Brightening your smile with the blazing brilliance of teeth whitening has changed how we get our glowing, confident smiles, and professional teeth whitening is leading this change. Whether you have a special occasion or just wish to enhance your daily glow, our whitening services give you a stunning and lasting result. We also utilize painless, state-of-the-art technology at Agoura Hills Advanced Dentistry to safely and painlessly eliminate coffee, wine, or age-related stains and leave you with a brighter, younger smile. Our professional personnel customize every treatment to your specific requirements, which makes it very comfortable and results in outstanding outcomes.
A brighter smile may boost your confidence and make a lasting impression, so why wait to shine? Contact us now and make an appointment to come in and get your teeth whitening consultation and be on your way to a brilliant, head-turning smile. The information below will help you better understand what teeth whitening is all about.
The Reason Why Teeth Stain and How Teeth Whitening Can Reverse It
Teeth staining is a common cosmetic issue caused by external and internal issues. Whitening procedures adopted for teeth staining are based on chemical reactions to regain whiteness. To be able to assess treatment possibilities, it is important to know the science of staining and whitening.
Categories of Tooth Stains
Staining of teeth occurs in two primary ways:
- Extrinsic discoloration
- Intrinsic discoloration
Extrinsic stains occur on the enamel’s surface, and their causes may be external, like tea, wine, coffee, and tobacco, or bad oral hygiene. These stains create a pellicle film on the enamel that can be removed, usually by mechanical means like abrasive toothpastes or dental cleanings. Intrinsic stains, however, go deeper into the enamel or dentin. Causes for this include:
- Age — As enamel wears thin, exposing darker dentin
- Drugs, like tetracycline
- Injury
- Excessive fluoride during tooth development (fluorosis)
- A genetic disorder like amelogenesis imperfecta
Intrinsic stains are more challenging, and chemical whitening is usually necessary to see any noticeable outcomes.
Tooth whitening is based on the action of the bleaching agent, which is mostly hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, and acts by oxidation.
These agents enter the porous structure of the enamel to both surface and deeper stain molecules (chromophores). Carbamide peroxide (which decomposes to hydrogen peroxide and urea) or hydrogen peroxide liberates reactive oxygen radicals. These radicals react with chromophores, dissolving their chemical bonds and turning them into smaller, colorless compounds. This can be done by exposing the colored solution to factors like pH, temperature, and light, which causes a decrease in concentration of the colored molecules, making it appear brighter. The American Dental Association observes that hydrogen peroxide can penetrate the interprismatic spaces of enamel to reach the dentin in 15 minutes and, therefore, is suitable for treating both types of stain, with extrinsic stains showing a quicker response.
Naturally porous, enamel is made up of hydroxyapatite crystals, which are organized in hexagonal rods. These microscopic spaces enable staining agents to enter and discolor, allowing whitening agents to enter and react with the chromophores. Porosity is also different, which influences the susceptibility of stains and the whitening power. Although this allows effective bleaching, it is also known to cause sensitivity, a typical side effect, and affect the ability to re-stain after treatment.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Solutions
Over-the-counter (OTC) products are inexpensive and convenient, and they are an alternative to going to the dentist to get your teeth whitened. These over-the-counter solutions (strips, generic trays, pens, and abrasive toothpastes) are very popular but differ in efficiency, price, safety, and durability. Learning their mechanisms, advantages, and shortcomings will allow you to decide whether they suit your needs.
OTC whitening products are generally based on low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (usually 0.1 to 10%) to bleach surface stains. However, some use abrasives to remove mechanical stains. They include:
- Whitening strips — They are flexible pieces of thin plastic covered with peroxide-based gel. You put them onto your teeth for 15 to 30 minutes daily, typically 5 to 14 days, to give the peroxide time to reach the enamel and oxidize chromophores (stain molecules).
- Generic trays — These are pre-filled or filled-by-the-user plastic trays that you wear for 30 minutes to a few hours. These trays are usually one-size-fits-all and provide peroxide gel, though they can be loose and decrease contact with teeth. Whitening pens enable you to apply peroxide gel directly to the teeth with precision for touch-ups, but are less potent since the contact time is short.
- Abrasive toothpastes — These use silica or baking soda to remove surface stains. However, they do not usually have peroxide and thus cannot remove deeper stains.
The American Dental Association recommends these products to effectively remove extrinsic stains due to coffee, tea, or tobacco, with strips and trays being more effective than pens and toothpastes because they have more contact time.
OTC whitening products are affordable, and the price varies between $20 and $100. The average cost of strips is $20 to $50 per two weeks, whereas generic trays are $30 to $80. Pens are less expensive at about $15 to $40, and whitening toothpastes are sold at $5 to $20 per tube. Although the initial cost is low, the effects do not last long, and you may have to buy again after every few weeks or months, as it may not be as bright anymore, particularly when you take some staining foodstuffs like red wine or curry. In one year, frequent buying may amount to $100 to $300, so the long-term expenses are similar to even professional solutions. Using products carrying the ADA Seal of Acceptance would provide safety and at least some efficacy, yet reapplication might increase the costs.
OTC products have risks, mainly caused by user error, even though they are generally safe when used as directed. Improperly fitted strips or trays may cause uneven, spotty whitening, causing some areas to be whitened more than others. Leaking gel from loosely placed trays or improperly applied strips could irritate your gums, and you can experience temporary pain. Tooth sensitivity may also arise due to high-potency products (6.5% peroxide or higher), especially for thin enamel or pre-existing dental problems.
Excessive use of abrasive toothpastes can remove the enamel, which counterintuitively causes the teeth to appear more yellow due to the underlying dentin’s darker color. They are ineffective on intrinsic stains caused by aging, medications, or trauma, which need more powerful professional-grade solutions. According to the ADA, sensitivity and irritation usually go away quickly. However, you need to take a break or use less harsh products when there is any discomfort.
The outcomes of OTC whitening products are short-term, lasting a few weeks to two months. Strips and trays can sometimes whiten teeth up to 1 to 2 shades, but the results wear off with new stains from food, drink, or natural yellowing. Pens are short-term solutions that can pass within a few days, whereas toothpastes are more superficial and take time to show results. To extend the results, you must prevent staining substances, drink through a straw, and have good oral hygiene.
OTC whitening products are perfect when economical, when you have slight extrinsic stains, or when you want to keep a professionally whitened smile. They apply to people with healthy teeth and minor sensitivity who prefer a low-commitment approach. If you have deeper stains or need dental restorations, see a dentist because OTC products might not be effective enough and lead to uneven outcomes.
Professional Take-Home Teeth Whitening Solutions
To those who want a meaningful, permanent change in their smile, the dentist-controlled take-home whitening alternative is the “better” option, delivering a professional-quality solution with the convenience of at-home application. This method offers a better experience than store-bought solutions, with the added advantage of professional-strength whitening chemicals and the invaluable advantage of custom-fitted trays and dental oversight.
The key to this professional take-home system is the production of custom-molded whitening trays. It all starts at your dental office, where your dentist will make an accurate impression of your upper and lower teeth. The dental laboratory then uses these impressions to create clear, thin, and flexible trays that will fit your dentition perfectly to the unique contours of your dentition. This fit is the most important since it will guarantee maximum contact between the whitening gel and your tooth surfaces, with less gel leaking to your gums.
When your custom trays are prepared, your dentist will give you a professional-strength carbamide peroxide whitening gel. One of dentistry’s most common and effective bleaching agents is carbamide peroxide. When used, it dissolves into hydrogen peroxide and urea. The peroxide in the hydrogen peroxide will then penetrate your teeth’s enamel and dentin and oxidize the stain molecules, breaking them down and making them appear lighter.
Your dentist will also give clear guidelines on the amount of gel to be loaded into your custom-made trays and the duration of wearing them daily, generally within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the shade required and the gel concentration. This regulated use, with the help of a dental practitioner, is safe and maximizes outcomes.
A professional take-home whitening kit, which includes custom trays and initial gel, costs about $250 to $600. This is not a low-cost investment, but a better alternative to over-the-counter, less expensive, and less professional alternatives. The personalized trays are a one-time cost since they can be stored permanently. Subsequent touch-ups are cheap. All you need to do is buy a refill of syringes with whitening gel.
Among the strongest points of dentist-directed at-home whitening is the limited danger of side effects, as opposed to the cheap, poorly fitted over-the-counter products. The side effect that is most frequently experienced is a mild and temporary sensitivity of teeth, which can be felt in the form of a quick jolt when a person takes hot or cold food and drinks during the treatment period. This sensitivity is not severe and disappears after a short period of quitting.
The trays are custom-fitted to cause a drastic decrease in the chance of gum irritation, which is a frequent problem with improperly fitted over-the-counter trays or strips. The whitening gel is held firmly around the teeth with an exact fit so that it does not come into long-term contact with the sensitive gum tissue, which can cause redness, discomfort, or even chemical burns. To further reduce any sensitivity, your dentist may prescribe you desensitizing toothpaste or gels.
When used and maintained correctly, you will get high-quality whitening results, lasting between 1 and 3 years. Individual habits like drinking stain-inducing beverages, smoking, and poor oral hygiene will affect the longevity of your results.
The custom trays are an essential part of preserving your white smile. Unlike disposable whitening strips or the one-size-fits-all trays, your custom trays can also be stored until you need them. This means that once you see your teeth losing their shine after several months, you can do touch-ups at home easily and cheaply by buying more whitening gel from your dentist. This makes long-term care of your bright smile convenient and affordable.
This professional home whitening kit is most appropriate for the person who wants dramatic, permanent, professional-level whitening and appreciates the perfect combination of the convenience of home use with the necessary dental supervision. It is the best option for those who desire a visible change in the shading of their teeth but would still like the ease and convenience of whitening at their leisure, at home. It also attracts individuals who value the safety and effectiveness associated with the dentist’s professional advice and the individually manufactured appliances.
Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening in the office has become the backbone of cosmetic dentistry, with individuals who possess a dull smile being able to have a quick and effective procedure done to allow them to have a brighter smile.
Although there is a flood of at-home whitening products available, the professional in-office experience stands out because it is quick, works, and much safer. This extensive treatment of teeth whitening provides an impressive effect at once, which is why it can be an appealing choice when a person wants to see the difference in their dental appearance as soon as possible.
This process usually starts with a complete dental examination to ascertain that the patient is the right person to undergo whitening. This involves examination of oral health, any underlying diseases like gum disease or cavities, and realistic expectations of the outcome. After ascertaining suitability, the dental expert will carefully clean the mouth of the patient. This is a crucial step because it requires the gums and other soft tissues to be isolated by placing a protective barrier, usually a resin dam or liquid coffer dam, to avoid irritation and only allow the whitening agent to contact the teeth.
The concentration of the active ingredient in professional in-office whitening systems usually has a high percentage of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which is much stronger than the agents present in over-the-counter products. This is a strong gel that is precisely placed on the surface. A special light source is frequently used to increase the whitening process rate and improve the bleaching agent’s penetration. This is usually an LED or halogen lamp. This light energizes the peroxide that breaks down the stain on the tooth enamel and dentin in an oxidation reaction. The light activation and application are typically done in a few brief sessions, each lasting 15 to 20 minutes, with the gel reapplied between sessions.
The immediate and frequently impressive effect is among the main benefits of in-office whitening. Patients are usually able to notice their teeth whiten by several shades during a single session, which is a considerable change in comparison to the gradual effects of at-home treatments.
The regulated setting and clinical use reduce the danger of disproportionate bleaching or irritation of the gums, which are frequent issues with less controlled procedures. Moreover, the dental practitioner will be able to adjust the strength of the treatment according to a person’s needs and preferred brightness, which will provide a unique and optimal result.
Though it is, in most cases, safe and effective, a few patients might develop temporary tooth sensitivity or sore gums after the procedure. These are minor side effects and are temporary, lasting one or two days. Dental practitioners usually offer desensitizing items or prescribe special toothpaste to alleviate pain.
What is the Duration of Professional In-Office Whitening?
The results of professional in-office teeth whitening can be very different in different people, yet on average, the effects can be expected to last between six months and three years. It does not have a one-size-fits-all solution since multiple factors determine the duration during which your bright smile will last:
- Lifestyle and dietary habits — Regular intake of highly pigmented foods and drinks like tea, coffee, red wine, dark berries, and colas may lead to the appearance of new stains even faster, reducing the whitening effects. The teeth will also be quickly re-stained by smoking or the use of tobacco products.
- Oral hygiene — You should have excellent oral hygiene. Brushing at least 2 times a day and flossing will remove surface stains before they can set in. Brightness can also be maintained with the help of whitening toothpaste a few times a week (not every day, as some are abrasive). Regular dental cleaning should also be performed to eliminate hard-to-reach plaque and surface stains.
- Initial tooth color and kind of stains — Teeth that are initially more yellow are more likely to respond to whitening and may retain their whiteness longer than grayish/brownish stained teeth. Surface stains (extrinsic) are usually simpler to eliminate and prevent than deep stains (intrinsic).
- Age — With age, our tooth enamel naturally becomes thinner and exposes more of the dentin below (yellowish), which can make teeth look darker. The results are longer-lasting in younger people.
- Touch-up treatments — Touch-up treatments are the most effective strategy that allows you to extend your results. Your dentist can supply you with custom-made take-home trays that intermittently use a lower-strength whitening gel, or you can come back in 6 to 12 months for a quick in-office refresher.
Teeth whitening is not a lasting solution because teeth are porous. Thus, they will increasingly absorb stains over time. Nevertheless, as long as you take good care of them and perform occasional maintenance, you can keep your smile brighter for a long time.
Find a Teeth Whitening Dental Expert Near Me
A whiter, brighter smile not only makes you prettier or more attractive but also opens the door to a better and more confident you. Although various over-the-counter treatments are available, they all claim to give a stunning outcome, when in reality, professional teeth whitening performed at Agoura Hills Advanced Dentistry is safe, effective, and customized to provide you with the shade you want.
Consider the effect of a brilliant smile on your personal and professional life. It is a gift to yourself that pays off big time. Do not let the problem of stained or discolored teeth stop you anymore. Call us today at 818-878-7300 to book your appointment and set off to a brilliantly white smile.