How to whiten teeth quickly at home. Teeth whitening zoom

As a rule, it is predetermined genetically, but with age and under the influence of external factors it changes. The most common problem is darkening of tooth enamel. Modern dentistry makes it possible to eliminate this aesthetic imperfection. Whitening methods differ in the method of exposure, degree and price.

Professional teeth whitening

Indications for teeth whitening

Statistics show that almost every patient in dental clinics does not like the color of their teeth. The reasons for darkening may be the following:

Dietary habits (excessive consumption of foods with pigments - wine, coffee, tea, juices);
Natural age-related changes;
Genetic characteristics;
Smoking;
Consequences of treatment;
Mechanical damage.

For any of the above cases, bleaching is indicated; let’s consider the features and fundamental differences between its types.

Teeth whitening or lightening?

The purpose of whitening is to achieve a light shade of enamel, and when lightening, plaque and tartar are removed from the surface layer of enamel, and the tooth acquires a natural shade.

Whitening can be done at home or in a clinic (professionally). In the first case, cosmetics purchased at the supermarket or special chemicals are used. In the second, an office procedure is carried out.

Methods for home teeth whitening

The second type of bleaching involves a more serious impact. This includes laser and chemical therapy, photobleaching.

The concept of internal bleaching should also be distinguished. A similar technique is used in cases where external influences are not enough to restore the natural beauty of teeth. In this case, a special gel is placed inside the tooth and the cavity is filled. The doctor can place a “whitening” filling several times in a row until the desired effect is achieved.

Finally, alternatives are also distinguished and acquire the ideal shade. This technique includes:

Porcelain or composite plates. These are thin stickers that are highly resistant to coloring matter from food or drinks.
Bonding is the application of a composite material that masks stains on teeth. The teeth acquire a snow-white appearance, but the material gradually turns pale.
Crowns – used as a method of restoring teeth, can be “perfectly” white.

Contraindications

Like any other medical procedure, bleaching has a number of conditions that exclude the possibility of its implementation. It should not be carried out in case of dental diseases - caries, periodontal disease and others. Almost all types of whitening are also contraindicated during pregnancy, allergies, and increased sensitivity of teeth.

Be consistent and careful, monitor your health yourself and be sure to consult with professionals before agreeing to this or that method of whitening.

There are very few people who would not like to have a beautiful smile, but nature, unfortunately, gives snow-white teeth to only a lucky few. Most people have to whiten their teeth. Moreover, not so long ago, most teeth whitening procedures were completely unsafe for health. Only thanks to the development of technology and dentistry as an independent branch of medicine, today it is possible to whiten teeth not only very quickly, but also without significant risk to health.

Why do teeth become dark?

Look at children's teeth. They are naturally snow-white in most cases, but darken over time. Why? Reasons why tooth enamel color changes, so many:

Consumption of products containing pigments that can stain enamel.
Smoking.
Excessive alcohol consumption.
Various diseases: caries, fluorosis, persistent plaque.
Violation of personal hygiene rules.
Age-related changes.

Whitening methods

Whiten teeth today can be done in different ways, which can be divided into the following groups:

Photobleaching

Today, the majority of people understand perfectly well that they can achieve high-quality teeth whitening get it only from professionals, and therefore turn to dental clinics. There they have at their disposal the latest equipment and technologies of modern dentistry, as well as the safest methods of professional whitening.

It’s worth saying right away that the term “photobleaching” does not accurately reflect the essence of the procedure. The fact is that light cannot in any way affect the enamel. In this procedure, it is needed as an activator of a chemical reaction. The main work of teeth whitening is performed by special illuminating reagents.

The main component of the gel used for photobleaching is hydrogen peroxide. It is this that, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, turns into an active form of oxygen, which can penetrate the enamel and change its color.

Photobleaching takes place in several stages and, as a rule, the duration does not exceed 1 hour.

The efficiency of photobleaching is quite high. In one visit to the dentist you can Lighten teeth 8 shades and the effect will last quite a long time, but only if the person’s teeth naturally had yellowish enamel. If the enamel is naturally grayish, then the maximum result is a couple of tones.

Photo-whitening gives the best result if the patient has yellow teeth due to excessive coffee consumption and smoking.

This procedure will have a minimal effect in the case where the patient’s teeth have changed color due to taking medications and an excess of fluoride in the water consumed.

Also, do not forget that approximately 5% of the population of our planet has a special composition of tooth enamel. Even modern dentistry cannot cope with the discoloration of such teeth.

Although the photobleaching technology is different high degree of security, still do not forget about possible side effects:

Increased sensitivity of teeth after the procedure for several days.
Possible allergy to the components of the whitening gel.
Irritation of mucous membranes.

How much does photobleaching cost? Prices for such procedures vary depending on the gel used, equipment, city and status of the dental clinic. In Moscow, the price for Beyond cold whitening is on average 11,900 rubles.

This type of changing the color of tooth enamel, in contrast to classic photo-whitening, can help not only those whose teeth are naturally yellowish, but also patients with naturally grayish enamel. Technologies of modern dentistry make it possible to do this fast, efficient and safe.

Experts believe that this is the most gentle type of treatment on enamel. In addition, the patient does not experience any discomfort during the procedure.

The laser whitening procedure is as follows:

The surface of the teeth is cleaned of plaque and tartar, after which Smartbleach gel is applied to them. It is based on the same hydrogen peroxide.
The gel is activated when exposed to a laser. In this case, each tooth is treated with its own beam. The minimum duration of exposure is 2 minutes.
During laser treatment of teeth, the gel is split into its component parts, releasing active oxygen, which penetrates the enamel and neutralizes coloring pigments.

The entire procedure takes on average no more than half an hour. At the same time, in one pass you can lighten the enamel by 7 tones at once.

Laser whitening technologies in dentistry are constantly being improved. Just a few years ago, equipment was used that generated lasers with wavelengths of 488 and 514 nm, which is why the procedure took longer and required more sessions to achieve the desired result. Today, thanks to infrared and diode lasers with a wavelength of 810 nm, the duration of the procedure has been reduced to a minimum. Moreover, new lasers allow for more uniform enamel lightening.

The main disadvantage of laser whitening is the high cost of the procedure. How much does laser teeth whitening cost? In Moscow, obtaining the desired shade of tooth enamel using a laser will cost an average of 25,400 rubles. Expensive, but the price is fully paid for by the time it takes to maintain the achieved effect - 4 years.

Zoom

This is another type of photo teeth whitening that can be considered completely safe. This technology is based on the same gel with hydrogen peroxide. Its activation on the surface of the teeth is carried out using a special lamp emitting in the ultraviolet spectrum.

This type of whitening gained its popularity due to its very high efficiency and long-term preservation of the achieved effect. In addition, this procedure uses drugs and equipment from one manufacturer, which reduces the risk of complications. Finally, although Zoom technology is professional, it can be used at home. True, the effectiveness of such whitening will be slightly lower than if it were carried out in a clinic. However, it is very convenient for many people.

In Moscow, for the Zoom whitening procedure using the Philips Zoom 3 system, they ask for 25,000 rubles. The high cost of whitening is due to the need to make impressions of the jaw and make a special mouth guard.

As you can see, the cost of Zoom is comparable to laser whitening. Therefore, the choice of one or another type of tooth enamel lightening falls entirely on the shoulders of the patients.

Chemical bleaching

This type of tooth enamel whitening can be done both in the clinic and at home. Moreover, in the latter case, it will still be considered professional if carried out under the supervision of a dentist.

In dentistry, despite the fact that the wrong approach to the procedure can cause harm to teeth, chemical methods of teeth whitening are viewed positively because they provide a guaranteed positive result.

The most popular chemical teeth whitening system is Opalescence system .

Opalescence

This is a gentle chemical whitening technology developed by the American company Ultradent. Despite the gentle effect, such whitening allows you to cope with the whitening of teeth affected by fluorosis, darkened due to the use of tetracycline, and discolored due to age. Opalescence technology is also often used before installing dentures or veneers.

The advantages of such teeth whitening include the stability of the achieved effect, relative safety, and low cost. With comparable results, Opalescence is an order of magnitude lower than Zoom whitening. In Moscow, prices for this procedure are 7,000 rubles.

Mechanical bleaching

This method of teeth whitening is considered the oldest. At its core, this is simply professional dental hygiene. There are specialists in dentistry who do not consider mechanical bleaching to be bleaching, even though the effect of the procedure is quite pronounced.

Mechanical removal of dark plaque from teeth is simple exposes the underlying enamel. That is, no destruction of the pigment darkening the enamel occurs.

The most effective and popular method of physical teeth whitening is Air-Flow.

Air-Flow Teeth Whitening Method

This method of mechanical cleaning of enamel has been used in dentistry for a very long time. It replaced traditional mechanical cleaning using dental instruments, which was not effective enough and was traumatic.

The very name of the technology reveals the whole essence of whitening. Air-Flow is essentially a sandblasting machine in which instead of sand and air, a healing mixture is mixed from purified water and special abrasive. This treatment solution is applied to the teeth under high pressure, resulting in fast and effective whitening.

An important point of Air-Flow is the absence of painful sensations both during and after cleaning. After the procedure, a special protective varnish is applied to the surface of the teeth to protect the enamel and consolidate the achieved effect.

It should be understood that such a procedure allows you to lighten your teeth, but will not make them snow-white. The enamel after Air-Flow will simply receive the shade given to it by nature: yellowish or grayish. That is, to lighten the enamel you will have to resort to chemical or photobleaching.

So why do so many people choose Air-Flow? The answer is simple - price. How much does it cost to treat one tooth using Air-Flow technology? In Moscow for cleaning one tooth using this technology on average they ask for 150 rubles. What is most interesting is that people who have used Air-Flow in the future, as a rule, do not resort to more expensive methods of teeth whitening, since they are completely satisfied with the results obtained.

Today, the teeth whitening procedure is especially popular. A snow-white smile evokes the sympathy of others, attracts attention and improves the quality of life in general. Initially, teeth do not have an ideal white color. If they are healthy, then there will be more of a yellowish or grayish tint: we get their color in the same way as the pigments of hair and skin. Moreover, teeth are prone to darkening due to the consumption of various foods, colored drinks and nicotine.
Aesthetic dentistry is in a hurry to help you achieve a radiant smile.

The Russian dental portal Stom.ru will talk about modern methods of aesthetic dentistry that can correct such a defect. Today methods are effectively used teeth whitening, differing in cost, type and means of influence. The main ones include a home method for making teeth whiter and a number of professional methods.
The cheapest and easiest way is chemical teeth whitening at home. It can be carried out either under the supervision of a doctor or independently. In the first case, the dentist makes an individual impression and produces polymer trays, which are filled with a whitening gel based on hydrogen peroxide. They are worn at home for 2 hours a day or worn at night for 2 weeks. Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into oxygen and hydrogen, after which the oxygen atoms oxidize and lighten the pigment molecules of the teeth. This type of whitening is not suitable for problem teeth, as it increases the sensitivity of dental tissues. The method is not without its drawbacks: it is difficult to correctly select the required dose of whitening gel to achieve a snow-white smile.

Professional teeth whitening

Another way to get a snow-white smile can be considered. You can quickly and inexpensively return a beautiful shade to your teeth after hardware cleaning in a dental office. In addition, such a procedure will be an excellent prevention of various dental diseases. Air Flow is one of the most effective and popular methods.

Ultrasonic teeth whitening

This is more of a professional hygiene method than a way to get a snow-white smile. Ultrasonic instruments help get rid of deposits, and teeth are polished with a special compound.
The above methods are otherwise called “in-office” teeth whitening. Compared to home whitening, they save time and guarantee effective results. Professional whitening allows you to lighten your teeth by several tones at once, and the achieved effect lasts for a long time.

Photo teeth whitening

In the process of photo-whitening, teeth are coated with a special gel containing hydrogen peroxide, and then the process is activated by ultraviolet light. Cold light accelerates the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, and dark pigments are broken down with the help of oxygen. After the procedure, the teeth are coated with fluoride to reduce sensitivity. With this type of teeth whitening, it is not always possible to achieve the desired effect.
Laser teeth whitening

Laser methods for creating a snow-white smile are the most effective, however, these teeth whitening methods are expensive. The action of the laser can be considered narrowly targeted, otherwise it is similar to the previous types. The session lasts approximately 15–30 minutes, which is significantly less time compared to other methods. It allows you to achieve a more pronounced whitening effect of 8–12 tones.
For some time after photo-whitening and laser procedures, increased sensitivity of the teeth may be observed, which goes away quite quickly. The effect of these types of teeth whitening can last for 6 months if hygiene is maintained and the consumption of various coloring substances – coffee, tea, nicotine – is monitored.
Home and professional whitening methods have a whole range of contraindications. They are not recommended for caries, cracks in the teeth, exposure of tooth roots, poorly fitting fillings, increased tooth sensitivity, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, while undergoing orthodontic treatment (for example), periodontitis in the acute stage, allergies to the components of the active substance . Required in advance. You can begin the whitening procedure only after these problems have been resolved.
All types of teeth whitening are performed before installing a filling or. Because when choosing the color of a filling or crown, the dentist takes into account the color of the patient’s own teeth. It is recommended to repeat the whitening procedure to avoid sharp contrast, in other words, it is necessary that the filling or crown matches the color of the whitened teeth.

Articles on the topic

Do you know how thousands and thousands of different companies that make dental cleaning and whitening products make money? They profit not only from people’s bright and pure desire to have beautiful white teeth, but also from the complete ignorance of the population in this matter.

Today, an increasing number of people understand that beautiful, white teeth are an element of culture that defines a modern person, a symbol of health and prosperity. Psychologists have long noticed that 93% of all information is perceived by us through facial expressions.

The types of teeth whitening used in dentistry are divided into two categories: in-office and at-home. The starting point on the way to the shining street...

The types of teeth whitening used in dentistry are divided into two categories: in-office and at-home. The starting point on the path to a radiant smile is understanding the differences in various techniques, assessing their level of effectiveness and safety.

From the point of view of the effect on teeth, a distinction is made between chemical and mechanical bleaching. In the first option, colored organic compounds on enamel (pigments) are removed using chemically active substances. Mechanical whitening allows you to lighten your teeth by removing plaque and tartar.

Teeth whitening methods

The most common types of mechanical teeth whitening include:

Ultrasonic. During the procedure, stones and plaque formed due to prolonged smoking, drinking coffee and other intensely colored products are removed.

Air Flow method, in which enamel is cleaned using a sandblaster.

Both types are not literally bleaching, since there is no direct effect on the enamel tissue. Professional dentists call these procedures teeth whitening. Mechanical removal of stone and plaque produces a double effect: a noticeable improvement in aesthetics without penetrating the enamel structure and the removal of factors that injure the gums.

Ultrasonic and sandblasting are carried out in the dental clinic. A combination of methods (first removing stone, then plaque) is more effective. To prevent exacerbation of tooth sensitivity, treatment is carried out with products containing fluoride.

At home, mechanical teeth whitening is performed using:

Ultrasonic toothbrushes. They operate similarly to an ultrasonic whitening device.

Whitening pastes with an abrasive active component. When choosing products, you should consult a doctor, since uncontrolled use of abrasive pastes almost always leads to increased sensitivity, and sometimes leads to destruction of enamel.

Chemical methods of teeth whitening are carried out in a clinic or at home, independently, under supervision and after consultation with a doctor.

In-office types of chemical bleaching

Professional chemical whitening is based on the use of special compounds and activators of their action by heat, ultraviolet or laser radiation. As a result of activation of whitening dental gels by these sources, active oxygen is released, which oxidizes pigment fragments on the enamel.

The main advantage of professional whitening is the ability to lighten teeth up to 12 tones (depending on the chosen technique) in one visit. Medical supervision, adherence to technology, and the use of fluoride-containing and remineralizing compounds after procedures minimize the traumatic effect on the enamel structure.

The best options for teeth whitening using chemical reagents and activators in a dental clinic:

Photobleaching (Zoom), in which the active composition is activated by ultraviolet rays. During the procedure, a gel based on hydrogen peroxide in a significant concentration is applied to the tooth enamel. Under the influence of UV rays, active oxygen is released from the gel, which interacts with enamel pigments.

Laser whitening, in which a laser beam acts on the bleaching composition. Radiation accelerates the course of chemical reactions, so the exposure time, and therefore the effect of the gel on the enamel, is minimal.

Home types of chemical bleaching differ from office ones in having a weaker concentration of active substances and lower effectiveness. The most popular methods:

Wearing mouthguards, which are individually made from dental impressions in a dental laboratory and filled with an active substance. It penetrates the enamel pores and discolors pigments.

Using whitening pencils with low hydrogen peroxide content. They should be used very carefully, avoiding getting the contents on the gums.

Whitening strips that are applied to the teeth for a certain period of time.

Home chemical procedures to restore the color of enamel do not give an immediate effect; they are carried out within 2-3 weeks and require consultation with a dentist.

There are also traditional methods of teeth whitening, but in comparison with medical developments they are ineffective, and in some cases they are unsafe. Following advice to use baking soda, charcoal and other means for whitening can lead to increased sensitivity and destruction of the enamel structure.

The best teeth whitening method to suit your individual needs can only be determined by an experienced dentist, so scheduling a consultation is the smartest decision.

Today we hear such types of teeth whitening as mechanical, ultrasonic, laser, photo whitening, intracanal, as well as whitening with pencils, trays, special strips, etc. To an unprepared person, it may seem that there are simply a lot of ways to lighten enamel, and that it is very difficult to understand it all.

In fact, everything is quite simple - all of the above methods of teeth whitening are essentially divided into chemical and mechanical.

Chemical teeth whitening is, simply put, the process of destroying colored organic compounds inside the enamel using special substances. In such cases, a certain chemical agent is always required that can destroy and discolor pigments (for example, oxidize them) that have appeared in the surface layer of tooth enamel over many years of smoking, drinking coffee, strong tea, red wine, etc.

Mechanical teeth whitening is, in fact, professional oral hygiene, which many dentists don’t even consider whitening (although the procedure gives a very pronounced visual effect). Imagine healthy white teeth, but covered in brown tartar and stained plaque. With the mechanical removal of all these unwanted deposits, a person can again sparkle with a snow-white smile - but no one actually whitened his teeth (enamel).

Professional hygiene may involve ultrasonic teeth whitening using special devices and scalers, teeth cleaning with an Air-Flow device, and removing plaque with special pastes. The benefit of professional cleaning for an ordinary person is that for a relatively low price you can kill two birds with one stone: rid your teeth of tartar and plaque that injures the gums, creating the risk of caries, and at the same time “lighten” your teeth by a shade or more without directly affecting the internal enamel structures.

Mechanical “whitening” of teeth: principle of operation

As noted above, mechanical teeth whitening is a method of lightening them in which dental deposits (tartar, plaque) are removed, which ultimately leads to the return of the natural color of the teeth.

Often, those people who have spent years growing “smoker’s plaque”, “coffee drinker’s plaque” on their teeth, as well as conglomerates of stones (most often on the lower front teeth) have long forgotten what their clean teeth should normally look like. In such cases, you should not look for peroxide-containing pencils or teeth whitening strips, but focus, first of all, on professional oral hygiene - this will give a much greater effect.

Teeth whitening with Air-flow ultrasound

Among the mechanical methods of teeth whitening, the most common today is ultrasonic whitening. Despite the active use of Air-Flow devices for professional teeth cleaning, it is not yet possible to completely replace ultrasound. This is due to the fact that the Air-Flow device does not remove tartar, although it partly affects their “loosening”.

An important property of mechanical whitening is its relative safety for tooth enamel, after all, the main effect is not on the enamel, but on the deposits located on its surface.

However, there are often cases when, after carrying out the appropriate procedure, rather unpleasant consequences can appear. Due to the fact that the removal of tartar and plaque is often carried out against the background of periodontal diseases (for example, periodontitis), after the procedure is completed, the cervical areas of the teeth are actually unprotected. Before this, stones saved them from all types of irritants, but after their removal, the necks of the teeth begin to react with pain to cold, hot, etc. (this is confirmed by numerous reviews on the Internet).

This problem is most often solved by a periodontist, who treats the underlying disease and simultaneously carries out remineralization and deep fluoridation of hypersensitive enamel and (in some cases) root cement.

Below we will talk more about the use of so-called whitening toothpastes, the abrasive systems of which, if used ineptly, can cause considerable harm to teeth due to mechanical abrasion of the enamel.

When is teeth whitening really necessary and when is it unnecessary?

As practice shows, out of 10 people who turn to a dentist for a teeth whitening procedure, for only about 6-7 of them it will really be appropriate, and for the rest it will either be ineffective (since the enamel is already close to the natural shade) or extremely unsafe.

Cases in which whitening will be effective:

Presence of plaque and dental deposits;
Change in enamel shade due to age;
Acquired staining of hard tooth tissues yellow or brown.

Difficult to bleach:

Congenital enamel discoloration (for example, so-called tetracycline teeth);
Gray coloring;
Change in color of exposed dentin.

Staining due to plaque and tartar is eliminated by mechanical types of bleaching, and “internal” - by chemical ones.

Ultrasonic “teeth whitening”

Mechanical teeth whitening with ultrasound allows you to remove supra- and subgingival tartar from all surfaces of the teeth using ultrasonic devices and scalers. In addition, ultrasonic whitening allows you to clean the so-called “smoker’s plaque”, which is almost impossible to remove with either home or professional brushes.

Due to ultrasonic vibrations at the end of a special tip, mechanical destruction of the structure of dental plaque and stone occurs, as well as its “unsticking” from the surface of the enamel. If you follow the basic instructions for professional oral hygiene, ultrasound does not damage the enamel, and there are usually no negative consequences from this type of whitening.

When performing ultrasonic teeth cleaning, water is supplied to the tooth through the tip: this is necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. Water helps prevent overheating of the tooth (this would lead to pulp necrosis), and also creates vortex flows due to the oscillatory movements of the tip, which improves the removal of tartar and plaque.

This is interesting

An ultrasonic toothbrush is quite suitable for home mechanical teeth whitening. The principle of its operation is approximately the same as in the case of the ultrasonic whitening method, but the possibilities are not as wide as in the dentist’s chair.

The power of ultrasonic vibrations in such brushes is reduced - adapted for safe home use. As a result, an ultrasonic toothbrush allows, albeit in a gentle manner, to remove plaque quite effectively. However, it should be kept in mind that such brushes are not recommended for people with a pacemaker or pregnant women. Their use is limited if there are braces, veneers, crowns in the oral cavity, as well as a large number of fillings (due to the possible risk of “dislocating” them due to ultrasonic vibrations).

Teeth whitening using Air-Flow technology

The essence of Air-Flow technology is the mechanical impact on an object (tooth surface) of a jet of air, water and ordinary baking soda released under high pressure. Thus, inside the Air-Flow apparatus there is sodium bicarbonate powder (regular baking soda, which in this case is used as an abrasive) and water-air channels.

Mixing water and soda occurs closer to the working part (tip) of the device. The device is fixed into the connector of the dental unit, and under high pressure, water mixed with powder is thrown onto the surface of the tooth enamel, cleaning it from even the densest plaque in seconds.

The convenience of teeth whitening using Air-Flow lies not only in the speed of treatment of one tooth, but also in the quality of such treatment. The jet released from the tip of the device easily penetrates even into tight spaces between teeth, cleans plaque under the gum, and effectively cleans teeth under structures, for example, under braces.

As a result, in about 30-40 minutes you can get teeth free of plaque and their natural color.

However, if you are planning to whiten your teeth using Air-Flow, you should remember that compared to ultrasound, this technology has reduced effectiveness against tartar. In addition, if you hold the tip of the device near one tooth for a long time (more than 3-4 seconds), it is possible not only to polish the enamel, but also to cause sensitivity after the procedure.

Additional mechanical methods of enamel lightening

Home methods of mechanical teeth whitening are perhaps the most popular among the population today, but at the same time they are not the most reliable and are even often dangerous for dental health.

Most often, in order to make teeth whiter, people try to use so-called whitening toothpastes. This is due to the fact that this idea is very attractive - you brush your teeth, and every day they become whiter and whiter...

At the same time, many do not even think that abrasive powders are introduced into most of these pastes as an active component, which actually actively remove plaque, but at the same time can also seriously damage the structure of the enamel (the enamel is simply gradually erased).

Uncontrolled long-term use of whitening pastes with a high abrasive effect almost always leads to increased tooth sensitivity and even the appearance of areas of damaged enamel in the form of depressions. Their localization is usually in the cervical region of the tooth.

This is interesting

The abrasiveness of toothpastes is characterized by a special index - RDA. For example, for ordinary toothpastes for daily use, this indicator can have the following values: about 20 for children, 45 for schoolchildren, 65 for adults with sensitive teeth. An RDA value of 75 - 150 is typical for whitening toothpastes with medium abrasiveness, and above 150 are already highly abrasive pastes.

On the toothpaste market you can find whitening toothpastes (for example, toothpastes from Thailand), in which this indicator is not indicated at all, and their composition includes almost ordinary clay. Even short-term use of such pastes can have a very detrimental effect on tooth enamel.

From an analysis of the results of studies of whitening toothpastes, and even just reading reviews from ordinary people, we can conclude that whitening toothpastes based on abrasives can help cope with soft and even hard plaque, but at the same time, over a certain time, they can also damage tooth enamel .

Whitening toothpastes based on chemicals (for example, enzymes) do not affect dense plaque with the force required by real whitening, which means that the results of their use are questionable. However, there are many defenders of this type of paste who note the whitening effect (but this does not take into account the fact that manufacturers often add abrasive substances to help a person cope with plaque using ordinary “friction”, and the presence of various exotics in the recipe In this case, the paste turns out to be nothing more than a marketing ploy).

Currently, there are many adherents of teeth whitening with a brush with hard bristles. The principle is as simple as that of a classic whitening toothpaste: to increase the efficiency of removing not only soft plaque from teeth, but also the so-called “smoker’s plaque.” As a result of long-term use of such a brush (even without whitening toothpaste), sometimes teeth actually become whiter, and also more sensitive to all types of irritants (cold, hot) and, in addition, more fragile.

Therefore, dentists often find zones of pathological abrasion (wedge-shaped defects) in such experimenters in the cervical area of the teeth. It’s hard to imagine what will happen to such a tooth in a couple of months if you add a highly abrasive whitening toothpaste to a hard-bristled toothbrush...

Chemical bleaching with different systems: pros and cons

Chemical teeth whitening with existing popular systems can be divided into professional and home. Professional (otherwise known as in-office) whitening has a good whitening effect due to high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or its derivatives, which are the active components of gels applied to the tooth surface.

Modern technologies for chemical teeth whitening also involve the use of activators that initiate the breakdown of peroxides with the release of active oxygen. It can be:

Warm;
Ultraviolet radiation;
Laser radiation;

etc. The use of activators enhances the whitening effect and also reduces the residence time of aggressive compounds in the oral cavity.

The most important advantage of in-office whitening (by any system) is the achievement of well-defined teeth whiteness in more than 70-80% of cases, and in just one visit. In certain situations, you can whiten your teeth not by half a tone or tone, but by 5-7 shades on the color scale.

The most important disadvantage of this type of whitening is the damage caused to the enamel, which, however, can be minimized by remineralization and fluoridation of the teeth after the procedure (but may also become one of the main causes of torment and suffering in the future). Violation of the protective properties of enamel during chemical teeth whitening is currently one of the main problems that scientists are still trying to solve.

How does professional chemical teeth whitening differ from home whitening?

Firstly, the concentration of bleaching agent for professional types of bleaching is much higher (usually 30-35%). "Home" concentrations - no more than 10-15%. This is due to the fact that at the dentist’s appointment there are more options for protecting the gums and oral mucosa from aggressive substances.

Secondly, real results from professional whitening can be obtained much faster (usually in one visit), but home methods (for example, wearing trays) can take 2 or more weeks.

Thirdly, professional types of whitening often involve additional activation of a chemical reaction using devices based on laser, ultraviolet radiation, etc. - to achieve the most pronounced, fast and safe effect.

Dentist-controlled home whitening methods are based on the following operating principle:

special acid components etch the enamel in order to ensure its increased porosity and permeability;
and hydrogen peroxide (or its derivative) discolors the colored compounds in the pores of the enamel, as a result of which lightening occurs.

To ensure the safety of this type of teeth whitening, dentists make individual trays for the patient based on impressions, so that during the home procedure the gel is placed directly on the teeth, reducing the risk of gum burns.

The most important plus is the reduced harm to the enamel (compared to in-office teeth whitening), and the minus is insignificant whitening rates, although such methods are quite suitable as a fixing procedure.

Professional and controlled home whitening cannot be carried out if there are carious teeth in the mouth, old and unusable fillings, plaque and tartar, as well as severe bleeding of the gums due to inflammation due to periodontitis. In such cases, it is advisable to first carry out sanitation (treatment) of carious lesions and replacement of fillings at a dentist-therapist, carry out professional oral hygiene with the removal of tartar and plaque, transfer periodontitis to a stage of stable remission at a specialist in diseases of the gums and oral mucosa - a dentist - periodontist, and only then think about teeth whitening.

Home methods of chemical whitening

In addition to controlled home teeth whitening using adapted whitening systems, there are also “amateur” options for carrying out such a procedure: whitening strips, pencils, trays, etc.

Whitening Pencil

A whitening pencil is a tube with a bleaching agent, and the shaft of the pencil itself, made in the form of a brush, brush or sponge, is used for application. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the composition is insignificant - 5-15%, but this is quite enough to cause chemical burns of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity if application safety precautions are violated.

Each person has individual characteristics of the structure of enamel and dentin, as a result of which it is impossible to accurately predict when exactly the undesirable consequences of the interaction of hydrogen peroxide with dental tissues in the form of increased sensitivity of teeth will appear (and whether they will appear at all). This can happen after 1-2 procedures, and in some cases - after 2 or more weeks.

The principle of using whitening pencils is simple - for this you should:

rinse your mouth;
wipe your teeth with a napkin;
apply gel;
sit with your mouth open for about 1-10 minutes (depending on the type of whitening pencil - the required time is indicated in the instructions for its use);
then wash off the gel with water.

As a rule, the course duration is up to 2 weeks (2 times a day). Moreover, the result can be determined not only by the effectiveness of the drug used, but also by the person’s bad habits (for example, smoking, frequent consumption of strong coffee).

Whitening strips for teeth

So-called whitening strips are polyethylene strips with a layer of a special composition, usually containing from 6 to 10% hydrogen peroxide. That is, as you already understand, this type of teeth whitening is also chemical.

The kit usually includes strips for the upper and lower teeth. The principle of home whitening strips is that they are pressed against the teeth for about 30 minutes - during this time, chemical reactions take place, leading to a gradual discoloration of the colored compounds present in the enamel.

The effect of whitening with strips may not occur at all: neither in 7 days, nor in 2 weeks, and sensitivity, according to numerous reviews on forums on the Internet, occurs in every third person. Moreover, it often manifests itself not even in pain from cold and hot, but in the form of a piercing ache in the tooth while holding a strip on it - but people still endure it.

Reviews of 3D Wite Crest teeth whitening:

“I’m a coffee and tea lover, so when I read reviews on the Internet about whitening miracle strips, like a fool, I rushed to buy them through an online store. I ended up buying a set of Crest Whitestrips 3D White. It clearly stated that they were perfect even for sensitive teeth, and my teeth weren’t particularly sensitive, so I thought they would definitely be suitable.

After I put these strips on my teeth for the first time and took them off, it seemed as if my smile had become a little whiter, and there was no pain at all. On the second day, I again applied them to my teeth according to the instructions for half an hour. When I removed the strip, I almost fainted: a piece of gum actually came off above my front tooth. Like the skin of a sausage, the skin wrinkled and peeled off in a thick layer.

When I ran to the dentist with this problem for clarification, she explained to me that this was a serious chemical burn to the gums, since the gel from the strip somehow managed to get under it. As the doctor explained to me, such cases with homemade whitening strips and pencils are not uncommon. Since the root of my tooth was exposed, she advised me to have gum surgery costing 8,000 rubles! And what do you think, people, is it worth risking your gums in order to later pay off such a sum?

Ksenia, Moscow

Photo teeth whitening (ZOOM): advantages and disadvantages

Photo teeth whitening zoom is an in-office chemical whitening technology, but with the activation of the process by ultraviolet light. It is also called the ZOOM technique or “cold” teeth whitening.

In “cold” whitening, a hydrogen peroxide-based gel is applied to the surface of the teeth and activated by an ultraviolet, halogen or LED lamp. The peroxide concentration is usually quite high, on average 25-35%.

Zoom photo whitening is one of the most effective methods, as its technology is specifically aimed at improving results and reducing tooth sensitivity (by reducing exposure time). Light radiation allows:

increase the rate of decomposition of peroxide compounds with the release of active oxygen (which, in fact, plays a key role in the bleaching of colored substances);
allows you to reduce the exposure time of the gel, which, in turn, reduces its negative impact on the enamel.

After the organic pigments contained in the enamel are broken down, it becomes noticeably whiter. However, in some cases, one procedure may not be enough.

After photo-whitening (ZOOM 4), which can last from 30 minutes to 1 hour, fluoridation of teeth is performed to prevent sensitivity.

Teeth whitening zoom

Despite the widespread belief that zoom photo whitening is one of the most gentle types of teeth whitening, we must not forget an important point: largely due to the high aggressiveness of the compounds used, dentists try to minimize the exposure time of gels on teeth in order to reduce side effects, and they are far from uncommon in dentist practice.

The effect of zoom teeth whitening depends on the characteristics of the enamel and its original color for each individual person. You should not expect the same effect as in advertising: you are unlikely to dazzle all passers-by with a white smile; most often, teeth become 1-3 shades whiter, which is, in general, a good result.

After teeth whitening with zoom technology, you should limit the consumption of coloring foods and drinks (coffee, tea, wine, juices, chocolate, blueberries, blueberries, etc.), and in the first time after the procedure it is better not to consume them at all. This “white” diet after teeth whitening will allow you to maintain a white-toothed smile for as long as possible.

Sometimes the enamel becomes bleached in spots, which can be a very unpleasant moment that requires additional intervention. In addition, in addition to sensitivity from all types of irritants (even severe pain), after the whitening procedure it is often necessary to replace even good fillings in the smile area, since they become visually yellower than the whitened teeth.

Laser teeth whitening price (how much does it cost)

Laser teeth whitening is a modern and fairly effective method of teeth whitening, which has been practiced for about 15 years. Numerous studies have shown that in most clinical cases it is indeed effective and relatively safe.

View prices and costs for laser teeth whitening in our dental clinic in Moscow, perhaps by clicking on the link below

The principle of laser whitening is almost the same as with the photo-whitening method: a whitening composition based on hydrogen peroxide is applied to the surface of the teeth, but the active substance is activated not by ultraviolet lamps, but by a laser. A laser is a kind of catalyst that affects not only the speed of chemical reactions, but also their depth (completeness).

How is laser teeth whitening performed?

As with other types of professional teeth whitening, the dentist applies protective agents for the gums before the procedure to prevent burns to the mucous membranes, but errors in the work can occur even with a professional dentist. Even in numerous photographs of whitening (before and after), one can observe an interesting picture: before the procedure, the teeth were yellowish, but the gums were pale pink, which is the norm. After whitening, the teeth became noticeably lighter, but hyperemia (redness) appeared along the edge of the gum, which indicates a marginal burn (which, however, usually disappears within one day).

Is laser whitening safe?

Practicing dentists often use this harmless complication in the form of a marginal gum burn to their advantage. Redness of the gums after the whitening procedure is usually not noticed by the patient, but against the background of very reddened gums, the whitening effect looks many times more effective (due to the contrast). The teeth could be lightened by only 1 tone, but the reddened gums will visually emphasize the effect, and the patient remains satisfied. After all, the most important thing is the first positive impression.

Laser whitening contraindications:

Children under 18 years of age;
During pregnancy and breastfeeding;
If you are allergic to hydrogen peroxide and other components of bleaching systems;
For diabetes mellitus and some diseases of the pancreas.

These contraindications are also typical for many other methods of teeth whitening. It must also be said that local contraindications for any professional whitening methods (except mechanical) are carious teeth, periodontal diseases in the acute stage, dental deposits (tartar, plaque), old and deteriorated fillings.

Stones and plaque will simply interfere with the chemical enamel whitening procedure, and are also the determining factor in the yellowness of teeth. Bad fillings can cause acute pain during the procedure, as hydrogen peroxide can penetrate microcracks in the filling deep into the tooth.

Periodontal diseases in the acute stage can worsen during the procedure, and it is difficult to isolate the inflamed gums. Increased bleeding of gums, among other things, worsens the quality of whitening.

Carious teeth during whitening is in itself a violation of aesthetics. Why give yourself a snow-white smile if it will show off 1-2 carious teeth with “blackness” or even with a carious cavity. In addition, when applying the gel to carious teeth, a sharp increase in pain is possible, up to an acute attack.

Is laser teeth whitening harmful?

It is not recommended to carry out bleaching in cases where it is impractical due to the natural light yellow color of the enamel. Typically, such teeth have a light yellow tint in the cervical area, white enamel in the middle and transparent closer to the cutting edge. Even if such teeth initially do not have increased sensitivity, then after whitening the maximum will be a half-tone lightening, but there will be big problems with treating dental hyperesthesia from various irritants (cold, hot, etc.) Often even warm water or food becomes the cause pain.

It is important to clearly understand that if teeth initially have increased sensitivity, then the whitening procedure can seriously aggravate the situation.

In-canal whitening

Intra-canal teeth whitening (in other words, endo-bleaching) is used if a dead tooth acquires a dark shade due to its staining with substances formed during pulp necrosis, when pigments penetrate deep into the tissues of a dead tooth, or when it is stained with filling material.

In such cases, external influence on the tooth does not allow you to cope with the problem. But in-canal chemical bleaching allows you to solve this problem, as evidenced by numerous positive reviews.

Teeth whitening review which is better

“Since I was young, I always had white teeth, until I had a couple of caries treated between my front teeth by one, so to speak, “specialist.” Unfortunately, the doctor turned out to be a bigot, and I had to change the fillings, and in such a way that first the nerves were removed from the teeth, and then fillings were made. At first everything was fine, but after a year and a half I noticed that my front teeth began to change color to dirty yellow. This started to stress me out a lot, so I stopped smiling altogether.

After suffering for a couple of years, I began to look for a normal dentist. Some told me that crowns would help, others that laser whitening. A friend suggested a good doctor to me, who recommended intracanal bleaching, since this is where the problem with tooth color comes from. First, they removed my old filling, injected a bleaching agent inside, and put in a temporary filling. I came to the next visit satisfied: the tooth had become much whiter, and all that was left was to put a permanent filling...”

Oksana, Moscow

A bleaching agent based on carbamide peroxide, sodium perborate or hydrogen peroxide is usually applied inside the canal. The oxygen complex, in the process of a chemical reaction, discolors the colored compounds in the tooth tissues - thereby combating discoloration.

After endo-bleaching, the tooth acquires its natural color or becomes noticeably lighter. The success of intracanal whitening depends on the concentration of the whitening gel and the time it remains inside the tooth. The main thing here is to get to the dentist on time for a repeat appointment, since if there is a significant delay in time, the tooth may become too light.

Traditional methods of teeth whitening: harm or benefit?

Is it possible to whiten your teeth at home without using all these pencils, trays and whitening strips? Well, traditional methods of teeth whitening have been known for a long time, but their comparison with professional systems has shown questionable effectiveness and, most importantly, unsafe (in some cases).

Home whitening systems controlled by a dentist are not traditional methods. In the same way, at-home whitening strips, trays, pencils and similar products are systems developed by scientists for home use, which, in comparison with “grandmother’s” methods, are not entirely safe, but are more or less close to evidence-based medicine and often show certain results.

Charcoal

From history we can recall that charcoal was the most effective method of teeth whitening in Rus'. However, at present, this whitening technology is hopelessly outdated (usually today they try to whiten teeth with activated carbon, which is sold in pharmacies in the form of tablets).

The idea of using activated carbon for teeth whitening is based on its well-known ability to absorb various compounds from solutions (an excellent absorbent). For example, if you place an activated carbon tablet into an aqueous ink solution and stir, the solution will quickly become transparent.

However, with teeth everything is not so simple: it is foolish to hope that activated carbon will draw out the pigments that color it from the enamel. However, activated carbon will be quite capable of erasing plaque (including stained plaque), although with the same success you can simply brush your teeth thoroughly with toothpaste with an average abrasiveness.

By the way...

The Splat line of toothpastes includes a toothpaste containing charcoal - “Splat Blackwood”. And this paste is not the classic white color, but intense black. What can you do if the consumer really wants...

Baking soda - does it whiten teeth?

Baking soda can significantly increase the pH in the oral cavity, neutralizing acids, but whitening teeth with it at home will be very problematic.

Baking soda powder mixed with water (or saliva) is a medium-strength abrasive, so rubbing your teeth with it too intensely and frequently can easily lead to excessive abrasion of the enamel, which in turn will lead to increased tooth sensitivity (think Air-Flow technology , which was described above). Naturally, soda does not discolor the colored compounds present in the enamel, and a small whitening effect can only be due to the removal of the colored plaque present on the teeth, which again will be safer to do with a properly selected toothpaste.

Strawberry

Oddly enough, the use of strawberries is one of the most popular among the “berry-fruit” methods of teeth whitening practiced among the people.

The suggested whitening recipe is something like this:

You should take a strawberry;
Cut it in half;
Rub half of it over your teeth;
Leave for about 10 minutes;
Then brush your teeth with your usual toothpaste.

Let’s say right away that you obviously shouldn’t count on a pronounced whitening effect from using strawberries in this way. However, organic acids, which are also highly effective complexing agents, are ways to gradually “pull” calcium ions from the tartar matrix, thereby facilitating its loosening and subsequent abrasion with toothpaste.

However, with the same success, the long-term and regular action of organic acids will wash out calcium from healthy enamel - this can provoke the appearance of caries at the stage of a white spot in the smile area, the problems from which, without proper treatment, can be much greater than the benefits of such a dubious overall procedure.

It’s better to just eat strawberries and rinse your mouth - this will give you much more benefits.

Teeth whitening according to Neumyvakin

Another specific type of teeth whitening is the so-called Neumyvakin whitening.

The recipe is as follows: you need to add 20 drops of pharmaceutical 3% hydrogen peroxide to 0.5 teaspoon of soda, and then a couple of drops of lemon juice, then mix. The resulting paste is suggested to be rubbed with cotton wool not only on the teeth, but also on the gums inside and out.

It is believed that this paste not only whitens teeth by removing tartar and plaque, but also heals gums. There are many fans of this type of whitening, but does it have any effect?

When soda (sodium bicarbonate) interacts with citric acid, sodium citrate is formed, which has complexing properties and is capable of firmly binding calcium ions, “extracting” them, for example, from tartar. Soda powder plays the role of a medium-strength abrasive, mechanically removing plaque (and partly tartar) from the enamel surface. Hydrogen peroxide has traditionally played the role of a chemical bleach, bleaching colored substances found in tartar, plaque and tooth enamel.

Thus, there seems to be common sense in teeth whitening according to Neumyvakin.

However, often this meaning quickly turns into “meaninglessness” if executed poorly in the hands of an ignorant person. For example, if the unfortunate experimenter already has sensitive teeth, there are already wedge-shaped defects in the cervical area, but the slight yellow tint of the enamel forces him to frantically rub his teeth with Neumyvakin’s paste - in this case, the result will be very disastrous.

It’s another matter when a person has naturally healthy enamel, but the teeth are yellow (or even brown in places) from plaque and tartar - in this case, whitening according to Neumyvakin would be much more appropriate than in the situation described above.

By the way...

Toothpastes containing in their formulation pyrophosphates (complexing agents), carbamide peroxide and a medium-strength abrasive system (RDA in the range of 75-150) will, in fact, be a more advanced version of the paste prepared according to Neumyvakin.

We hope the information above will help you make the right decision regarding teeth whitening. If you already have some practical experience in this matter, be sure to leave your review at the bottom of this page.