Here is all the information you need to know about teeth whitening treatment at home.
Both intrinsic and extrinsic stains are possible on teeth. Your teeth’s natural little porosity, or microscopic fractures, are where intrinsic stains manifest themselves. They impact your tooth’s dentin, which is located beneath the robust enamel covering. Some drugs, infections, normal aging, inadequate restorations (fillings), and trauma can contribute to intrinsic stains. Some of the compounds that cause intrinsic tooth discoloration, particularly thick, dark gray stains, cannot be broken down by whitening treatments.
There are numerous choices available when deciding which at-home whitening product is best for you. You can choose by focusing on your budget, ideal treatment duration, and whitening objectives. Ask your dentist what over-the-counter (OTC) products they would suggest based on your particular oral health.
01. Kits for teeth whitening
An over-the-counter whitening kit may include a mouth guard-like tray that is filled with a peroxide-based gel or paste. For up to a month, the tray is placed over your teeth for a few minutes to several hours each day, until you get the desired level of whiteness.
The cost of kits with trays varies greatly. For $25, you can purchase “boil and bite” kits that you boil at home in hot water and then mold to fit your mouth when the tray becomes malleable. Combo kits that start at $150 include an LED light mouthpiece (intended to speed the whitening process, though research on the effectiveness of light activation is mixed) and a whitening pen.
02. Strips for teeth whitening treatment
Because of their low cost, simplicity of use, and impressive effects, teeth whitening strips are a common at-home whitening method. The peroxide-based solution in these plastic strips penetrates your enamel when you apply the gel side to your teeth for benefits that can last up to many months.
Similar to trays, strips expose your teeth to a whitening agent over an extended period of time. The dental strip’s instructions will tell you how many days and for how long each day you should wear the strips for best results. They are typically worn twice a day for a brief time of between 10 and 30 minutes. You’ll follow this routine every day for around two weeks. Prices for strips range from $10 to $70.
03. Whitening Pens for Teeth
Using whitening pens for touch-ups and maintenance while on the go can be useful. They are, however, less effective in whitening and are frequently not suggested as a stand-alone whitener. Without a barrier or bumper to prevent lips from coming into contact with the gel, saliva will quickly dilute it.
Yet, due to the low pricing of the pens (as little as a few dollars per pen) and the straightforward instruction to apply twice daily for two weeks, compliance is frequently high. The base of most whitening pens is either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
04. Toothpaste for teeth whitening
When it comes to stain removal, abrasives such hydrated silica, perlite, and alumina are the most crucial toothpaste constituents.
So it’s crucial to pick toothpaste with the right quantity of abrasives. Long-term usage of a toothpaste with a higher abrasivity could harm your enamel. The loss of an enamel to reveal the inner layer of dentin would be more harmful, even though there is a trade-off between reduced abrasivity and a higher likelihood of developing stains.
Thus, we advise you to look for electric toothpaste that removes stains that has the ADA Seal of Approval. For advice on how frequently to use toothpaste that doesn’t bear the ADA Seal of Approval, speak with your dentist.
Additional Home Remedies As Teeth Whitening Treatment
Additionally, there are natural teeth whitening treatments, including:
Baking Soda
According to research, utilizing baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can enhance the look of your teeth. Being an alkaline substance, it acts to lessen stains and eliminate harmful microorganisms.
Baking soda is a common ingredient in traditional toothpaste, but you may also produce your own paste by combining the powder with water. It could be a good idea to use a fluoride rinse afterward if you choose to do that.
Pulling oil
This method is swishing oil, which is typically coconut oil, in the mouth for 15 to 20 minutes, up to three times per day, followed by brushing. While there is insufficient evidence to support its usage for teeth whitening, it may improve dental hygiene by preventing the growth of germs that cause tooth decay and decreasing gum irritation.
If these teeth whitening treatments are challenging or irritate your teeth or gums, speak with your dentist about other options. They might be able to recommend a more particular method that works with your braces.
