Procedures and methods of teeth whitening at the dentist and at home

Teeth whitening has become increasingly popular due to the growing demand for beauty. Today, teeth whitening is not only performed at dental clinics but can also be done at home. Learn about the detailed procedures and methods for teeth whitening at the dental office and at home in the following article.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a modern method that helps restore the natural bright color to teeth that are yellowed or discolored. This technique relies on chemical reactions, where the whitening agent creates an oxidation process that breaks down the peptide chains causing discoloration on the tooth surface. As a result, the tooth color is improved without damaging the enamel structure.

It is a safe, effective solution that many people choose to enhance the aesthetics of their smile. However, to ensure safety, users need to choose quality products and follow the instructions provided by their dentist.

Teeth whitening method at home

Teeth whitening at the dental office and at home have many differences, with at-home whitening being simpler. Currently, the most common method is using whitening trays and whitening agents at a certain concentration, either as prescribed by a dentist or based on popular methods. However, to achieve the best results, it is recommended to follow the dentist's prescribed whitening instructions, specifically:

Procedure

Teeth whitening at home using trays is performed through a dentist. After the dentist measures the size and creates a custom whitening tray to fit the shape of the teeth, they will prescribe the whitening agent to be used daily. However, to proceed, you need to ensure your teeth are healthy, free from cavities, wear, or gum inflammation. The procedure is as follows:

• Brush and clean your teeth, rinse with saline solution for 5 minutes before starting the whitening process.
• Apply a gel around the gum line, using isolation tools to protect the lips before whitening.
• Place the whitening agent into the tray: Use the prescribed amount, keep the tray on for 1-2 hours as instructed by the dentist. Avoid excessive talking or laughing during this time to prevent the agent from being pushed out and touching the tongue and gums.
• Remove the tray, wear gloves, and clean off the gel. Gradually remove the isolation tools and rinse your mouth thoroughly. 

Notes: When performing teeth whitening at home, you should pay attention to the following:

• Choose quality whitening trays and gels: Preferably use products with clear origins, provided by reputable dental offices to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Check the concentration of the whitening agent: The ideal concentration of whitening gel is typically between 10-20%. Exceeding this level may harm your teeth and gums.
• Ensure the whitening tray fits properly: The tray should fit snugly around the teeth to ensure the agent is evenly applied, avoiding gel overflow onto the gums. Choose trays that come with isolation gel or tools to protect the lips and gums for added safety.
• Care for your teeth after whitening: After completing the whitening process, avoid eating or drinking immediately. Especially steer clear of dark-colored foods and beverages like coffee, tea, or sodas to maintain the bright color of your teeth.

Teeth whitening method at the dental office

When choosing between teeth whitening at the dental office or at home, many people opt for the dental office method. This is a modern whitening technique that applies new technologies to help teeth become brighter. It is performed using one of the following two technologies:

Whitening tray

With the whitening tray method, the dental clinic follows this procedure:

• The customer’s dental impression is taken to create a custom whitening tray that fits their mouth.
• The dentist provides instructions on how to use the tray and the proper dosage, allowing the customer to carry out the specific steps at home.

Whitemax

The Whitemax method is performed at the dental clinic, where the dentist first assesses the condition of the teeth. If the teeth are completely healthy, the necessary preparations are made, such as isolating the lips and gums, applying protective gel, and wearing safety glasses. The dentist then applies the whitening gel to cover the surfaces and gaps between the teeth, followed by laser light exposure for about 20 minutes. This is a crucial stage for the whitening agent to deeply penetrate and act on the tooth enamel.

This whitening technology is safe and does not cause side effects like enamel damage, gum inflammation, or tooth sensitivity. This method is often recommended for cases of severe discoloration, including stains caused by antibiotics or other medications.

Teeth whitening at the dental office or at home: Which should you choose?

If you have a limited budget, at-home teeth whitening is a suitable option, though the results may take longer to appear. In contrast, with a higher cost, whitening at the dental office provides quicker results, often visible after the first session, thanks to advanced technology and equipment. The choice of method depends on the condition of each person’s teeth.

For ordinary yellowed teeth, a single treatment is usually enough to achieve the desired results. However, cases of teeth stained by Tetracycline medication may require longer treatment, depending on the severity of the discoloration. Therefore, the decision between dental office or at-home whitening depends on your budget, time, and the condition of your teeth.

With the information provided above, you can better understand the teeth whitening methods available at both the dental office and at home. Each method has its own pros and cons, and the choice of whitening method depends on individual circumstances.