What is the Best Method to Whiten Teeth?

What Is The Best Method To Whiten Teeth?- A Comprehensive Guide

September 17, 2024

Many people seek ways to achieve whiter teeth, whether for a special occasion or just to feel better about their smile every day. But with so many options available, from at-home remedies to professional treatments, it can be challenging to know “What is the best method to whiten teeth?”

In this blog, we’ll explore the different teeth whitening methods available and compare their effectiveness, safety, and cost.

Why Do Teeth Become Discolored?

To know what is the best method to whiten teeth, it is important to understand the reason behind teeth discoloration.

Common Causes of Teeth Discoloration

Dietary Habits:Foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored berries contain pigments called chromogen that cause discoloration.
Smoking: The nicotine and tar present in cigarettes turn teeth yellow or brown and cause discoloration.
Aging:Teeth enamel wears down as we age and causes discoloration.
Medications: Some antibiotics, like tetracycline, can cause teeth to discolor

Before we discuss the best method for whitening teeth, let’s examine the various types of stains.

Types of Stain

Extrinsic Stains:

These stains occur on the surface of the teeth and are mostly caused by external factors like food, drink, and smoking. Extrinsic stains are easier to remove with whitening products and professional treatments.

Intrinsic Stains:

These stains form within the tooth itself and are caused by aging, certain medications, or trauma to the tooth. Intrinsic stains are often more challenging to whiten, and they may require more intensive treatments, such as in-office whitening procedures or veneers.

Overview of Teeth Whitening Methods

There are various methods available for whitening teeth, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. It is important to consider both how quickly you’ll see results before choosing a teeth whitening method and how long those results will last.

At-Home Whitening Products

Whitening Toothpaste:

Whitening toothpaste works by using mild abrasives to scrub away surface stains on the enamel. Some also contain chemical agents that help to break down stains. These toothpastes are less effective on deeper stains and don’t change the color of your teeth.

Whitening toothpaste usually takes several weeks to show noticeable results. It costs between $3 to $10 per tube.

Whitening Strips:

These are thin, flexible strips coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. It is applied directly to the teeth for a set amount of time each day.

Whitening strips show results within a few days to a week, with full results visible after two to four weeks of regular use. It costs from $20 to $50 for a full treatment pack.

Whitening Trays and Gels:

Over-the-counter whitening trays have peroxide-based gel and are worn over the teeth for a certain period. They are more effective than strips and toothpaste because the tray ensures the gel stays in contact with the teeth for longer.

They show results in about a week, with optimal whitening usually achieved after two to four weeks. It cost anywhere from $30 to $100.

Whitening Pens:

Whitening pens allow for the application of a bleaching gel directly onto the teeth. They are convenient and portable, making them a good option for touch-ups.

Whitening pens also show results within a week. These are priced between $10 to $30 per pen.

Professional Whitening Treatments

In-Office Whitening:

Professional whitening treatments done by a dentist are the most effective and fastest way to whiten teeth. Techniques like laser whitening or professional bleaching use stronger bleaching agents, and the process is carefully monitored to prevent sensitivity and ensure even whitening.

In-office treatments can make your teeth several shades lighter in just one session, but they tend to be the most expensive option. The costs range from $300 to $1,500 per session.

Take-Home Kits from Dentists:

Dentists can also provide custom-made trays with a professional-grade whitening gel for home use. These kits are more effective than over-the-counter trays.

These kits take one to two weeks to deliver results. It costs between $200 to $400.

Natural Whitening Methods

Oil Pulling:

This traditional remedy involves swishing oil (typically coconut oil) inside your mouth to remove bacteria and plaque, which can help to reduce surface stains. While oil pulling is praised by some for its overall oral health benefits, its effectiveness is not supported by scientific evidence.

The results from oil pulling are typically slow and subtle, taking weeks or even months to notice a difference.

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide:

A popular natural method involves brushing with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Baking soda scrubs away surface stains while hydrogen peroxide bleaches the teeth. This method should be used cautiously, as overuse can damage enamel and cause tooth sensitivity.

This method can start showing results in a few days to a week.