It depends on the components of the teeth-whitening kit you purchased. Some of your teeth can be whitened using one of the kits that uses a strip-based treatment method. If you chose a gel-based application system kit, your kit would comprise a gel, an applicator, and a whitening light. Most kits also come with a chart that makes comparing the color of your teeth before and after treatment easier. Of course, there are also usage instructions included in each teeth-whitening box. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results and to avoid injury.
What Is a Chemical Used in Tooth Whitening?
According to a professional dentist who offers advanced teeth whitening in Toronto, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), often known as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, is the main component in most at-home whitening solutions. Systems for at-home tooth whitening range from 3 to 20% peroxide. The peroxide effect happens because it is a weak acid with potent oxidizing characteristics. The molecules that produce the color disintegrate due to it stealing the electrons that hold the atoms together.
How Long Does Home Teeth Whitening Take?
A dentist performing successful teeth whitening treatment in Toronto explains that since at-home kits use less peroxide than professional kits, it takes longer to get the same effects. While whitening pens’ benefits can be apparent within a few days to a week, whitening strips often require multiple daily applications to take effect over several weeks. Six weeks and several months may pass before you see results from whitening toothpaste and mouthwash. While the advantages of using an at-home whitening gel tray become apparent in about a week, you won’t notice full effects for about 2-4 weeks.
The outcomes of at-home tooth whitening often endure for six months. Researching alternatives is always a good idea because certain methods—like at-home whitening gel trays—deliver better results than others. Usually, the effects of professional tooth whitening endure for two to three years.
The best way to extend the time of teeth whitening procedures is to maintain dental hygiene practices and healthy lifestyle choices. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and use dental floss daily. Despite the many electric toothbrush subscription programs, the CDC recommends changing your toothbrush every three to four months. Your smile will be whiter thanks to an electric toothbrush than a manual one. Avoid consuming contaminated meals and beverages, smoking, or drinking alcohol.
Are Teeth Whitening Kits Safe for People with Sensitive Teeth or Gums?
People with sensitive gums or teeth can use teeth whitening kits, but they must be careful with the amount of peroxide in the kits. For those with sensitive teeth, there are numerous options available. You can also lessen some discomforts associated with teeth whitening kits by following the manufacturer’s specified time limits and not using them for longer than recommended. It’s important to remember that the American Dental Association cites gingivitis and temporary tooth sensitivity as the most common side effects of necessary teeth whitening.
How Can Yellow Teeth Be Prevented and What Causes Them?
There are numerous causes of yellow teeth. These could be inside or outside. The following are a few internal causes of yellow teeth:
Old age, a strike, an infection, and medication
Deep surface stains are easier to clean up than inside stains. Only seldom are home bleaching kits the best option for these kinds of stains. The following list of external causes of yellow teeth:
- Cigarette smoke and edibles
- Drinks (red wine and coffee are the two primary offenders)
These stains can be more easily removed with at-home teeth whitening kits because they are outside the tooth.