All About Teeth Whitening: Studies, Methods, Benefits and Risks

All About Teeth Whitening: Studies, Methods, Benefits and Risks By Dr. Abhi Singh | August 7, 2022

All About Teeth Whitening: Studies, Methods, Benefits and Risks

Your smile is among the first things that people notice about you, so it’s no wonder that teeth whitening is a common and popular cosmetic dental procedure. Teeth can become stained or discoloured over time due to your lifestyle, diet, age and other factors. While many store-bought whitening products are available, many people prefer to have their teeth professionally whitened by a dentist in their dental office.

This content aims to give you an overview of teeth whitening, how it works, what to expect during the procedure, and to help you make an informed decision if you are considering this dental procedure.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

doctor holding dentist s tools (1)

Teeth whitening is a dental procedure that aims to reduce or remove stains and discolouration from teeth, making them appear brighter and whiter. You should note that whitening and bleaching are not the same things. Whitening uses any means to clean the tooth surface and reduce external stains, while bleaching uses bleaching products containing chemicals that change the colour of your teeth. These chemicals include hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

According to studies, hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are safe options to bleach vital teeth, keeping the substrates (enamel and dentin) healthy. However, dentists should have the necessary knowledge about these substrates and how to handle peroxides to prevent unwanted side effects, such as gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.

There are two types of teeth stains, intrinsic and extrinsic stains.

1. Intrinsic Stains

This type of tooth stain involves the inner part of the tooth called the dentin. Naturally, dentin is yellow, and if it is stained, it results in a yellower colour affecting the entire tooth.

Intrinsic stains can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:

  • Taking certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics, during tooth development
  • Fluorosis is a condition that occurs when there is too much fluoride exposure during tooth development
  • Aging
  • Injury to the tooth
  • Hereditary

Intrinsic stains cannot be removed with store-bought tooth whitening products. The only way to remove it is with a professional whitening treatment at a dental clinic. However, your dentist may recommend other treatment options if you are not a good candidate for teeth whitening.

2. Extrinsic Stains

Extrinsic staining occurs when the outer surface of the tooth becomes stained. This usually happens because of diet and other lifestyle choices, such as:

  • Eating or drinking certain food and drinks, like coffee, tea or red wine
  • Smoking tobacco
  • Poor oral hygiene

While this type of stain is located in the outermost part of the teeth, it still cannot be removed by toothbrushing. However, some extrinsic stains can be addressed with store-bought teeth whitening products but not as much as in-office teeth whitening procedures.

Methods of Teeth Whitening

There are a few different methods of teeth whitening available, including:

1. In-Office or In-Chair Teeth Whitening

This whitening treatment is administered by a dentist in a dental office and is very effective in whitening teeth. In-office or in-chair teeth whitening makes use of whitening products with higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide compared to at-home whitening kits and other over-the-counter whitening products. Because of the use of more potent bleaching agents, the results of in-office teeth whitening are instantaneous, making it one of the most commonly chosen teeth whitening methods.

2. At-Home Whitening with Custom Mouth Trays

This whitening treatment uses a custom-made tray and a peroxide-based gel prescribed by your dentist. The whitening tray is filled with whitening gel and worn over your teeth. You can wear it for 30 minutes to an hour at a time, depending on the instructions from your dentist. This process takes place over a period of two to four weeks.

Compared to in-office whitening, at-home whitening with custom mouth trays is less expensive, and the custom tray is reusable in case you need retouch treatments later on. However, since the bleaching gel contains a lower concentration of carbamide peroxide, it takes longer to achieve visible results.

3. Over The Counter Whitening Strips or Gels

These products deliver a thin layer of peroxide gel on plastic strips that fit your teeth. There are numerous white strip products on the market with different instructions. Typically, manufacturers advise you to apply these strips twice daily for two weeks. Newer products require you to use them only once for 30 minutes daily with the same results as the twice-a-day application items.

Teeth whitening gels are also peroxide-based and come in a syringe. You can apply the gel to your teeth with a brush or finger and leave it on for 30 minutes to one hour before rinsing. These gels are also used twice daily for two weeks, like the whitening strips.

4. Whitening Toothpaste

While brushing your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes is essential for good oral health, not all kinds of toothpaste are the same when it comes to their whitening effect. Some contain special ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide or abrasives that can help remove surface stains over time.

However, it’s important to note that these toothpaste tubes will not make your teeth as white as in-office teeth whitening treatments. Their main function is to remove plaque, which can cause yellowing of the teeth if not removed properly. They may contribute to whitening your teeth, but they would require more frequent and longer use to see significant results.

5. Whitening Rinses or Mouthwashes

These products work by coating your teeth with a peroxide-based whitening solution for two minutes before you brush your teeth. Swishing the rinse in your mouth for one minute can also help remove food and bacteria that contribute to plaque build-up and staining.

Most over-the-counter whitening rinses contain until 2% hydrogen peroxide, which isn’t as strong as what dentists can prescribe. This means that you may not see the same dramatic results with a whitening rinse as you would with other methods of teeth whitening.

6. Home Remedies

Some people claim that the following home remedies can whiten your teeth.

  • Baking soda and lemon juice paste
  • Strawberries and baking soda paste
  • Coconut oil pulling
  • Brushing with salt

These home remedies may work to some degree, but they will not give you the same results as professional teeth whitening treatments. Also, some home remedies, such as brushing with salt, can damage your teeth if used too often. Fruits combined with abrasives, including baking soda, are also found to be acidic and may cause your enamel to wear down.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

On the day of your appointment, your dentist will check your teeth and surrounding tissues for any other dental problems to ensure that you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening. If they determine that you are, treatment will be initiated.

  1. Your dentist will start with recording the initial colour or shade of your teeth using a shade guide. This will be used as a reference point to determine how much brighter your teeth will become after the whitening procedure.
  2. Then, your dentist will apply a protective gel or a rubber sheath to protect your gums, lips and cheek from the bleaching agent.
  3. Your dentist will apply the bleaching agent to your teeth and use a special light to activate it. The light helps the bleaching agent penetrate your tooth enamel and break up the stains and discolouration.
  4. After the bleaching process, your dentist will remove the protective barriers and rinse the gel off your teeth. Using a shade guide, the resulting shade of your teeth will be recorded and compared to your previous record.
  5. Your dentist will provide you with professional instructions and recommendations on taking care of your teeth after the procedure. If necessary, they will also give you a custom-fit mouthguard to wear during the at-home bleaching treatments if you decide to have them.

Who Needs Teeth Whitening?

Almost everyone could benefit from teeth whitening. Unfortunately, some individuals may not be good candidates for this treatment. Your dentist may not recommend it if:

  • You have dental restorations, such as crowns, fillings, implants, and dental bridges
  • You have oral problems, such as tooth decay, cavities, gum disease and exposed roots
  • You are under 16 years old
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You have sensitive teeth
  • Your expectations of the results are unrealistic

If you have any of these conditions, your dentist will suggest that you address your oral health problems first, or they may recommend other options and design an appropriate treatment plan for you.

How Many Treatment Sessions Will I Need?

dentist with smile (1)

Research shows that the success of a teeth whitening technique is directly related to the ability of the peroxide’s penetration or diffusion into the tooth enamel and dentin. Also, the peroxide’s concentration, or strength, plays an important role.

The following is a guide on what to expect from the methods of teeth whitening:

In-Office/Professional Teeth Whitening

How many treatment sessions you need will depend on the severity of your staining (yellow or brown teeth) and the shade of whiteness you want to achieve. For example, if you have mild staining, you may only need one session of in-office treatment. However, if you have more severe staining, you may need multiple sessions of in-office treatments or a combination of in-office and at-home treatments.

Four sessions are generally allowed if your dentist uses 35 to 40% hydrogen peroxide and a light source. In addition, your exposure time to the peroxide should be between 15 to 20 minutes per session to achieve a favourable outcome.

Store-Bought Whitening Strips or Gels

When it comes to teeth whitening strips, manufacturers have different instructions, and these must always be followed. Within a few days of use, your teeth may appear lighter by one or two shades, and results may last between three weeks and four months, depending on how often the strips or gels are used and how well the teeth are maintained.

At-Home Whitening Teeth with Custom Mouth Trays

Dentists usually advise you to wear your mouth tray for 2 to 4 hours daily. If your teeth are healthy with significant discolouration, they may advise you to wear them overnight. How long before you see results depends on the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide, your desired results and how severe your teeth’s discolouration is. An average patient with stains from the food and drinks they consume, like coffee or smoking, can take up to 2 weeks to get rid of about 90% of the stains on their teeth.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening Treatment

The advantages of teeth whitening include:

  • Improvement in your teeth’s appearance. Whitening can help remove or reduce stains from foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, or red wine, as well as discolouration caused by smoking and ageing. Once these stains are removed, you will have more beautiful teeth and a radiant smile.
  • It boosts your self-confidence and self-esteem. You will feel more confident in social and professional situations when you have a beautiful smile due to your whitened teeth. Whiter teeth can make you look younger.
  • It is a non-invasive procedure. This cosmetic treatment is a simple and quick way to improve your smile without undergoing invasive dental procedures.
  • It is more affordable than other cosmetic dental procedures. Other treatments to whiten teeth, such as veneers, are more expensive than teeth whitening. This is because they are more invasive, require multiple sessions, or use more specialised equipment and products.

Risks of Teeth Whitening Treatment

There are also some risks associated with teeth whitening, such as:

1. Tooth Sensitivity

This occurs when the bleaching agents come too close to the nerves inside the tooth. The closer it gets, the more sensitive the tooth becomes. Studies show that high concentrations of peroxides and the exposure time to dental structures contribute to the severity of tooth sensitivity.

Fortunately, tooth sensitivity is transient and can be easily managed by applying sodium fluoride, potassium nitrate, calcium phosphate, fluoride varnishes and adhesives.

2.Gum Irritation

This can arise when the bleaching gel comes into contact with your gums and causes them to become irritated. This can be avoided if your dentist takes necessary precautions, including applying protective barriers such as rubber dams and gum barriers.

Signs of gum irritation during the process include:

  • Burning sensation
  • White spots or areas on your gums
  • Potential inflammation

If this happens at home, you can do the following to avoid other side effects:

  • Stop the treatment immediately, and don’t wait until the burning sensation worsens.
  • Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to swish away any lingering bleaching product and soothe the irritation.

Is Teeth Whitening Procedure Painful?

Depending on the teeth whitening method used and the duration of treatment, teeth whitening can be a slightly painful experience for some people. This is due to teeth sensitivity, a side effect of teeth whitening. However, this is usually temporary and should resolve within a day or two. If you have sensitive teeth, there are some steps you can take to minimise discomfort, such as using a desensitising toothpaste or undergoing a professional treatment instead of using at-home products.

With professional teeth whitening, your dentist can apply the whitening solutions correctly and evenly, ensuring that there is just enough coverage and that the teeth are evenly lightened. Protective barriers will also be applied to keep the solution from coming into contact with your lips, cheeks and tongue, which can cause irritation or chemical burns. Additionally, if you have sensitive teeth, your dentist can tailor your treatment time and adjust the solution that will be used to prevent or minimise tooth sensitivity.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

In general, a teeth whitening procedure administered by a dentist is safe. They will always check your oral health before performing any dental procedures to ensure that there are no underlying problems that could be aggravated by the teeth whitening products. When done correctly, teeth whitening will not damage your teeth or gums. In fact, it can help improve your mouth’s overall health by removing any harmful bacteria that may be present.

On the other hand, if you choose teeth whitening treatment using at-home bleaching kits, there is a greater risk of damaging your teeth or gums if you don’t follow the instructions carefully. This is why it’s always important to see a dentist for your teeth whitening needs so you can be properly guided.

Until When Does the Effect Of Teeth Whitening Last?

The effects of in-house teeth whitening treatment can last up to 2 to 3 years or as little as six months. Your lifestyle and habits will heavily influence this. For example, if you smoke or drink coffee or red wine frequently, the staining on your teeth will likely return sooner. You may need to have touch-up treatments every six months to maintain your desired level of whiteness.

If you use at-home teeth whitening kits, the longevity of the results may be shorter, only up to six months, as the products you use are usually not as strong as those used by dentists.

How Do You Care For Whitened Teeth?

After having teeth whitening, proper maintenance is recommended as these can help extend the lifespan of your newly whitened teeth. The following step should be followed:

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth twice a day. This helps remove any plaque or bacteria that may cause staining. Hard-bristled toothbrushes may be too harsh on newly whitened teeth.
  • Be sure to floss every day. This can help eliminate any food debris or plaque that may be stuck between your teeth, resulting in staining.
  • Avoid or reduce your intake of food and drinks that can stain your teeth. Certain food and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and cigarettes, can stain your newly whitened teeth. This is because they contain pigments that can adhere to your teeth and cause staining.
  • Use a straw when drinking beverages that can stain your teeth. This can reduce the contact time between the drink and your teeth.
  • Regularly visit your dentist for cleanings and checkups. During your appointment, your dentist can evaluate the condition of your teeth and advise you on how to take care of them. Dental cleanings every six months can also help remove any plaque or tartar that may cause staining.

Does Teeth Whitening Work on Dental Crowns and Veneers?

Teeth whitening will not work on dental crowns or veneers. This is because crowns and veneers are made from materials not affected by the bleaching agents. If you have dental crowns or veneers, your dentist can help you find other ways to achieve your smile’s desired level of whiteness.

What Are the Alternatives to Teeth Whitening?

If you are not a good candidate for teeth whitening or if you are looking for other ways to achieve a whiter smile, there are other options available, such as:

1.  Dental Veneers

These are thin pieces of porcelain bonded on the front surface of your teeth. They can be used to cover any existing stains or discolouration. They are also a good alternative if you have chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth.

2. Dental Bonding

This quick (30-60 minutes) procedure involves the application of a tooth-coloured resin to your teeth’s surface and then hardened with a special light. Dental bonding can help improve your teeth’s appearance by changing their shape, size, or colour.

3. Dental Crowns

These caps are placed over your teeth to cover any existing stains or discolouration. You can opt for this procedure if you have misshapen, chipped, or cracked teeth. The difference with veneers is that crowns encase the entire tooth, while veneers only cover the front surface.

Depending on your situation, your dentist will determine which of these alternatives is suited for you.

Cost of Teeth Whitening

How much it costs to whiten your teeth depends on your preferred method, your dentist, location and individual case. Generally, you can expect to pay $600- $620 for a teeth whitening kit. A professional teeth whitening can cost you up to $250-$270 per tooth, plus a consultation fee and plaque removal, which can cost up to $280-$300. To get a more accurate quotation, it’s important to visit your dentist and ask them about their pricing.

Final Thoughts

Teeth whitening is an affordable cosmetic dental procedure that can help you achieve a brighter, whiter smile, boosting your self-esteem. If you are a good candidate, you can expect to enjoy the benefits for up to 2-3 years with proper care. However, you will play a significant role in maintaining the lifespan of your treatment through your lifestyle and habits. If you have questions or concerns about or want to know if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening, call Prospect Road Dental Surgery, a QIP accredited clinic, at 08 9020 7002 today.

We are located at Unit 4/26 Prospect Road Armadale, W.A 6112, and as soon as you step into our clinic, you will be greeted by our attentive staff, who are more than happy to answer any questions that you may have. We understand how essential your smile is, and we are dedicated to helping you improve it.

We provide general, children’s, restorative, laser, orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening. We also offer in-office procedures or take-home whitening kits, depending on your preference and needs.

Disclaimer – Use At Your Own Risk :- The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. Any action you take upon the information on these blogs are strictly at your own risk. We will not be liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of the information from these blogs.

Prospect Road Dental Surgery
Dr. Abhi Singh
Dr. Abhi is a member of the Australian Dental Association and loves living and working in our community. He has eight years of experience in all aspects of dentistry, with a special interest in dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, and cosmetic dentistry.