Teeth Whitening or Teeth Bleaching
In office Zoom Whitening
ZOOM Whitening, a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure, is considered one of the most effective and popular in-office whitening systems. The active ingredient in ZOOM2 whitening gel is hydrogen peroxide at a high concentration. ZOOM2 is one of the quickest, most effective and most conservative ways to achieve a beautiful bright smile often within an hour. There are many other “in office” whitening systems on the market. These whitening systems may utilize high concentrations of carbamide peroxide in their whitening gel.
Advantages of in office teeth bleaching or whitening
- Results achieved quickly often within an hour
- One of the least invasive and most conservative methods of teeth whitening
- Most predictable and effective method of teeth whitening
Disadvantages of in office teeth bleaching or whitening
- Does not work on existing restorations, veneers or crowns
- Considerable limitations, for example it does not correct misaligned and crowded teeth
- Limited success with deep stains
At-home teeth whitening
At-home teeth whitening is another method of teeth whitening. The active ingredient in at-home whitening gels is either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide with varying concentrations that are lower than the ones used with in-office systems. The most common active ingredient at home whitening gel is 10% carbamide peroxide. Higher concentration gels within this category are usually dispensed under professional supervision at your cosmetic dentist’s office. Lower concentration gels can be sold over the counter. Generally over the counter gels are applied to the teeth via prefabricated trays, while whitening gels provided by your dentist are of higher, more effective concentration and applied via a customized application trays. The whitening trays provided at the dental office offer better, more precise fit and therefore superior whiting results can be achieved. Crest Whitening Strips are a variation of at-home whitening where the gel is carried via strips that replace trays.
Advantages of at home teeth whitening or bleaching
- More controlled post-op sensitivity since the length of time and frequency of whitening is controlled by the patient
- Among the least invasive and most conservative methods of teeth whitening
Disadvantages of at home teeth whitening or bleaching
- Results may take days to weeks to become evident
- May not work on deep stains
- May cause temporary post-op sensitivity
- Less predictable than ZOOM with varying results
- Considerable limitations
- Varying results depending on user and compliance
Whitening toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes whiten teeth and remove stains through abrasive particles. The long term effect of the abrasive actions on compromising the structure and the integrity of teeth is controversial. Some cosmetic dentists feel that the damage to the teeth due to abrasive action is significant, others don’t. Results may take weeks to months to become evident with limited and varying degrees success.