Advantages of At-Home Teeth Whitening

• Long-term results: Dental professionals agree that the only way to maintain your whitened teeth is with at-home bleaching products, repeated regularly – preferably every four to six months. But lately, many dentists are advising people with very dark-stained or tetracycline-affected teeth to continue home bleaching over a period of months (or up to a year) for optimal results. What's interesting is, the newest teeth whitening strips on the consumer market are intended for five-minute use every day, like brushing or flossing.
• Variety: You have a choice of whitening trays, strips or paint-on products, as well as numerous whitening accessories.
• Convenience: You can do home whitening at any time of the day or night, for short or extended periods.
• Portability: You can also use at-home whitening strips while on the go or at the office.
• Cost: Over-the-counter whiteners range from $4 to $100, while dentist-dispensed products cost approximately $400. By contrast, in-office whitening costs an average of $650 per session.

Must-Knows About At-Home Whitening

Tooth whitening systems use peroxide or peroxide-generating compounds as the whitening ingredient. Most are formulated with hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide or urea peroxide. The latter two are most common, and are about three times less potent than hydrogen peroxide itself.

In general, the more peroxide, the greater the whitening power. Formulations differ depending on the way the product is applied either painted on, as a strip or in a tray. Some products are worn for 30 minutes twice a day, while others are worn all night.

Depending on the strength of the whitener, the peroxide acts on the surface of the tooth, as well as the next layer below the dentin. It does not go far enough to reach the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth).

 The results are not permanent, but will last for about six months. The products should not be used more often than every six months.

Current clinical studies show that home tooth whitening products are not harmful when used as directed. Based on the available scientific information, there is no concern about possible adverse effects on tooth structure or enamel hardness.

However, it is important to follow the instructions on the product and pay attention to any precautionary statements. You should not use the product for more than 14 days without supervision by a dental professional.

Tooth whitening products are known to cause tooth sensitivity in some individuals, although this is usually temporary.

Although you can get over-the-counter whiteners without a dentist's recommendation, if you over-use them or use them incorrectly, they can harm your tooth enamel and irritate your gum tissue. Also, over-bleaching can produce an undesirable bluish hue, chalky whiteness or uneven results (otherwise known as “the technicolor effect”).

Supervision by a dentist can prevent these problems. To ensure the health of your smile, see your dentist before choosing an over-the-counter tooth whitener and beginning the bleaching process. Dentists know a lot about these products and can help you choose the right one and use it correctly.

Also keep in mind:

• The stronger the peroxide formula, the more rapid its effect; the weaker the formula, the longer it can remain on the teeth safely. A low-percentage bleach used overnight every night of the week will produce about the same results as a high-percentage "day-bleach" that stays on the teeth one hour per day for seven days.
• The best time to begin at-home whitening is soon after a dental hygienist's prophylactic cleaning. This procedure removes the surface layer of plaque and grime that can interfere with bleaching.
• Dentists and oral care companies urge brushing and flossing the teeth just prior to any kind of at-home or on-the-go whitening.
• For best results, don't consume food or beverages (excluding water) for a couple of hours after whitening.
• Be sure to read and follow the instructions for use shown on the product label.
• Do not use a tooth whitening product for more than 14 days without consulting a dental professional.
• Decrease the use of the whitening system to half of the recommended duration. For example, wear it for 30 minutes instead of 60 minutes.
• Discontinue use of the whitener for two or three days, then resume use.
• If you've had dental problems, infections or recent work on your teeth, or if you already suffer from tooth sensitivity, talk to your dental professional before using a tooth whitener.
• If you are pregnant, have mouth or gum disease or have teeth stained by medication, you should not use tooth whiteners.