How Does Teeth Bleaching Work?

Jul 24

Tooth bleaching is lightening the teeth by removing stains and other discoloration. Bleaching can be done at home with over-the-counter products or by a professional at the dentist's office. Tooth bleaching is usually safe for teeth and gums, but following the directions carefully is essential to avoid causing damage.

There are two main types of tooth bleaching: in-office and at-home bleaching. In-office bleaching is done by a dentist or other professional and involves applying bleach to the teeth and then using a special light to activate it. This type of bleaching is usually more expensive than at-home bleaching, but it can be more effective.

At-home bleaching kits are available from many retailers and usually include a tray filled with bleach and then placed over the teeth. The length of time that the tray is worn varies but is typically around 30 minutes to an hour. Some people may experience gum irritation or tooth sensitivity from at-home bleaching, but these side effects are usually temporary.

Teeth bleaching is generally safe, but it's essential to follow the directions carefully to avoid causing damage to the teeth or gums. If you're considering bleaching your teeth, talk to your dentist first to get their recommendation on the best way to achieve the results you're looking for.

At-Home Teeth Bleaching Options

There are many choices for bleaching teeth at home, the most common include:

Tooth whitening strips and gels. Applied directly to the teeth with a brush or a thin strip, these peroxide-based tooth bleaching products usually need to be used once or twice a day for 10 to 14 days.

Tray-based teeth bleaching systems. With this teeth whitening option, a mouth guard-like tray is filled with a peroxide-based bleaching gel or paste and placed over the teeth for one to several hours a day for up to four weeks. You can buy tray-based tooth whitening systems over-the-counter or have one custom-fitted by your dentist.

Tooth whitening toothpaste. Because they're mildly abrasive, every toothpaste helps remove stains from teeth. Whitening toothpaste, however, also contains chemicals or polishing agents that help scrub stains from teeth without the aid of a bleaching agent. Tooth-whitening kinds of toothpaste are inexpensive and brighten teeth by about one shade. Some whitening toothpaste contains peroxides, but they aren't left on the teeth long enough to have a whitening benefit.

Tooth bleaching can temporarily make teeth sensitive or uncomfortable for people with sharp teeth. When misused, home kits can also lead to burned, even temporarily bleached gums. You can trust the experienced team at River District Smiles Dentistry. Our teeth bleaching & teeth whitening experts are proud to offer the latest dental technology and treatment systems in a comforting environment.

Resources:

https://www.kenyanz.com/united-states/rock-hill/health-fitness/matthew-hubis

https://www.labdraw.com/reviews/1164628491

https://www.mapquest.com/us/south-carolina/river-district-smiles-426206322

https://www.medicarelist.com/dentist/dr-matthew-l-hubis-dmd-midland-nc/

https://www.merchantcircle.com/river-district-smiles1-rock-hill-sc