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The Truth About Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening or “bleaching” one’s teeth has become very common today and we have some wonderful techniques in dentistry for getting great results with our patients’ smiles. However, we still get a lot of questions regarding “the truth” about all of those products you see at the grocery and drugstores, along with questions and doubts about their effectiveness compared to in office options. We would like to take this opportunity to dispel some common myths that we hear, answer some questions, and hopefully address some of the most common problems we see in our office with regard to tooth whitening.

First of all, let’s discuss how tooth whitening works. Basically, no matter which product you choose, the bleaching chemicals penetrate into the tooth enamel and set off a chemical reaction known as oxidation. To do this, most tooth whiteners use one of two chemical agents: carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. When used in the mouth, carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea, with hydrogen peroxide being the active whitening ingredient. The key to how effective any product is depends on two factors: how strong the solution is, and how long the agent remains against the teeth in order to allow the oxidation process to take place. Typically, the longer you can hold it on the tooth, the closer you can keep it to the tooth and the stronger the agent, the better the results.

For the most part, the products that you can purchase at your local supermarket do exactly what they claim. The strips cover 6 to 8 teeth, and the effects will last anywhere from 6 to 12 months, with monthly touch-ups, depending upon your own personal habits. They seem very affordable, given that your short-term investment is anywhere from $20 to $50, but the concentration is not always listed on the container. So if cost is an issue, try to compare apples to apples. The problem with these systems is not so much in the products themselves.  The problem we see in our office, is that patients’ expectations can be unrealistic. Whether you’re using strips or have decided to pay a little extra for the trays, the product is not custom designed for your mouth. What does that mean? It means that unless your teeth are perfectly straight, you’re going to get spotty results. Some of the strips can be especially problematic in that they cover only 6-8 teeth, leaving you with a two-tone mouth!  When we smile, most of us show 10 to 14 teeth. This is especially true when you laugh. Most patients want that younger-looking, beautifully-white, natural-looking smile, with no stain or discoloration showing at all. The more crowded your teeth are, the more you need the custom trays that only a dentist can provide.

Also, you are probably already aware that most over-the-counter medications are weaker, by law, than prescription medications. The same is true for whitening agents. What they are allowed to sell in the grocery store is not the same strength that your dentist can provide. Why does that matter? A stronger agent will give you longer-lasting results. The whitening systems used by dentists today can get very satisfying results that last for a long time.

Another problem we see occurs when a patient decides to use an over-the-counter method before they come in for a cleaning. If you have tartar buildup on your teeth when you whiten, the agent cannot get through to the enamel, so when the tartar comes off those portions of your teeth are the same color as before you whitened. Very disappointing!  So if you are going to use an over-the-counter product, at least get your teeth cleaned immediately before-hand so that you get the best results possible. Even though the over-the-counter whitening solution is weaker than our professional brands, if you have cavities, you will increase the risk of some uncomfortable sensitivity if you don’t get them evaluated and cared for prior to bleaching. Likewise, if you have any issues with your gums, you’ll want to get that evaluated prior to whitening as well.

More and more patients these days are asking about “the light.” Some whitening systems have been developed that utilize a high-intensity light to expedite the oxidation process. In our office, we utilize the BriteSmile Whitening System , the most advanced in-office whitening system.  BriteSmile whitening gel is carefully applied to your teeth. The gel is then activated by BriteSmile’s patented gentle blue light for 20 minutes while you relax and watch TV or listen to music. This process is repeated twice more before you go home with a naturally brilliant new smile. Take-home whitening systems can be just as effective, but usually require wearing your custom trays with the bleaching solution for about 30-60 minutes per day, for 14 days. If you are looking for the most expediant method, the BriteSmile process is for you.

Finally, we offer another whitening choice for those teeth that are badly discolored or are very gray; Power Bleaching consists of an in-office application of whitening agent, use of the tray system at home for 14 days, and a final in-office whitening application. We have found this combination to work very effectively on teeth that are very dark and have tetracycline staining.

With regard to safety, most studies show that tooth whitening is both safe and effective. If tooth sensitivity or gum irritation occur, it is best to stop using the whitening product for a few days, and then start again, but less frequently — say, every other day instead of every day — and reduce the amount of time spent with the whitening agent against your teeth.

These are the most common questions and concerns raised by our patients, but we’d love to hear from you! If you have a question or comment about specific whitening options for your teeth, please call us at 212.355.3533, or e-mail us at info@nycdmd.com.

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