Believe it or not, teeth whitening is not the same as teeth bleaching. While they generally have the same result (whiter teeth), they aren’t the same process. The difference lies in what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determines in “bleaching.”
Bleaching is the process of removing color from a substance. Seems like kind of a dumb semantic difference, but it’s important in one aspect: teeth bleaching does not necessarily mean teeth get whiter, just that they have color removed.
The reason this is an important difference is because cosmetically, teeth bleaching can only remove color, but the base color of the teeth will remain. People generally have an undertone of light brown, gray, or yellow to their teeth due to the coloration of the substrate underneath the enamel. Coloration on that level (under the enamel) is usually called intrinsic coloring, referring to the “base” coloration of the teeth.
Usually, only the deep “intrinsic” bleaches used in a dentist’s office can really change that base color. So most teeth bleaching will not make teeth “white” per se, but they can reduce the discoloration that makes them appear dirty. The everyday coffee, tea, tobacco, and other stains that make most of our teeth’s discoloration can be reduced or eliminated with teeth bleaching.
For true teeth whitening, however, you’ll likely need to see a dentist and take part in a more intensive therapy to remove the discoloration. No matter what your teeth whitening plans, you will want to get a good cleaning before you start as even teeth bleaching can only do so much for very dirty teeth.
When you are shopping for a teeth whitening solution, make sure that you look for the seal of the American Dental Association (ADA) so you know that you’re getting something that’s been approved to be safe for your teeth. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only tests over-the-counter teeth bleaching solutions to be safe for ingestion (food) as they are not considered medicines (drugs).
So be aware of what you will be using and whether it is effective and safe to use.
When you use a home whitening kit, whitening toothpaste, or other form of teeth whitening that’s sold over-the-counter, you will find certain things work and others don’t. Beware of some “cheap” remedies sold in malls, online, and other places as they are often short-term whiteners that may have ill effects.
Before undergoing any whitening treatment, you should visit your dentist for a regular cleaning and checkup. Most teeth whitening methods should not be used by women who are pregnant, anyone with gum disease, and in other situations. Talk to your dentist about your plans while you’re getting your checkup so you can find out if there is a risk.
Most of types of whitening kit that you purchase from the store (over the counter) are bleach-based. Probably hydrogen peroxide, which is basically harmless in small quantities. This is what gives the bleaching its “sting” quality when it touches your gums or lips. For the most part, however, so long as your gums aren’t over-exposed to the peroxide, no ill effects beyond some sensitivity will result.
These kits work fairly well for most people and many find that this is all they need for teeth whitening. Expect to get 2-3 shades lighter after about two weeks of treatments. For most people, this amount of teeth whitening is what they’re after and is good enough.
If you use a whitening kit, however, be aware that you should never use more than one kit in a row and should have at least a like interval (about a week) between treatments. Read the box label before you use it and follow directions carefully.
Whitening toothpaste options abound and are extremely popular. They are not, however, very effective. They are better for maintenance of an existing teeth whitening treatment than they are at whitening on their own. Great results can be had by using an over the counter whitening kit combined with whitening toothpaste, though.
Good luck with your whitening!
Teeth whitening is considered “cosmetic dentistry,” so be aware that most dental insurance plans probably do not cover teeth whitening as part of their normal coverage. Teeth whitening is, however, usually one of the cheapest and shortest-term treatments dentists will do in the realm of cosmetic dentistry.
Be aware that whitening methods are all non-permanent solutions, so they will require regular maintenance and renewals to keep your teeth white. In addition, even if you choose a home method off the pharmacy shelf, you’ll have much better results if you schedule a regular cleaning at your dentist to get the worst of the tartar and buildup off of your teeth before you begin using your whitening methods.
Most methods involve bleaching, even at the dentist. Other in-office methods include laser treatments, long-term bleaching to treat intrinsic stains, and so forth. Most people who visit their dentist for a teeth whitening regimen will do an in-office, deep-set or intrinsic bleaching. This is usually in 15 or 20-minute intervals for about an hour using close-fitting plates (teeth covers) and will use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in a mix.
Laser treatments are less common and much more expensive, but have faster, longer-lasting results. Bleaching for intrinsic (deep set) stains usually requires one to two visits to the dentist at about an hour each, but won’t show a measurable difference for at least a week or more. Laser treatments are about twice the cost (over $1,000 in most cases) and the results are immediate.
Whether you use home teeth whitening kits or visit your dentist for one of the prescribed whitening methods, you’ll likely have sensitive teeth, possible gum irritation, and perhaps a non-universal color of teeth for a short amount of time after the treatments.
Maintaining good dental hygiene is, of course, the true secret to keeping your teeth whiter, but also maintaining a teeth whitening regimen for longer periods. Whatever of the whitening methods you use, brushing daily and keeping your teeth clean will result in your teeth whitening lasting longer.
Uncategorized | aaron1 | 
August 12, 2009 7:21 am | 
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