How It Is Done

The target of whitening solutions and techniques is the dentin, which is the layer underneath the enamel of the tooth. Whitening solutions seep through the pores of the enamel to whiten the dentin. The solution used in teeth whitening systems are usually made of either bleach or a peroxide solution, and come in different strengths depending on how much you want to pay or where you get it done (home or at the dentist’s office). The solution is usually placed in mouth trays that form to the person’s teeth and are left on for a period of time.

The Risks

Risks of tooth whitening include sensitivity, gum irritation, and uneven-colored teeth. Sensitivity to temperature, pressure or touch is usually due to the opening of enamel pores during whitening, allowing substances to get to the dentin and hurting the teeth more than before the whitening. Gum irritation is due to the harsh chemicals found in teeth whitening solutions and sometimes the trays themselves. Uneven-colored teeth occurs when a person has restorative dental work such as porcelain veneers or caps and the natural teeth whiten but the restorative treatments do not.

Who Shouldn’t Whiten?

Unless you have several hundred dollars to replace your current restorative dental work with whiter work that matches your newly whitened teeth, it is suggested that those with things like bondings, porcelain veneer, and caps do not use whitening products because it will make restorative treatment stand out in a way that may be unpleasing to the eye. If your teeth are stained a brown or gray color, the chances of your whitening procedure working are much lower than if your teeth are simply yellow. If you are pregnant or nursing, you are not recommended to use whitening trays or techniques due to safety reasons, and if your teeth are extremely sensitive you may want to avoid whitening as well. There are however, products available to help deal with the sensitivity issues including desensitisers and reminerlisation products.

Your Options

There are several different options for teeth whitening systems that are available on the market aside from going to your dentist. These at-home treatments are much less expensive than going to the dentist, making them very popular. There are pre-filled mouth trays that are not molded to your tooth shape, “boil and bite” mouth trays that are reused and formed to your mouth after boiling them to make sure they are soft. Full tray systems, brush on gels, and whitening strips are also available that do not require mouth trays.