Teeth Whitening – we look at the options

Article by BR Tabatha

If Hollywood is right about one thing, it's that teeth look better when they're white.  Not Ross Geller glow-under-UV-light white, but better-than-nature pearly white to be precise.

Teeth change colour naturally with age; the enamel thins and the inner layer, dentin, appears darker.  Add to that the fact teeth absorb coloured liquids like tea, coffee, Coke and red wine and it's almost a certainty you'll consider tooth whitening at some point in your life.

So what are your teeth whitening options?

At Home

At home whitening is best tackled by those with generally healthy mouths.  If you have overly sensitive teeth, have crowns or fillings on your front teeth or have grey, rather than yellowed enamel, at-home whitening is not for you. 

Peroxide is probably the most common ingredient in at-home whiteners.  It is a bleach that forms bubbles to lift stains away.  Any tooth whitener can cause sensitivity, so follow the instructions.  At home kits are a gradual process, you must accept that and you must expect to repeat the intensive whitening every 6-12 months in spite of regular maintenance.

Whitening Toothpaste will brighten or whiten teeth by 1-3 shades, max.  You must actively brush your teeth for 2 minutes per session, preferably with an electric toothbrush.  Generally these are the least effective as the bleach isn't in contact for a great deal of time.  They are really useful for maintaining an already white smile though.

Whitening Trays or Whitening Strips are the most effective home kits because they provide a barrier that keeps the whitening mixture in contact with the tooth enamel.  You can expect an end result of 5 -7 shades lighter.  Generally you'll 'wear' the tray (containing the whitening gel) or strip for around 30 minutes a day until you achieve the shade you want.  Look for higher concentrations of peroxide for a more dramatic result.

The cons of trays are that, unlike professional trays, the shape is generic and may not perfectly fit your teeth, giving an uneven effect.  They can also cause the whitening gel to spread on to the gum, causing irritation.

Strips can be more accurately placed on to the tooth-line but they can slip during the application time, leading to an uneven result.

Whitening Pens are a great option for 'spot treatments', ie smaller areas of discolouration.  You apply the gel to the affected area and hold your lips away from your teeth (think a big smile) for at least 30 secs.  As there is nothing holding the whitening agent to the enamel, it is quickly dissolved in your saliva, meaning it's not the most powerful of treatments. 

Paint on whiteners are thought to be better for sensitive teeth and are very easy to use.

Professionally

Bleaching at the dentist is much more effective than at home due to the tray, that is custom-fit to your mouth.  This, combined with strong bleach can result in teeth being 10 shades lighter in one visit. 

Obviously this is a more expensive option than generic at-home kits and will need maintaining at home.

Laser whitening involves a hydrogen peroxide solution being painted on to the teeth before being blasted by a strong light to speed up the process.  This boasts incredible results along with a price tag exceeding $1000 a session.

Naturally / Cosmetic Fixes

• Crunchy fruit and vegetables like apples and celery clean your teeth as you eat due to their 'abrasive' texture.
• Fruit and vegetables also cause you to product more saliva and contains surfactants and enzymes that act as a detergent.  The more saliva you have, the fewer stains you'll get!
• Lip gloss with blue undertones will make your teeth sparkle too.
• The right red lippie will make your teeth appear whiter
• You can use a baking soda/lemon juice paste for one minute, once a week to naturally whiten teeth.
• Malic Acid in berries like strawberries can help whiten your teeth - pulp the berries and use like a toothpaste.
• Brush with Apple Cider Vinegar followed by your regular toothpaste.
• Oil pulling can help.

Tips to prevent further staining

• Where possible use straw to drink.
• Swish your mouth with water for 30 seconds after a cup of tea or coffee, or a red wine
• Stop smoking!
• Brush your teeth after every meal and use a whitening toothpaste morning and night.
• If you can't brush your teeth after a meal, chew sugar-free gum. 
• Flossing and using a mouthwash daily can also help maintain your smile.

So there's a quick BR guide to your teeth whitening options.  Is teeth whitening something you've had experience with?  Or is it something on your to-do list maybe?  Get chatting below!