Teeth Whitening 101: The Science Behind Popular Methods

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teeth whitening

Everyone desires a radiant and bright smile. However, with so many options for teeth whitening procedures and products, it can be difficult to choose the ideal one.

According to research by the NIH, teeth whitening procedures are considered safe and effective. This blog will cover all that you need to know to secure whiter teeth. From exploring the science behind whitening to understanding the factors behind staining, we’ve got you covered.

However, before you start your bright smile journey, it’s important to know the risks involved in teeth whitening as well. Lastly, you will get tips on how to maintain your radiant smile post-whitening for best results. Let's dig in!

Teeth Whitening 101

teeth whitening
A woman getting laser teeth whitening treatment

We all want to achieve a bright and dreamy smile that is free from all kinds of stains caused by reasons such as smoking or coffee drinking. The good news is you can almost achieve very close results with the help of modern advancements in teeth whitening technology. This involves in-office and at-home teeth whitening solutions.

The Science Behind Teeth Whitening

First of all, you need to know how teeth whitening works. Just like our skin, teeth have small pores as well. There are mainly two categories of stains. This includes intrinsic, which is due to natural factors (genetics, high blood pressure, aging), and extrinsic, which are found on your teeth’s outer layer due to soda, smoking, and certain fast food.

Teeth whitening can be carried out at the clinic or home through teeth whitening kits. The process usually involves various bleaching agents, whitening pens, or whitening gels, which are very commonly utilized in the field of dentistry.

The teeth whitening process can help you get rid of extrinsic category stains caused by sodas, desserts, and poor oral health. However, the process might not be very effective for intrinsic stains, which are the result of dental medications or tooth decay.

You might feel some certain sensitivity or discomfort initially during your teeth whitening process, but it is generally a safe process under guidance from dental experts.

Find out if you qualify for clear aligners through ALIGNERCO’s free smile assessment.

Teeth Whitening Treatment Options

teeth whitening
Woman showing her amazing smile after teeth whitening

There are primarily two categories of teeth whitening treatments. You can either get your teeth whitening procedure carried out by a dentist in the clinic or you can attain teeth whitening solutions at home offered by companies such as ALIGNERCO.

Clinic Based Teeth Whitening

Visit an experienced dentist for teeth whitening solutions. They can help you achieve teeth whitening through various sessions using UV light or teeth whitening agents (carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide).

Clinic-based treatments are carried out by dental experts to solve patients' unique needs. The process often uses various protective barriers to safeguard dental tissue and gums. The dentist ensures that the teeth whitening procedure is carried out efficiently and safely.

You might gain good results, which result in a brighter dental appearance. However, these procedures can result in increased teeth sensitivity and pain, along with costing you thousands of dollars.

Home Based Teeth Whitening Solution

teeth whitening kit
An LED teeth whitening kit for home use

These days, many orthodontic alignment therapy companies like ALIGNERCO offer you cheap and quick teeth whitening solutions at home. These use a combination of LED light devices and teeth-whitening gel pens (hydrogen peroxide) to achieve a perfect smile quickly.

The home teeth whitening procedure through teeth whitening kits is enamel-safe and easy to use. The main active teeth whitening gel pen ingredients include carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These break down tough stains by penetrating teeth enamel to help you obtain brighter teeth presentation without any potential side effects.

Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

One of the most common side effects of tooth whitening is sensitivity. You can reduce it by using special medicated toothpaste or lowering your treatment visits. Another possible side effect of the treatment is gum irritation, which can be significantly reduced by carefully applying whitening gel or solutions to teeth.

Dental Hygiene Tips for Better Teeth Whitening Results

You need to maintain your oral hygiene to maintain your teeth whitening therapy results. To secure your pearly whites, you need to:

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride-based tooth paste
  • Floss daily to remove bacteria and plaque and prevent tooth discoloration
  • Use an effective mouthwash with teeth-whitening agents to freshen breath and reduce bacteria
  • Reduce drinks and foods that can affect teeth whitening, such as berries, chocolate, coffee, or soda.
  • Schedule and maintain regular dental checkups weekly

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Summing Up

Invisible aligner therapy and teeth whitening therapy are popular dental procedures that can aesthetically boost your smile. By having a proper understanding of teeth whitening therapy options, including their benefits as well as their risks, you can select the best option available.

You need to understand the various potential side effects and risks involved in teeth whitening and take the necessary precautions. Furthermore, you need to maintain ideal oral hygiene to enhance your teeth whitening results. You need to always consult with a professional dentist or orthodontist before going forward with teeth whitening therapy to ensure your safety.

Find out more about clear aligners by giving us a call at +351 300 600 820.

FAQ

What is meant by teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a dental aesthetic procedure to enhance teeth whiteness using various devices and teeth whitening agents (carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide).

What are the popular ways of achieving teeth whitening?

You can get your teeth whitened in two ways by either choosing in-clinic dental treatment or at-home DIY treatment options.

Are there any side effects of teeth whitening?

Some of the small side effects of teeth whitening include increased tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. These can be reduced by using medicated toothpaste or avoiding whitening agents (carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide) contact with gums