Teeth Whitening

There are several ways to whiten teeth. Whether you choose an over-the-counter product or opt for a Zoom Whitening procedure, teeth whitening works using bleach ingredients to achieve a whiter smile. Your teeth can have stains in one of two ways: extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are found on the surface, while intrinsic are in the enamel or deep inside the dentin. Whitening toothpastes or mouthwashes use non-bleaching agents to remove surface stains, while a more thorough whitening procedure can remove intrinsic stains. Teeth whitening procedures use bleaching methods actively to change the natural color of your teeth, sometimes five to seven shades brighter. Both in-office procedures and at-home procedures use bleaching to achieve a whiter set of teeth. Bleach contains an active ingredient, usually carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These ingredients can remove deep and stubborn surface stains on teeth that could be a result of many things, including tea, coffee, tobacco, or wine. The active whitening ingredient enters your enamel and works to combat against discolored molecules in the teeth. Oxygen molecules from the whitening ingredients react with the discolored molecules to break their bonds. After this occurs, the oxygen molecules take over your teeth, spreading within the enamel to produce a brighter smile.

The cost of teeth whitening will depend on the type of procedure you choose to undergo. In-office procedures will depend on your dentist's pricing. At-home procedures could cost anywhere between $100 and $400, while usually you'll pay a little more at the dentist's office. At-home applications, however, don't always present the same results as an in-office procedure.

Everyone responds differently to teeth whitening. Some may complain that it is uncomfortable while others respond fine to the procedure. There is something called bleaching sensitivity that often affects patients undergoing a teeth whitening procedure. About 80% of patients using a teeth whitening treatment will experience some form of teeth sensitivity. While doctors are still unsure of why nociceptors activate sensitivity to bleach, there are some actions you can take to find relief after a procedure.
- Talk to your dentist about a prescribed gel or toothpaste for tooth sensitivity
- Don't eat hot or cold foods for a couple of days after the procedure
- Brush gently after the procedure, using lukewarm water

Unfortunately, there is not a lot of research on the topic of teeth whitening while pregnant. Without more data, it is difficult to fully answer whether or not teeth whitening affects you or your developing baby while pregnant. While some pregnant women may choose to whiten their teeth using at-home applications, it's not recommended for dentists to treat pregnant women with a teeth whitening procedure. Ultimately, the American Dental Association leaves the decision up to women if they want to undergo teeth whitening, however, the association and dental professionals still advise against it due to lack of research. It's always best not to risk it and to avoid and teeth whitening procedures while pregnant.

Similarly, there are no studies to determine if teeth whitening while breastfeeding is safe. Dental and medical professionals will give the same answer to this question when it comes to pregnancy-avoid teeth whitening altogether until you're done breastfeeding. There is simply not enough research to conclude that teeth whitening is safe during these periods.

You might wonder how Hollywood stars obtain their flawless, white smiles. If you're trying to achieve the same bright smiles as one of your favorite celebrities, then you might consider an office visit to your dentist. Celebrities are more likely to seek professional help for teeth whitening as this will maintain a whiter smile longer. In fact, a lot of celebrities choose Zoom Whitening because it's a quick procedure with lasting results. NBA All-Star Dwight Howard, stars from the Real Housewives of New York, and many television personalities use Zoom Whitening.

Teeth whitening is a safe, effective procedure, and does not typically include any negative side effects. Minor side effects may consist of:
- Increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
- White spots on the surface of the teeth (a potential side effect of at-home whitening systems)
- Nighttime whitening trays that cause additional gum sensitivity or irritation.