Want a brighter smile? When it comes to teeth whitening, you\u2019ve got two options: in-office-based teeth bleaching, or at-home care.Both teeth whitening options use peroxide-based bleaching agents. At-home systems can contain from 3% to 20% peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxides). In-office systems can contain from 15% to 43% peroxide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generally, the longer you keep a stronger solution on your teeth, the whiter your teeth become. However, the higher the percentage of peroxide in the whitening solution, the shorter it should be applied to the teeth. Keeping the gel on longer can dehydrate the tooth and increase teeth sensitivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are pros and cons to each option, but before you try at-home teeth bleaching kits, be sure to talk to your dentist. Not everyone will see good results. Bleaching will not whiten porcelain crowns or composite tooth-coloured bondings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teeth whitening done by your dentist can get teeth brighter faster. The bleaching solution is usually much stronger than at-home kits. Also, heat, light, or a combination of the two may be used to speed and intensify the whitening process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most dramatic results \u2014 teeth generally get three to eight shades brighter \u2014 usually take several 30- to 60-minute in-office visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many choices for bleaching teeth at home, the most common include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you use an at-home tooth-whitening system or have your teeth bleached by a dentist, you can help maintain the results by brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily. Also, avoid acidic and tannin-rich foods and beverages such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tooth bleaching can make teeth temporarily sensitive \u2014 or be uncomfortable for people who already have sensitive teeth. When used incorrectly, home kits can also lead to burned \u2014 even temporarily bleached \u2014 gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be sure tooth-whitening is worth your time and money, talk to your dentist before you use an over-the-counter tooth whitening kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SOURCES:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
American Dental Association: \u201cTooth Whitening.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
British Society for Oral Medicine: \u201cOral Hygiene.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harvard Medical School: \u201cTooth-Bleaching: Better Left Up to a Dentist.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kimberly Herrig, registered dental hygienist, Los Angeles, Calif.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
National Institutes of Health: \u201cDiscoloration Of Dental Pellicle By Tannic Acid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
National Institutes of Health: \u201cIron Staining Of The Acquired Enamel Pellicle After Exposure To Tannic Acid Or Chlorhexidine: Preliminary Report.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Want a brighter smile? When it comes to teeth whitening, you\u2019ve got two options: in-office-based teeth bleaching, or at-home care.Both teeth whitening options use peroxide-based bleaching agents. At-home systems can contain from 3% to 20% peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxides). In-office systems can contain from 15% to 43% peroxide. Generally, the longer you keep a stronger solution on your teeth, … <\/p>\n