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How Does Teeth Whitening Work? All You Need To Know

Faris Kirmani • Sep 29, 2021

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Whitening treatments are one of the most effective ways to makeover your smile. However, from specialist toothpaste to in-mouth devices and options only available from your dentist, not all teeth whitening treatments are created equal.

So how does teeth whitening work? And which option is best for you to choose?

First, it may be helpful to understand how teeth can become discoloured. The ‘usual suspects’ – things like tea or coffee, smoking and other dark liquids like cola, and even some beers can cause your teeth to become yellowed. Red wine is also on the list, but it’s important to note white wine can also stain your teeth because of its high acidity levels. Some medications can also cause tooth discolouration, as can time and tooth trauma, including infection.

While avoiding some of those causes can reduce further discolouration of your teeth, whitening is often the only way that you can make a noticeable, long-term difference once the ‘damage’ is done.

How does teeth whitening work? Dentist treatments

At the dentist, you have two options for teeth whitening. For instant results, your dentist can perform the teeth whitening procedure for you in the chair. You can expect this treatment to last about an hour, and you will be able to see the difference straight away.

You can also opt for a take-home whitening treatment that will work over 14 days. It is no less effective than the in-chair treatment; it’s just a slightly longer time to wait before you can notice your teeth are whiter.

When you get in-chair teeth whitening or take-home whitening treatments from your dentist, a chemical – usually peroxide – gel will be applied to your teeth. When you’re in the chair, you don’t have to worry about anything – your dentist will take care of all of it for you!

At home, the gel sits in ‘trays’ – plastic teeth shaped dishes that wear over your teeth for the prescribed time. These are custom moulded for your teeth for optimum comfort and effectiveness.

Hydrogen peroxide is used in the PolaDay whitening system at Riverlands Dental. When used in the prescribed quantities, this active ingredient has been proven to whiten and brighten teeth without stripping enamel.

The particular formula we use was chosen because it is one of the most effective treatments on the market. Results are typically long-lasting, though in-home top-up whitening treatments are sometimes required. Most patients happily don’t report having common teeth whitening side effects like increased tooth sensitivity either.

How does teeth whitening work? Over the counter treatments

There are so many on the market, and they all work in different ways.

Some are similar to the take-home trays your dentist will supply. They won’t be custom fitting to ensure comfort and an even application of any gel or liquid solution, though. Some use lights or laser therapy – these are often seen on social media. Some use topical applications via toothpaste or oral rinses.

Not all over the counter style teeth whitening treatments are safe to use. It is crucial to do thorough research, preferably from unbiased sources, before deciding to attempt whitening treatments without your dentist.

Because lifestyle factors like your food and drink or any vices like smoking aren’t the only way teeth become yellowed or discoloured, speaking to your dentist before commencing treatment is really important. If there may be something like an infection to blame, no topical whitening treatment will fix that.

Some of the at-home over-the-counter style whitening treatments actually strip the enamel from your teeth. This can provide the teeth whitening look but leave you susceptible to having permanently discoloured teeth.

Others are perfectly safe to use, but results may vary. Like the take-home treatments you can get from your dentist, most whitening effects will take several days to notice.

How does teeth whitening work? What results can I expect?

Results can vary, but most people can expect to see shades up to three or four times lighter after completing whitening treatments.

Some people experience even more noticeable teeth whitening results. But many factors affect this, such as how discoloured your teeth were initially, the cause of the discolouration, lifestyle influences and more.

A build-up of plaque can make teeth seem even more discoloured than they actually are. So, while there’s no denying some people do need cosmetic (or even restorative) dentistry to achieve the smile of their dreams, your teeth are always going to look their best when they’re healthy.

Regular dental check-ups that include a scale and clean are essential. Not only do people notice their teeth look better after they’ve had their routine appointment at the dentist, but it’s also going to make sure that your teeth are healthy and strong. This will give you the best results from any whitening treatments you undertake.

If you are thinking about teeth whitening as a standalone procedure or as part of a more extensive smile makeover, call Riverlands Dental on (02) 4501 7930 today to book an appointment with us. We look forward to helping brighten your smile.

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