Teeth bleaching uses hydrogen peroxide, which is an ingredient in non-chlorine bleach. Teeth whitening and bleaching both aim to whiten the teeth. People usually infer they are the same, but this is not true as teeth whitening removes the stains on the surface of teeth and restores the natural colour of teeth. In contrast, teeth bleaching goes a step higher as it uses chemical agents to lighten the colour of the enamel layer and gives us whiter teeth.
Options of Tooth-Whitening
When it comes to tooth-whitening, you have two options: IN OFFICE-BASED TEETH BLEACHING and AT-HOME CARE. Both use peroxide-based bleaching agents. They are just different because of the concentration of these agents. In at-home systems, there is 3% to 20% peroxide, whereas 15% to 43% peroxide is present.
Practically, it is said that the longer you keep the solution on your teeth the whiter your teeth will get, and if there is a higher percentage of peroxide in the solution. It is advisable to keep it on your teeth for a short time.
In-Office Tooth Whitening
The teeth whitening done by your dentist can be more effective, and you can get brighter teeth. Heat, light, or a combination of both can be used to speed up and intensify this process. It can give dramatic results and make your teeth three to eight shades whiter. It can be done in the span of 30 to 60 min, and some dentist uses techniques that require 2 hours. The cost of In-Office tooth whitening varies, but the range varies from $500 to $1000.
At-Home Teeth Bleaching
There are many options for bleaching your teeth at home, and some common ones are listed below;
¬ Tooth Whitening Strips and Gels
You must apply these peroxide-based thin strips or use them directly with a brush. They must be applied once or twice daily for 10 to 14 days. The results can last for four or a month and cost $10 to $55.
¬Tray-Based Tooth Bleaching System
In this system, a mouth guard-like tray is filled with peroxide-based bleaching gel or paste and placed over the teeth for one to several hours for up to four weeks. You can get them customized by your dentist, and the cost ranges from $150 to $600.
¬Tooth Whitening Toothpaste
They can help you to remove the stains from teeth as they are mildly abrasive. These kinds of toothpaste have chemicals or polishing agents that help remove stains from teeth without using bleaching agents. They are relatively inexpensive and can brighten your teeth in a shorter time, unlike other things, to produce an effect.
Teeth Bleaching and Whitening Products
Teeth whitening agents can be found in various kinds of toothpaste and gels. People can buy these products and go for laser and chemical treatments at dental clinics. They usually remove stains of tobacco and stains from drinking beverages. These products are affordable and safe for the user, and the effectiveness of these products depends upon the condition of the teeth, the severity of the damage, and the type of stains on the teeth.
Teeth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide solution in small amounts, and if they contain a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide, these products become Teeth bleaching products. Dental care professionals must check the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and increase it to safe levels.
How Bleaching Works?
Bleaching products contain an active ingredient known as hydrogen peroxide. This activates the peroxides to release oxygen molecules that enter the enamel to break down stain pigmentation. This release of oxygen can occur from time to time, and custom take-home whitening treatments stimulate the release of oxygen for a few hours.
How does Teeth Whitening Works?
Whitening teeth is restoring the natural colour of teeth by removing stains and debris. Teeth whitening is a simple process, and teeth whitening products contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Their work is to break the stains into smaller pieces and brighten your teeth.
Zoom Laser Bleaching
Zoom laser bleaching uses a 32% light-activated gel to achieve quick whitening results. The light-activated material is directly painted on your teeth. The amount and location of this material are customized to your teeth, and a powerful ultraviolet(UV) laser lamp is used to activate the whitening material to release oxygen. This treatment requires 1 to 2 hours, and you leave the dental office with a whiter natural smile.
Bleaching Results
Teeth bleaching can last from 6 months to 3 years. The main side effect of bleaching is temporary tooth sensitivity to cold. Micro-fractures and your natural enamel pores are opened during the treatment, and this causes tooth sensitivity. These micro-fractures and pores will re-mineralize over time.
Teeth Whitening Results
Teeth whitening reduces the existing stains, but the consumption of coffee and pigmented food and smoking will eventually pave the way for discoloration. Teeth whitening lasts 8 to 24 months, but proper care and maintenance can make this tenure even longer.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q:1 Is teeth bleaching and whitening the same?
No, they both are two different things. They both aim to whiten the teeth, but whitening removes stains and debris. In contrast, teeth bleaching goes a step higher as it uses chemical agents to lighten the colour of the enamel layer and gives us whiter teeth.
Q:2 What are the common things that can help in teeth whitening?
Anything that has small amounts of hydrogen peroxide can help you achieve whiter teeth. Toothpaste and gels can help you to get white teeth.
Q:3 How does teeth whitening work?
Whitening teeth is restoring the natural colour of teeth by removing stains and debris. Teeth whitening is a simple process, and teeth whitening products contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Their work is to break the stains into smaller pieces and brighten your teeth.
Q:4 How does teeth bleaching work?
Bleaching products contain an active ingredient known as hydrogen peroxide. This activates the peroxides to release oxygen molecules that enter the enamel to break down stain pigmentation. This release of oxygen can occur from time to time, and custom take-home whitening treatments stimulate the release of oxygen for a few hours.
Q:5 For how long does teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening lasts 8 to 24 months, but proper care and maintenance can make this tenure even longer.
Q:6 For how long does teeth-bleaching last?
Teeth bleaching can last from 6 months to 3 years.
