Whitening ….. What are the facts?

 

What is the quick history of whitening?

Teeth whitening practices date back to ancient times. The Egyptians were among the first to explore this, using a mixture of pumice and vinegar to achieve whiter teeth. The Romans took a different approach, employing ammonia derived from urine for whitening. In more recent history, barbers, who often performed dental work, would file teeth, and apply acids to whiten them, though these methods were quite painful.

The modern era of teeth whitening began when Cosmetic Dentists and Orthodontists discovered that peroxides used for oral health also had whitening effects. Extensive research and experimentation with various whitening agents eventually led to the development of today's safe and effective whitening systems.

How are teeth whitened?

Peroxides and carbamide peroxides help remove external stains and whiten teeth from the inside. However, fillings, crowns, and veneers will not change color with whitening treatments and will stay the same color while the surrounding teeth become lighter. Ask Dr Kitzmiller which teeth will be affected!

What are the ways to whiten? 

There are four effective ways to achieve good whitening results:

1. Over-the-Counter Gels with Stock Trays: These kits are somewhat effective but have poorly fitting trays that can irritate gums if used improperly. They are inexpensive for one-time use but require buying the entire kit for touch-ups, leading to higher costs over time.

2. Whitening Strips with Embedded Gel: Effective but more challenging to place and keep in the mouth. The strips do not cover all visible teeth, leaving corner teeth darker and requiring more strips to complete the whitening. Like other over-the-counter products, they need future touch-up kits, adding to the cost.

3. Custom-Made Trays for Home Use: These trays are professionally made and customized in a dental office to fit over all your teeth, allowing you to whiten as far back in your mouth as desired. Although more expensive initially, they can save money eventually because the trays are reusable, and gels can be bought separately. Various strength gels can be used as needed.

4. In-Office, One-Time Treatments: Applied professionally at a dental office, these treatments use gels with higher peroxide concentrations and often include light activation. They are more expensive due to the professional application and longer appointment times, but the results are dramatic after just one session. However, comparable results can be achieved with take-home trays, and no touch-up trays are provided.

How long will your teeth stay white? 

With professionally supervised tooth whitening, you can achieve dramatic results. Touch-ups can be done over time to maintain your bright smile, typically once a year if needed.

I prefer method number three, custom-made take-home trays, due to their cost-effectiveness over time, ease of use, complete tooth coverage, and tray reusability. Additionally, if your teeth are sensitive, these trays can be used to apply anti-sensitivity agents.

Do you have any questions? Give us a call 919-362-1341, text or email us. We are happy to help! 😊

Dr. Kitzmiller