Teeth whitening is a procedure to lighten the color of your teeth and remove stains. You can have it done at a dentist’s office.
Tooth whitening is most often done using peroxide-based bleaching agents. At-home systems contain from 3% to 20% peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxides). In-office systems contain from 15% to 43% peroxide.
Bleaching will not whiten porcelain crowns or tooth-colored composite bondings.
Whitening vs. bleaching
The terms “whitening” and “bleaching” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they don’t always mean the same thing. Teeth whitening can be done with either bleaching or non-bleaching products. Bleaching is the type of whitening that involves using bleach containing peroxide. It cleans both deep and surface stains and can make teeth even whiter than their natural shade.
What to Know About Teeth Whitening
You may have noticed your teeth could be a brighter white. There are many products available to whiten your teeth, which is considered a cosmetic procedure.
Your dentist at WHITE ALIGN DENTAL CARE can recommend one of several treatments to whiten your teeth — from procedures at the dental office to at-home solutions. Your dentist will oversee your treatment, giving you additional reassurance that your whitening treatment is safe and effective.
In this article, we’ll go over how teeth whitening works, how long it lasts, and what it costs.
How teeth whitening works
There are a few types of Zoom whitening treatments. Some you get at your dentist’s office and others you do at home, after consulting with a dentist.
These procedures all involve a whitening substance containing hydrogen peroxide. The quickest and most effective treatment also includes the application of LED light during the procedure to brighten your teeth.
The WhiteSpeed treatment can make your teeth noticeably brighter after a 45-minute process at your dentist’s office. It involves both a whitening gel and an LED lamp.
The Zoom QuickPro treatment only takes 10 minutes at the dentist’s office. It relies on just a whitening substance that sits on your teeth for 30 minutes.
You’ll want to make sure your teeth are clean for the procedures, so be mindful of the food and drinks you consume prior. Your dentist may also recommend limiting your food and drink intake immediately following the procedure.
In-office teeth whitening treatments
Zoom Whitespeed
This is the most effective Zoom treatment that leaves your teeth much brighter in less than an hour. It requires the application of a whitening gel and the use of a special LED lamp over a 45-minute period. It can whiten your teeth by several shades.
Your dentist At WHITE ALIGN DENTAL CARE may recommend a professional cleaning prior to the whitening procedure. Then, your dentist will:
- put a whitening gel on your teeth
- turn on the LED light and point it at your teeth
- repeat this process two more times
- apply an enamel-protecting gel
After the procedure, your dentist will provide at-home whitening treatments and any instructions for caring for your teeth after the procedure. These supplies and materials are included in the cost of the Zoom WhiteSpeed treatment.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Zoom whitening can last several months or even more than a year.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Zoom whitening products shouldn’t hurt during the procedure.
Your teeth may be more sensitive following tooth whitening, but this isn’t commonly reported. One study found that only 1.8 percent of participants had tooth sensitivity following treatments.
Another study found that only 2 out of 9 participants reported sensitivity following treatment.
What is the aftercare like for teeth whitening?
Your dentist will likely recommend you avoid foods and beverages that could stain your teeth, as these could impact how long your teeth stay white. Beverages like coffee, tea, and soda can stain your teeth. Tobacco products also stain your teeth.
How much does Zoom teeth whitening cost?
The Zoom WhiteSpeed costs around Rs.8,000- 10,000. This includes the 45-minute treatment at the dentist’s office along with further at-home treatment
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, and most insurance plans don’t cover the costs. Therefore, you’ll pay for it out of pocket.
When to talk with a dentist At WHITE ALIGN DENTAL CARE about teeth whitening?
You may notice your teeth have become more discolored and stained with age, the consumption of certain foods and beverages, or from a medication you take. If you want a brighter smile, talk with your dentist at WHITE ALIGN DENTAL CARE about whitening treatments.
Your dentist will make sure your teeth are in good condition prior to giving you any whitening treatment. They’ll also ask you about your health history and any allergies you may have. Your dentist at WHITE ALIGN DENTAL CARE will also discuss the effects of the treatment with artificial or repaired teeth.
Staining can be divided into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic staining.
Extrinsic staining
Extrinsic staining affects the outside of your tooth and is largely caused by environmental factors such as:
- smoking
- certain foods and drinks such as coffee, wine, dark berries
- antibiotics
- exposure to metals such as iron or copper
Intrinsic staining
Intrinsic staining affects the inside of your tooth. It’s caused by factors such as:
- age-related enamel erosion
- genetics
- antibiotics
- exposure to high levels of fluoride
- tooth development disorders
Tips for keeping teeth white
Following good oral hygiene habits and minimizing your consumption of certain foods can help you avoid staining and maximize your tooth health.
Here are some specific ways to keep your teeth white.
White teeth maintenance tips
- Limit consumption of staining foods. Some foods and drinks such as coffee, red wine, dark berries, and sodas are notorious for staining teeth.
- Use a straw. When consuming beverages that have the potential to stain, a straw can help avoid the beverage’s direct contact with your teeth.
- Brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth shortly after consuming a staining food or drink can help limit their effect.
- Follow good dental hygiene habits. Following good overall dental hygiene habits such as brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing can help you avoid tooth decay and other issues that may cause discoloration.
- Eat plenty of calcium. Eating plenty of calcium can help you keep your teeth strong and reduce your chances of developing cavities.
- Limit your sugar intake. Harmful bacteria in your body produce acid when they encounter sugar. This acid breaks down your teeth and can lead to tooth decay.
- Avoid smoking and other forms of tobacco use. Nicotine found in tobacco products can give your teeth a yellowish stain. After chronic use, your teeth may begin to look brown.
- Use whitening products as a touch-up treatment. You shouldn’t solely rely on whitening products to keep your teeth white. But they can be used to touch up mild discoloration.
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Side Effects of Teeth Whitening
Tooth bleaching can make teeth temporarily sensitive — or be uncomfortable for people who already have sensitive teeth.
Tooth-whitening works best for people with yellow teeth and is less effective for people with brown teeth. If your teeth are gray or purple, tooth bleaching probably won’t work at all.
To be sure tooth-whitening is worth your time and money, talk to your dentist before you use an over-the-counter tooth whitening kit.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
When done correctly, teeth whitening is generally safe. But it can come with risks, depending on what you use to whiten your teeth and how often and how long you use it. The risks of overly aggressive teeth whitening include:
- Gum irritation
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Softening of the tooth enamel
- Roughening of the teeth’s surface
- Damage to or discoloration of dental restorations like crowns
To minimize the risks:
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations for whitening your teeth.
- Tell your dentist if you notice undesirable changes in your teeth or health after teeth whitening.
Can teeth whitening damage teeth?
Teeth whitening can damage your teeth if the procedure or product is too harsh. This is due to dehydration of the teeth and the loss of essential minerals like calcium.
The takeaway
Teeth whitening procedures may be a good way to brighten your smile. Your dentist will oversee your treatment, making sure you get the results you expect in a safe way.
Some treatments brighten teeth in under an hour, while others take a few weeks to see results. Talk with your dentist about options for whitening your teeth.
To book an appointment with us at, ‘White Align Dental Care’– call us on 070284 83531. We pride ourselves to have the best cosmetic dentist in South Delhi. You can also mail us on whitealign.dentalcare@gmail.com