Cosmetic tooth whitening (2024)

FAQs

Does cosmetic teeth whitening work? ›

Tooth-whitening works best for people with yellow teeth and is less effective for people with brown teeth. If your teeth are gray or purple, tooth bleaching probably won't work at all. 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.

With proper care, your brighter smile can last for 1-3 years. A single session may last anywhere between 40 minutes to an hour. The procedure requires applying a specially formulated gel that contains anywhere between 25% to 40% hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to whiten the teeth.

The front surface of the tooth is coated with a whitening solution. The solution contains a bleaching agent, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. A laser or curing light is usually used to activate the peroxide. After applying the solution, we leave it for about 30 to 60 minutes.

Laser whitening, also known as power whitening, is another type of teeth whitening system that a dentist can provide. A bleaching product is painted onto your teeth and then a light or laser is shone on them to activate the whitening. Laser whitening takes about an hour.

Can yellow teeth be bleached? Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.

Whitening Aging Yellow Teeth: What to Consider

Dentistry for seniors suggests tooth whitening can be done at any age of adulthood. Tooth whitening products remove built-up stains and brighten the enamel. They are affordable and easy-to-use solutions to the problem of aging yellow teeth.

Professional teeth whitening is often an efficient, safe and effective choice for brightening your smile. But there's plenty to consider, including cost, your lifestyle habits and whether a comprehensive in-office treatment or a custom take-home-tray is the better choice.

Dental veneers tend to remain on your teeth longer than whitening treatments. Veneers not just help brighten discolored teeth but are also helpful to hide chipped, cracked, gapped, and broken teeth impacting your smile.

Even though it may include many administrations of the bleaching solution, most patients need one teeth whitening treatments session. Wearing the whitening pellets lasting up to two weeks may be required for at-home whitening kits.

This is a common concern, but we can assure you that professional teeth whitening treatment won't make your teeth look unnaturally white. If you've seen people whose teeth look too white to be natural, you're probably seeing their veneers, not their real teeth.

How do most celebrities whiten their teeth? ›

For celebrity-level whiteness, cosmetic dentists will usually use one of three different procedures: professional whitening treatments, veneers, or crowns.

The most common and effective ways to get a whiter smile, just like the celebrities, are not through at-home whitening treatments. In fact, they can often be a waste of money. Most celebrities opt for regular teeth whitening treatments or veneers.

It's called “power whitening”. Here's how it works: a rubber dam is applied to your gums and a bleaching gel is “painted” over your teeth. Then the dentist uses a laser to activate the chemical in the gel.

All of these whitening methods contain a variety of peroxide compounds, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). But what makes professional whitening cost a bit more is the difference in the active ingredients found in the whitening agent.

Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.

Option #1: In-Office Laser Whitening

This is one of the popular teeth whitening methods that some people believe is the most effective way to get a brighter smile. Using lasers and peroxide-based whitening agents in a professional setting, this teeth whitening method provides dramatic, lasting results.

The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.

Is laser teeth whitening safe? Yes, it is generally considered safe. However, some people may experience temporary side effects such as tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.

The answer depends on your goals and budget. Professional teeth whitening is probably your best bet if you're looking for fast, dramatic results. If you're working with a tight budget or are simply interested in trying out a teeth whitening method, then an at-home kit may be a better option.