About tooth whitening (2024)

What is tooth whitening?

Tooth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a complete colour change, but it may lighten the existing shade.

Why would I need my teeth whitened?

There are a number of reasons why you might get your teeth whitened. Everyone is different; and just as our hair and skin colour vary, so do our teeth. Very few people have brilliant-white teeth, and our teeth can also become more discoloured as we get older.

Your teeth can also be stained on the surface by food and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and blackcurrant. Smoking can also stain teeth.

‘Calculus' or tartar can also affect the colour of your teeth. Some people may have staining under the surface, which can be caused by certain antibiotics or by tiny cracks in the teeth which take up stains.

What does tooth whitening involve?

Professional bleaching is the most usual method of tooth whitening. Your dental team will be able to tell you if you are suitable for the treatment, and will supervise it if you are. Firstly, they will take an impression of your mouth in order to create specially made trays which fit your mouth exactly. They will then place the whitening gel inside these trays and insert them into your mouth.

The ‘active ingredient' in the product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth colour is made lighter.

How long does this take?

The total treatment can usually be done within two to four weeks. First, you will need two or three visits to the dentist. Your dental team will need to make a mouthguard and will take impressions for this at the first appointment. Once your dental team has started the treatment, you will need to continue the treatment at home. This means regularly applying the whitening product over two to four weeks, for 30 minutes to overnight wear, depending on the the product used.

What other procedures are there?

There is now laser whitening or ‘power whitening'. During this procedure a rubber dam is put over your teeth to protect the gums, and a bleaching product is painted onto your teeth. Then a light or laser is shone on the teeth to activate the chemical. The light speeds up the reaction of the whitening product and the colour change can be achieved more quickly. Laser whitening is said to make teeth up to five or six shades lighter.

How long does chair-side power whitening take?

Your dentist will need to assess your teeth to make sure that you are suitable for the treatment. Once it has been agreed, this procedure usually takes about one hour.

How much does tooth whitening cost?

Charges will vary from practice to practice and region to region. Laser or power whitening will be more expensive than professional bleaching. We recommend you get a written estimate of the cost before you start any treatment.

How long will my teeth stay whiter?

The effects of whitening are thought to last up to three years. However, this will vary from person to person. The effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke, or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth. Ask your dental team for their opinion before you start the treatment.

What are the side effects?

Some people may find that their teeth become sensitive to cold during or after the treatment. Others may have discomfort in the gums, a sore throat or white patches on the gum line. These symptoms are usually temporary and should disappear within a few days of the treatment finishing.

If any of these side effects continue you should go to your dentist.

What about home whitening kits?

There are many home whitening kits available, including paint-on whiteners and strips. How effective these are
depends on the amount of whitening agent they contain.

Home kits are cheaper but they are not always assessed for safety and tend to be more acidic. So there is a chance that these products could damage your teeth and gums. Because tooth whitening is a complicated procedure we advise that you always talk to your dentist before starting the treatment.

How safe are beauty kiosks and beauticians?

In Europe and in some other countries whitening can only legally be carried out by a dentist. So tooth whitening by
beauticians and in whitening kiosks is illegal. In Europe, it is illegal to supply bleaching material containing more than 0.1% peroxide (or the equivalent in carbamide peroxide) to anyone other than a dentist, or direct to the public.

These regulations are to protect the public. They make sure that anyone carrying out whitening is properly trained and has the right skills and knowledge to carry out the procedure without risking permanent damage to the teeth or gums.

What about whitening toothpastes?

There are several whitening toothpastes on the market. Although they do not affect the natural colour of your teeth, they may be effective at removing staining. Therefore, they may improve the overall appearance of your teeth. Whitening toothpastes may also help the effect to last, once your teeth have been professionally whitened.

Can a single tooth which has been root filled be whitened?

Yes. Sometimes dead teeth go discoloured after a root filling. If the tooth has been root treated, the canal (which contained the nerve) may be reopened. The whitening product is applied from the inside to whiten the tooth.

When might tooth whitening not work?

Tooth whitening can only lighten your existing tooth colour. Also it only works on natural teeth. It will not work on any types of ‘false' teeth such as dentures, crowns and veneers.

If your dentures are stained or discoloured visit your dental team and ask for them to be cleaned.

How can I look after my teeth once they have been whitened?

You can help to keep your teeth white by cutting down on the amount of food and drinks you have that can stain teeth. Don't forget, stopping smoking can also help prevent discolouration and staining.

We recommend the following tips to take care of your teeth:

Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste.

Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.

Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend.

References:

‘Incidence of tooth sensitivity after home tooth whitening' by Jorgensen and Carroll Published in JADA p 1076 - 1082 (August 2002).

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FAQs

What do dentists say about teeth whitening? ›

Key Points. Whitening treatments can be effective on both extrinsic and intrinsic staining. Only natural teeth can be whitened, not tooth-colored restorations. Whitening treatments include in-office bleaching procedures, dentist-supplied products for use at home, and over-the-counter (OTC) whiteners.

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What do you need to know about teeth whitening? ›

Generally, the stronger the solution and the longer you keep it on your teeth, the whiter your teeth become. But the higher the percentage of peroxide in the whitening solution, the shorter it should stay on your teeth. Keeping it on longer will dehydrate teeth and increase tooth sensitivity.

Did you know facts about teeth whitening? ›

Allow us to educate you on the complicated & often misleading world of teeth whitening.

Your teeth are like sponges…they absorb. ...
Teeth whitening does not damage your teeth. ...
The key to teeth whitening is the delivery device. ...
Custom-fitted whitening trays cost $500+ from a. ...
Sensitivity after teeth whitening is normal.

More items...

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Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.

Is it worth getting my teeth whitened? ›

Because when a qualified and experienced dentist oversees it, teeth whitening is actually a perfectly safe procedure. Moreover, it produces brilliant results that can transform your smile and let your personality shine through. Safety and satisfaction are worth paying a little extra for, don't you think?

What is the least damaging way to whiten your teeth? ›

Here are a few to consider: Baking Soda: As long as you are careful to brush gently, baking soda can eliminate stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging them. Whitening Strips: Whitening strips mold to the shape of your teeth to whiten them. Whitening strips are both safe and effective.

Who should not get teeth whitening? ›

Teeth that have suffered trauma from the inside, have been affected fluorosis and those with inorganic stains may not be affected by whitening at all. You should check with your dentist to find out if the teeth whitening process you choose will be effective before you make a purchase.

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Is whitening your teeth good or bad for you? ›

Whitening your teeth too often increases the risk of negative side effects, such as tooth sensitivity and damage to tooth enamel and gums. But there's no official guideline for how often whitening can be done safely. That's why it's important to get your dentist's recommendation and always follow product instructions.

What is the best type of teeth whitening? ›

laser teeth whitening is the safest, quickest, and most effective option among the types of teeth-whitening treatments available. However, there are ultimately several ways to whiten teeth, and the most suitable option will depend on your timeline, budget, and priorities, as well as the nature of the discoloration.

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When's the best time to whiten your teeth? ›

Out dentist in Clermont recommends using the whitening trays at night before you go to bed. This is because the teeth have pores, and when you apply a whitening gel to your teeth, those pores open very slightly. While they are open, your teeth are at an increased risk for staining if you eat or drink.

How successful is teeth whitening? ›

The effects of whitening are thought to last up to three years. However, this will vary from person to person. The effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke, or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth. Ask your dental team for their opinion before you start the treatment.

Can you explain how tooth whitening works? ›

Teeth whitening can make teeth whiter. The bleaching agent used for teeth whitening is peroxide which, in turn, breaks down the tooth enamel and makes it porous. This exposes the dentine below the enamel, and the bleaching agent penetrates deeper into the tooth's core to rebuild white tooth tissues from the inside out.

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Can toothpaste actually whiten teeth? ›

Indeed, no toothpaste actually whitens. All toothpaste can do is remove stains from the surface of a tooth. And according to a recent survey by Consumer's Union, the best toothpaste for removing stains was one of the cheapest on the market.

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How long does teeth whitening last? ›

The most effective way to whiten your teeth is professional teeth whitening treatment applied by your dentist in the office. The results of this type of treatment can last between 1 and 3 years. In-office teeth whitening involves the following process: The gum tissue is protected from the effects of the bleaching gel.

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How long does it take to whiten teeth professionally? ›

The answer is somewhere around one hour. This is a minimal amount of time for someone to expect professional whitening results, especially when considering that professional in-office whitening can last upwards of two years.

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Is teeth whitening safe at the dentist? ›

Gum Irritation

If the bleach were to touch your gums, it could cause irritation. However, your dentist takes extra precautions to protect your gum tissue. During in-practice procedures, a protective gel will be used to shield your gums from the bleaching agent.

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What are the pitfalls of teeth whitening? ›

Some home kits don't contain enough whitening product to be effective. Also, if a dental professional isn't doing the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity.

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Does cleaning your teeth at the dentist make them whiter? ›

The short answer is: no. It's important to clarify that these deep cleanings alone do not directly whiten your teeth. Professional cleanings focus on removing plaque, tartar, and surface stains, which can definitely improve the appearance of your smile and give your teeth a cleaner and brighter appearance.

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Who shouldn't get teeth whitening on? ›

Pregnant and lactating women. People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots.

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