professional whitening gels use:
- Hydrogen peroxide - breaks molecular bonds in stains
- Glycerin - dehydrates enamel rods for whitening
- Carbomer - thickens and stabilizes peroxide
- EDTA - cleans surface minerals
Common peroxide percentages:
- 25% = Gentle, less sensitivity
- 30-35% = Moderate, moderate sensitivity
- 40% = Intense, high sensitivity
Higher peroxide levels and blue LED light whiten better but also increase tooth and gum sensitivity risks. Your dentist selects appropriate gel strength based on goals versus safety.
In-Office Light Activation Methods
Specialized lights targeted on whitening gel accelerate brightening through:
- Heat - increased bleach activity
- Light energy - excites peroxide molecules
- Laser - light waves disrupt stains
| Light Types | Mechanism | Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| LED | Blue light | Medium |
| Halogen | Broad spectrum | High |
| Plasma arc | Xenon flashes | Very high |
LASER CAUTION: Research shows possible tooth pulp damage - American Dental Association (ADA) discourages using lasers for whitening.
Professional In-Office Costs
As the most expensive and intensive intervention, in-office whitening ranges from $500 - $1500 per visit depending on:
- Number of sessions needed
- Whitening ingredients
- Light technology used
However, dramatic visible smile transformation does occur rapidly from concentrated peroxide and lights under professional handling.
Considering touch-up costs, custom take-home trays prescribed after in-office treatment offer comparable savings over time.
Side Effects and Safety Risks
While generally safe procedures, in-office whitening may cause:
Tooth Sensitivity
- Dehydration - nerves closer to surface
- "Zinger" pains from pressure changes
- Lasts hours to weeks
Gum Irritation
- Chemical burns if gel leaks under
- Swelling, redness few days
- Long-term whitening risks gum recession
Atypical Reactions
Rare hypersensitivity requires dentist intervention:
- Remove gel residues
- Rinse neutral pH cleaner
- Soothe nerves
- Evaluate for alternatives
Follow all aftercare instructions closely to allow whitened enamel to rehydrate and nerves to stabilize without infection risk. Seek help immediately for worrisome symptoms.
Post-Whitening Care Essentials
To lock in professional whitening results as long as possible:
- Delay drinking dark liquids 24-48 hours
- Brush with desensitizing toothpaste
- Get take-home trays for gradual maintenance
- Whiten again every 12-24 months
- Schedule check-ups 3-6 months after
Avoiding smoking and red wine helps prevent renewed staining. Your dental office also sells custom-fitted trays paired with carbamide peroxide gels for convenient periodic touch-ups at home between sessions.
With diligent oral hygiene and lifestyle adjustments, professional in-office teeth whitening rewards you with transformative bleaching benefits for years before reapplication becomes necessary. Discuss priorities with your dentist and schedule consultations early in your smile makeover journey for ideal planning.
Customized Take-Home Whitening
Alongside in-office power whitening, dentists also offer customized take-home bleach trays moulded to your teeth for gradually lightening from the comfort of home. Prescribed after an exam, these DIY trays use less concentrated peroxide overnight or a few hours daily to lift stains gently with steady compliance.
Take-Home Whitening Process
Getting started with take-home whitening involves:
- Dental Exam - Xrays, cleaning precede whitening
- Impressions - Molds of teeth to make trays
- Receive Custom Trays - Fit snugly around teeth
- Given Whitening Gel - Carbamide peroxide tubes
- Use Trays - Apply gel inside, wear for hours
- Check-in - Monitor progress with dentist
Trays should feel tight but not painful. An accurate fit prevents gel leaking onto gums or slipping into untargeted areas.
Whitening Gel Ingredients
Take-home whitening gels from your dentist contain:
- 10-22% Carbamide peroxide - breaks molecular bonds
- Glycerin - dehydrates enamel
- Carbomer - stabilizes peroxide
- Flavors - mask chemical taste
Higher % carbamide peroxide equivalates to stronger hydrogen peroxide but also increases sensitivity risks. Most patients sufficiently and safely lift stains with 15-20% gels.
Using Take-Home Whitening Trays
Wear Time
- Night only - 6-10 hours while sleeping
- Day time - 2-4 hours of free leisure
- As directed by your dentist
Regularity
- Everyday initially for fast lightening
- Every other day as improvement stabilizes
- Twice weekly for maintenance
Duration
- 2-4 weeks typical for initial treatment
- Simply resume wearing anytime for touch-ups
PATIENCE NEEDED - Unlike in-office intensives, take-home tray whitening occurs slowly, rewards diligence.
Take-Home Whitening Costs
As a middle-ground treatment between professional and OTC offerings, take-home custom trays range from:
- $200 - $500 even for most stubborn stains
- Includes multiple gel syringes
Without Insurance coverage, payment plans or external financing may assist budgets. Future touch-up gels purchased separately cut costs over continual dentist visits.
Risks and Side Effects
Customized trays minimize certain sensitivities but potential discomforts include:
Tooth Sensitivity
- Pressure on dehydrated nerves
- Tingling sensation few days
- Using lower peroxide gel
Gum Irritation
- Accidental whitening gel contact
- Tray doesn't fit correctly
- Usually resolves quickly
Cessation, dental attention sought for rare side effects like:
- Blisters, sores
- Splitting gums
- Swallowing gel
- Severe pains
- Rapid relapse
Optimizing Take-Home Whitening
Boost results from customized trays by:
- Brushing and flossing before applying gel
- Keeping trays very clean
- Rinsing with water after removal
- Scheduling check-ups as directed
- Combining with in-office power bleaching
Store trays safely in case provided and discard old gel tubes past expiration dates for food-grade ingredients.
While demanding more patient compliance, take-home whitening kits produce permanent gradual lightening equal to professional intensity through consistent peroxide contact hours not possible chair-side. Under dentist monitoring, home kits grant flexibility, convenience, and gentler treatment plus future touch-up savings.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
For fast, affordable cosmetic lightening without dentist visits, countless over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products line store shelves and online retailers. Typically using low levels of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide, these strips, toothpastes, gels, and other systems only surface whiten but prove simple, convenient brightening options.
Types of OTC Whitening Products
Major categories of OTC teeth whiteners include:
- Whitening Strips - Disposable strips coated peroxide formula
- Whitening Gels - Brush directly on teeth with applicator
- Whitening Rinses - Swish liquid to lift stains
- Whitening Toothpastes - Contains mild abrasives only
Most strips and gels utilize under 10% carbamide peroxide or equivalent hydrogen peroxide - substantially weaker than professional formulations. But direct contact benefits whitening minus mess of custom trays.
Shop Top At-Home Whitening Kits
| Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Crest 3D White Strips | #1 Dentist Recommended Brand | $50 20 treatments |
| GoSmile Super White Snap Packs | Convenient single use pods | $60 14 pods |
| Snow Teeth Whitening Kit | LED light accelerates gel results | $150 wireless LED kit |
*** Applying OTC Whitening Products***
OTC methods skip dental visits and impressions, using:
- One-size fits all trays
- Universal application strips
- Brush on gel with fingertip
- Swish liquid between teeth
Without customization, keeping bleaching solutions directly on front teeth rather than gumlines proves challenging but still effective albeit slower and less evenly than professional strength chemistry customized to your smile.
OTC Whitening Costs
Ranging from $20 - $100, over-the-counter whitening only requires paying per package:
- Whitening strips = $25-50
- Whitening gel kits = $40-$75
- Premium systems with lights and peroxide boosters = $100+
No insurance needed, most OTC products repeat purchase after each course without further costs for continued occasional whitening.
OTC Whitening Risks
Using weaker whitening formulas without dentist supervision increases certain safety risks:
- Ill-fitting trays cause gel to leak, irritating gums
- Too high peroxide leaves burns unchecked
- Overuse erodes enamel protection over time
However when following package instructions, these minor sensitivity issues seldom arise or persist from OTC methods:
Tooth Sensitivity
- Typically very mild
- Resolves rapidly
Gum Irritation
- Easily preventable
- Quick healing
Ask pharmacist about drug interactions with any peroxides before starting OTC regimens while pregnant, nursing, or medically compromised. Seek dental assistance for worrisome tooth pains or slow healing gum discomfort.
Boosting OTC Whitening Effectiveness
Maximize over-the-counter whitening through simple habits:
- Brush and floss before applying
- Use twice daily rather than back-to-back
- Combine systems like strips plus gel
- Limit intake dark staining foods/drinks
- Buy fresh batches every 1-3 months
Notice dramatically higher efficacy concentrating OTC methods only on front 6-8 teeth visible while smiling rather than entire smiles. Best just for minor touch-ups between professional whitening, not permanently stained teeth requiring intensive lightening.
Shop multiple trusted brands for your perfect match of affordability and comfort balancing lifestyle timing. See our top holiday recommendations for keeping smiles seasonally bright without the dental office.
Conclusion
Over-the-counter teeth whitening delivers noticeable yet limited brightening safely and affordably without dentist intervention using weaker hydrogen/carbamide peroxide formulas. Lacking customization and concentration control of professional methods, OTC whitening best targeted minimally stained front teeth or maintained between stronger power bleaching treatments. Choose convenience over perfection for quick cosmetic cleaning up.
Optimize Whitening Results
Successfully maintaining bright white teeth long-term after any whitening procedure depends greatly on daily oral hygiene and lifestyle adjustments to prevent renewed staining. Use these best practices to lock in a glowing smile for years without needing repeat intensive treatments.
At-Home Maintenance Regimens
Whitening Toothpastes
Specialized pastes help sustain whitening between sessions using:
- Low abrasives lift surface stains
- Higher cleaning silica
- Blue covarine for optical effects
- Peroxide for minor touch-ups
Whitening Mouthwashes
Swishing high-impact formulas prevents restaining by:
- Dislodging debris
- Killing stain-causing bacteria
- Low levels hydrogen peroxide
- High range minty flavors
Desensitizing Toothpastes
Ingredients like potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride in pastes calm irritated bleached nerves.
Whitening Gels
Use lower dose 5-10% carbamide custom trays prescribed for follow-up at home.
Whitening Strips
Convenient disposable strips quickly freshen a dulling smile.
Dental Check-Ups
See your dentist regularly to monitor enamel and gum health plus whiteness retention.
Preventing Stains
Diet
Avoid or minimize intake of staining foods and drinks:
- Coffee, teas, colas
- Red wines, dark sodas
- Soy sauce, curry, tomato sauces
- Berries, cherries
- Tobacco smoke
Smoking Cessation
Tobacco severely re-stains whitened smiles yellow and brown. Quitting provides the highest whitening protection.
Brushing Habits
Good oral hygiene prevents new stains settling post-whitening. Brush gently 2-3 minutes after meals and before bed.
Whitening Touch-Ups
No single whitening procedure keeps teeth permanently white. Depending on original method, re-apply these:
- In-office whitening - Annually
- Take-home trays - Every 6-18 months
- Over-the-counter strips - Quarterly
Sustainingbrightness requires diligent lifelong touch-ups. Consult your dentist on ideal timing for teeth type and lifestyle. Budget re-treatments into annual self-care.
Touch-Up Costs
- In-office power bleach - $200+ per session
- Take-home carbamide gels - $50+ per application
- Whitening strips - $25+ per box
Some dental insurance plans cover portions of professional touch-up costs depending on policy. Shop holiday sales on over-the-counter products.
Whitening Special Cases
Certain patient situations require unique maintenance:
Crowns - Do not whiten, need replacement
Veneers, Bonding - Not affected but stand out
Braces - Must whiten before/after only Sensitive Teeth - Use desensitizing toothpastes
Gum Disease - Monitor closely, may worsen
Consult your dentist before any whitening if pregnant, nursing, or have allergies. Children under 16 should not chemically bleach while enamel matures.
Questions and Answers
We respond to frequently asked reader questions on optimizing whitening results:
Q: Why do my teeth look yellow again weeks later?
A: Pure whitening is temporary without lifetime maintenance. Stains gradually return without continual bleaching touch-ups every 6-24 months.
Q: Does whitening ruin or weaken enamel permanently?
A: No evidence suggests whitening damages healthy enamel long-term. But acids can erode thinner enamel eventually without proper care.
Q: How white can I reasonably get my smile?
A: Everyone's natural tooth shade differs. But expect 2-8 shade boosts up the brightness spectrum not unnatural fluorescent Hollywood smiles seen on celebrities without veneers.
Q: Should I get whitening or veneers to cover stains?
A: Whitening suits mild, moderate uniform stains. But porcelain or composite resin veneers better mask localized dark intrinsic discoloration unresponsive to peroxide lightening.
Still have questions on maintaining maximum whitening? Ask your dental provider at next visit.
About Our Dental Practice: Hallandale's Affordable Teeth Whitening Services
Svetlana Dental and Esthetic Center in Miami specializes in affordable effective cosmetic dentistry and smile makeovers. They use the latest techniques and technology to transform smiles. We are the best cosmetic dentistry in Hallandale that will give you the smile you deserve.
Services included:
- Cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants and crowns to improve appearance.
- Full mouth reconstruction to completely rehabilitate and reshape teeth entire mouth
- Treatment planning and smile makeovers to align and reshape teeth for an enhanced smile
- General and specialist dental care using cutting-edge equipment
Dr. Anokhina Svetlana, helps patients achieve natural looking, healthy smiles affordably in Miami. For exceptional dental service, and five-star patient experiences in Miami Hallandale, FL, choose our dental office. Call today to schedule your consultation!
