Teeth Whitening Las Vegas is one of the most requested cosmetic services in dentist’s offices and throughout the country. There are several different methods of tooth whitening, but they all use the same bleaching agent to lighten the color of your teeth.
The lightening agent is usually hydrogen peroxide. Some products use a halogen or laser light to hasten the process of reaching the desired shade.
Whitening products containing peroxide chemically break down and bleach intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic stains on teeth. They come in various concentrations and forms including strips, pre-filled trays and gel. Some are available over the counter while others require a dentist’s prescription or supervision. In most cases, whitening is safe and effective, but patients must follow the product instructions carefully to avoid gum irritation or tooth sensitivity.
Teeth whitening products that contain hydrogen peroxide (whitening strips, whitening trays) or carbamide peroxide (tooth whitening toothpaste) are available OTC and in many pharmacies. These products typically contain lower concentrations of whitening ingredients than professional whitening systems that dentists prescribe and supervise. In order to achieve a brighter smile most people need to use these products for several weeks, if not longer.
In addition to over-the-counter whitening toothpastes, whitening mouthwashes and whitening floss are also available. These products typically contain mild abrasives or other chemicals that remove surface stains. They are generally safe, but most do not keep the whitening ingredient on the teeth long enough to make a noticeable difference in tooth color.
The latest whitening products on the market are formulated to whiten teeth by applying a thin layer of whitening gel directly on top of the teeth. Some of these whitening products include LED lights to accelerate and enhance the whitening process. They may be available in pre-filled trays or moldable trays that can be used with your own clear aligners for a custom at home treatment.
These whitening products typically contain a higher concentration of whitening ingredients than OTC whitening products and are only recommended for use by a dentist to minimize risk of damage or discomfort. The whitening agent is applied to the surface of the teeth and typically left on for 30 minutes or less. A standard recommendation is to apply whitening gel twice daily for 14 days for a significant lightening of the teeth. Some whitening gels are specifically designed for people with orthodontic braces and can be safely used with these types of dental appliances.
In-Office Whitening
For fast, noticeable results, in-office whitening is the best option. First, a dental professional cleans your teeth and applies a barrier to protect the gums and lips. This helps prevent irritation caused by the whitening gel. Then, the whitening gel is applied to the surface of your teeth and left on for an hour or less. Some whitening treatments use light activation to speed up the whitening process and improve the results.
During this time, the whitening agent breaks down stains in the enamel of your teeth, revealing a brighter smile. In-office whitening can be completed in one to two appointments, depending on the severity of your staining and your dentist’s opinion about how many shades whiter your teeth could become.
In-office whitening is more effective than over-the-counter whitening products, but it isn’t guaranteed to remove all of your stains. This is because the whitening agent used in in-office whitening (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) can only whiten natural, unfilled cavities, not tooth-colored restorations.
Aside from a few mild side effects such as tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, in-office whitening is considered safe by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. However, a whitening treatment done too frequently or by a non-dentist may result in the uneven bleaching of your teeth.
Tooth whitening can make your smile look brighter and more attractive, but it is important to remember that the health of your mouth should be prioritized over its appearance. Tooth whitening is an optional cosmetic treatment and should only be performed after you have a healthy smile.
While whitening can increase self-confidence, it is important to realize that there are other things you can do to brighten your smile such as using a whitening toothpaste or mouthwash and avoiding foods that are known to stain your teeth like wine and coffee. Ultimately, the goal of any dental treatment is to achieve and maintain good oral health, not a perfectly white smile. Despite this, we do encourage you to discuss the possibility of teeth whitening with your dentist to see if it is right for you.
At-Home Whitening
If you’re not quite ready to visit the dentist for a professional teeth whitening treatment, there are at-home products available that can help you achieve brighter, whiter teeth. However, dental professionals and the American Dental Association recommend that you only use a whitening product recommended by your dentist or the ADA.
Most whitening kits consist of trays, strips, lights or pens that contain the active whitening agent (hydrogen peroxide). These chemicals work below the surface of your tooth enamel to break up and remove discoloration molecules. They also have the effect of temporarily reducing sensitivity. There are also whitening products that do not contain peroxide and instead rely on ingredients like coconut oil or aloe vera to lighten your teeth. They are a bit slower to work but tend to be less irritating for patients with sensitive teeth.
These at-home products can give you a brighter smile in about an hour, depending on the concentration of the whitening gel and how long it remains in contact with your teeth. They also contain other chemicals that prevent cavities, combat gum disease and freshen breath. It is important to use them as directed by your dentist or the manufacturer to avoid damaging your teeth.
A whitening kit that includes custom-made whitening trays is one of the safest and most effective ways to whiten your teeth. A dentist will take impressions of your mouth to create a mold that can be used for a custom-fitted whitening tray. The whitening trays will hold the whitening solution against your teeth for about an hour each day for two weeks. During this time, you will need to refrain from eating or drinking. The trays will also need to be cleaned regularly to avoid staining.
Extrinsic stains are the most common cause of discoloration on your teeth. These stains appear on the outer layer of your teeth and are caused by drinking coffee, tea, red wine, soda and other bright-colored foods. Using tobacco products, age and genetics can also darken your teeth. At-home whitening treatments can significantly reduce these exterior stains.
