9 modern types of teeth whitening: benefits and harms

Types of teeth whitening in dentistry

Professional teeth whitening involves performing procedures in a dental office and under the direct supervision of a specialist. In this case, mechanical or chemical effects may be exerted on the tooth enamel. The effectiveness of the latter can be enhanced by the penetrating ability of ultrasound, laser or light, which act as an activator and conductor for the reagent that penetrates deep into the enamel.

Today there are a number of popular whitening methods, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Their descriptions will help you give preference to one or another procedure.

Contraindications and recommendations

The enamel is subject to serious chemical exposure, so only those who do not have dental problems are allowed to undergo the procedure. Contraindications to bleaching are inflammation in soft tissues and foci of caries - all these pathological phenomena must first be eliminated. Excessive plaque and deposits can also become an obstacle to the procedure, so you should undergo a professional procedure about 2 weeks in advance. hygiene to prepare your smile for a radical transformation. Among other contraindications, experts highlight age under 16 years, pregnancy and breastfeeding, the presence of extensive fillings, crowns and bridges that fall into the smile zone, as well as pronounced dental anomalies that impede the quality of the procedure.

The procedure is not recommended for pregnant women

Only whitening carried out in the dentist’s office, that is, under his close supervision and control, is considered safe. When using home methods, less concentrated formulations are used, but they should be handled with extreme caution so as not to cause problems with the enamel or pulp injury. Before this, you must undergo an examination by a dentist and find out the current condition of the dental tissues.

So, the safest and most effective way is to use a laser as an activator of the active components of the lightening gel. In second place is photo bleaching, followed by chemical and home bleaching. Ultrasonic cleaning and Air Flow sandblasting are not whitening methods, but are much safer and healthier dental care procedures. As for the preservation of the achieved effect, much depends on the patient. It is better to give up coffee and strong tea, quit smoking, avoid coloring products and pay close attention to hygiene. Only such a comprehensive and responsible approach to oral care will allow you to enjoy a dazzling smile for as long as possible.

Photobleaching

One of the “youngest” whitening methods. During its use, a special whitening gel is applied to the visible surface of the teeth, with a minimum concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which, under the direct influence of light emitted by a halogen lamp, is activated and penetrates deep into the enamel, while breaking down its pigment plaque. This procedure is often called ZOOM whitening, since the ZOOM-4 series device can be used for it. You can sign up for a whitening procedure using the ZOOM-4 device on our website

Advantages

• Quick visible effect.
• Suitable for patients with sensitive tooth enamel.
• If you follow the dentist's recommendations, the effect lasts up to 2 years.

Flaws

• The duration of the procedure is 1.5 – 2 hours in the dentist’s chair.
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth after the procedure.
• There may be an effect of “unnatural whiteness” of teeth, with a blue tint.

What is photobleaching

Photobleaching is a modern way to make enamel lighter using a special gel, the particles of which become active when exposed to special lighting. At home, this method is not used, since it requires certain equipment in the form of a brightening lamp. The ability to whiten enamel by several tones (10-12) depends on the choice of gel.

Pros and cons of this method

Since the procedure may be contraindicated for a number of reasons, the dentist will decide whether to perform it. If there are no contraindications, then photo whitening will not only help lighten your teeth, but also strengthen them. The main advantages of the method include:

• No risk of enamel damage.
• Visible results immediately after the procedure.
• A small number of contraindications to the procedure.
• Almost complete absence of side effects.
• The duration of the procedure is short (a photo-bleaching session lasts on average from 20 to 40 minutes).

The disadvantages of the method include, first of all, the price of photobleaching, so not every person can afford this procedure. In addition, there are a number of diseases for which this method cannot be applied. Therefore, you should definitely tell your dentist about all your illnesses. Here are a number of pathological conditions and other reasons for which you will be refused the photobleaching procedure:

1. There is an age barrier, so this method is not suitable for people under 20 years old.
2. Allergy to the active components of the gel composition.
3. Diseases of the dentition in which the enamel is quickly worn away.
4. Presence of leaky seals.
5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Photobleaching system

Photobleaching can be carried out in several ways:

• Beyond Polus lamps. Cold light and two radiations are used - halogen and LED.
• Luma Cool. LED lamps emit a cool stream of light. The whitening effect lasts up to several years.
• Zoom. Ultraviolet lamps heat the enamel. This method is dangerous due to its destruction, but the effect lasts for years.
• Luma-Arch. Halogen light is used, a gentle method, only problem areas are lightened.

Air Flow

This is a mechanical cleaning of enamel that effectively removes plaque and hard deposits (tartar) from the surface of teeth. To carry it out, Air flow sandblasting equipment is used, which supplies the enamel surface with a high-pressure stream consisting of water, an abrasive substance and air. Common soda crystals are used as an abrasive, destroying dental plaque and polishing enamel. Learn more about Air Flow teeth brushing.

Advantages

• During the procedure, tartar is removed, a common cause of caries.
• Ability to clean hard-to-reach places.

Flaws

• Lightening by only 2 - 3 tones.
• During the procedure, patients with sensitive enamel experience pain.

Is it painful to whiten teeth?

Any whitening technique cannot be called painless. The degree of discomfort depends on a number of factors:

• whitening technique;
• degree of enamel damage;
• the presence of foci of inflammation in the gum area;
• level of professionalism of the dentist.

The safest methods include professional cleaning with ultrasound or the Air-Flow method. Using this technique, the dentist will remove plaque and tartar, the crowns will acquire a natural color, 1-2 shades lighter. The procedure is carried out using a local anesthetic and, with healthy gums, is painless. If the gums are inflamed and the enamel is thinned, the pain will be much more pronounced.

All whitening methods based on the use of hydrogen peroxide are accompanied by increased sensitivity due to demineralization and unpleasant sensations. If the peroxide gel gets on the gums, it will cause pain and may cause a burn.

To avoid unpleasant sensations, whiten your teeth only in trusted clinics and do not overuse the procedure. A good dentist will take care of the health of your teeth and gums, which will reduce the likelihood of severe pain. Patients with a high pain threshold are recommended to take a painkiller 30-40 minutes before the session.

Chemical bleaching

The name of the method speaks for itself and involves applying a special chemical based on hydrogen peroxide to the visible surface of the teeth. Penetrating deep into the enamel, it destroys pigment molecules, and teeth become 4 to 10 shades lighter.

Advantages

• Quickly achieve the desired effect.
• A long-term result, which, if the recommendations are followed, can last for 1.5 years.

Flaws

• Tooth enamel becomes more sensitive.
• If the gums are poorly insulated during the procedure, they can get burned.

Hardware methods

Modern methods of cleaning and whitening teeth are gentle and safe for enamel if used wisely. Hardware methods allow you to obtain ideal results in a short period of time and with minimal harm to the enamel.

Professional whitening takes place in 2 important stages - preparation of the oral cavity and lightening itself. Currently popular are the Air-Flow system for hygienic cleaning and the Zoom system for whitening.

Air-Flow

Air-Flow is a professional cleaning technique using a sandblasting tip into which air, water and abrasive particles are supplied. During the procedure, the enamel is cleaned of plaque and tartar, which returns the natural shade of the incisors.

During the procedure, hydrogen peroxide is not used and no harm is caused to the teeth, but cleaning with the Air-Flow device reduces the risk of developing caries. The disadvantage of this method is that it will not be possible to whiten the incisors.

Air-Flow cleaning is carried out in the following order:

• the doctor examines the oral cavity for the presence of tartar and inflammatory processes in the gum area;
• the gums are coated with a local anesthetic in the form of a gel to reduce sensitivity, this is especially important in areas of inflammation;
• Using the Air-Flow nozzle, the dentist washes away deposits in hard-to-reach places;
• The oral cavity is treated with professional paste and a brush attachment.

After the procedure, remineralization is not required, but if the patient’s condition requires it, the enamel is coated with a fluoride-based preparation.

Zoom

The Zoom system is a whitening technique using hydrogen peroxide and a warm light lamp. The procedure is performed in the dentist's office and helps you achieve a whiter smile after one session. The advantage of the method is the quick and high-quality result; the patient gains a gorgeous smile within an hour.

Before using the Zoom system, Air-Flow cleaning is carried out. This is necessary to sanitize the oral cavity and remove remaining plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach places. Otherwise, the lightening procedure will be ineffective.

Whitening using the Zoom method is carried out in the following order:

• A dilator is installed in the oral cavity, and the gums are covered with a protective composition to avoid burns from the effects of peroxide;
• the incisors are coated with peroxide-based gel;
• The incisors are irradiated for 15 minutes to activate the gel.

The application of the gel is repeated 2-3 times to obtain the desired result. The enamel lightening is completed with remineralization to eliminate sensitivity.

Ultrasonic whitening

The use of ultrasound in combination with special pastes and gels based on oxidizing agents, which are pre-applied to the visible surface of the teeth, gives a fairly good result and will lighten the enamel by 2 - 3 tones.

Advantages

• The method is suitable for patients with sensitive tooth enamel.
• No pain.

Flaws

• To achieve maximum effect, several procedures will be required.

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ZOOM whitening method

The Zoom teeth whitening system has been around for a long time. There are three types: Zoom, Zoom 2 and Zoom 3. Today, the most popular, safe teeth whitening method is Zoom 3. The main advantage of this technology is a snow-white smile that will last for a long time. Gentle teeth whitening is another feature of the method. The effect of the gel on the tooth is gentle and safe. The procedure can be performed even if there are diseases of the oral cavity. Lightening of tooth enamel occurs evenly. Another advantage is that after the procedure the enamel is strengthened and a preventive effect against caries occurs. During the procedure using the Zoom 3 method, no pain is felt due to the local influence of the device’s beam. In one procedure, you can lighten tooth enamel by 10-12 shades.

Endobleaching

Endodontic lightening of tooth enamel (or as it is often called intracanal whitening) is a labor-intensive procedure that allows you to lighten pulpless teeth and teeth with cracks on the enamel surface. The problem is that, being damaged, they darken from the inside over time and a superficial effect on the enamel in this case does not have a positive effect. Therefore, to lighten them, a special whitening gel is introduced into the tooth cavity, followed by a filling.

Advantages

• The method allows you to lighten damaged teeth and enamel.
• Painless procedure.
• It is possible to lighten the enamel by 8 – 10 tones.
• You can lighten only one or two affected teeth.

Flaws

• Tooth tissues become more fragile.
• To achieve maximum effect, 2–4 procedures will be required.

Professional oral hygiene as an alternative to whitening

You have learned about teeth whitening and its types, but before you decide on one of the previously listed methods, pay attention to the complex of professional oral hygiene. It is carried out in a clinical setting, and always in preparation for the enamel lightening procedure. Why do experienced doctors advise starting with professional hygiene? Let's list:

• the procedure helps to remove all types of plaque, level the surface of the enamel, accordingly, then bleaching compounds act on it much more effectively, and the patient receives the best possible result and a uniform shade,
• after brushing, the teeth become 1-2 shades lighter, the enamel is smooth, shiny and well-groomed, which is more than enough for many patients not to resort to other whitening techniques,
• The method is suitable for those who prefer naturalness to Hollywood and not always natural whiteness. At the same time, it has a gentle effect on the enamel, and upon completion of the procedure, hard tissues are also strengthened with fluoride,
• the complex is ideal for people for whom other whitening methods may be contraindicated. For example, patients with fluorosis, hypoplasia, wedge-shaped defect, erosion, thin and sensitive enamel, pregnant and lactating women, children.

Professional oral hygiene will help to lighten your teeth.
Professional hygiene is carried out using ultrasound, Air-Flow water-abrasive cleaning, various polishing brushes and pastes. Each manipulation can be performed separately, but for greater efficiency they are often performed in combination.

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whitening

1. Proskuryakova A.S. Types, advantages and disadvantages // Bulletin of medical Internet conferences. – 2015.
2. According to the official website magic-white.ru
3. Novak N.V., Baytus N.A. Correction of optical properties of pulpless teeth // Bulletin of Vitebsk State Medical University. – 2022.

Expert “It is important to understand that all types of teeth whitening can pose a potential threat to oral health if proper professional training has not been carried out before the procedures (plaque removal, treatment of pathologies) and the list of contraindications is not taken into account: multiple caries, thin and sensitive enamel, inflamed gums, severe fluorosis and other non-carious defects, pregnancy and lactation in women, age up to 18 years.” Dentist-therapist Tatyana Vitalievna Varlamova

Consulting specialist

Orlova Elena Vladimirovna

Doctor rating: 9.5 out of 10 (2) Specialization: Dentist-therapist Experience: 33 years

Laser whitening

One of the most popular methods of enamel lightening. During his procedures, a whitening gel is applied to the surface of the teeth and exposed to a laser, which activates the formula.

Advantages

• Quick visible effect.
• Lightening of enamel by 6 – 10 tones.
• Bactericidal properties of the procedure.
• If you follow the dentist’s recommendations, the effect lasts for 1.5 – 2 years.

Flaws

• During the first day after the procedure, the sensitivity of tooth enamel increases.

Absolutely all professional teeth whitening procedures have contraindications. Therefore, before carrying out them, you need to consult with your attending physician and dentist.

How to care for your teeth after whitening

After you make your smile snow-white, you will need to observe oral hygiene more carefully, of course, if you want the result to last for a long time.

During the first 48 hours, you must avoid foods that stain the enamel. Eliminate the following foods:

• Chocolate;
• Coffee;
• Tea;
• Juices, fruit drinks, red wine;
• Lemonades and sodas;
• Confectionery products containing dyes;
• Beets and carrots;
• Adjika, ketchup, soy sauce, etc.

In addition, it is very advisable to refrain from smoking for two days. As a last resort, use an electronic cigarette. Next, for two weeks you need to reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke as much as possible.

Daily hygiene plays an important role in maintaining white teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and preferably after every major meal. Be sure to use dental floss to prevent food debris from accumulating in areas that are difficult to reach with a brush. The use of rinses is also recommended; this will more effectively combat the growth of harmful bacteria, soothe the gums and help maintain whiteness.

For cleaning, it is best to use whitening and remineralizing pastes.

For example, the professional toothpaste “ASEPTA PLUS” Gentle Whitening is designed for effective and safe teeth whitening without restrictions on the period of use.

The product guarantees enamel lightening by 1.5 tones within 4 weeks of use, as well as a significant (3.4 times) increase in anti-caries effectiveness.

Whitening Pencil

The active ingredient in whitening pencils is still hydrogen peroxide. To lighten the enamel, a light gel is applied to the visible surface of the teeth using a special pencil applicator and left for the time specified in the instructions, after which the mouth must be rinsed thoroughly.

Methods for teeth whitening:

• For those whose teeth naturally have a beautiful white color, mechanical (abrasive) whitening is suitable. This method will help restore the natural whiteness of the enamel. The principle of operation is as follows: a special nozzle is put on the teeth and cleaning occurs under pressure with a mixture of powder, water and compressed air. In this way you can remove plaque, deposits, pigments from tea, coffee and nicotine. This is a safe teeth whitening as there is no strong impact on the teeth.
• The ultrasonic method is a virtually harmless teeth whitening. In addition to the above disadvantages, this method can cope with tartar. Finally, the teeth are treated with a special polishing paste, which will protect the teeth from coloring pigments for a long time. There is a technology that includes exposure to water and ultrasound. An ultrasonic scaler is used. This method will help clean the enamel from the most dense and long-term deposits. The cost of teeth whitening using this method is not cheap, but the results are worth it. This is a quick teeth whitening.
• The most common method is chemical bleaching. The active ingredients used are the same as in the home procedure, only their concentration is higher. To achieve a good result, several half-hour sessions will be required. Teeth whitening in dentistry using this method has a fairly deep and strong effect. The procedure can be performed in the dentist's office or at home, but under the supervision of a doctor. The results of the procedure will please you for up to 5 years. Then you can repeat the whitening. The procedure should not be performed if there are fillings, pins, or dentures on the visible surfaces of the teeth. This is due to the fact that such materials react differently to abrasive substances, and an ideal result cannot be achieved. For such cases, a laser whitening system has been developed. The price of chemical whitening will depend on the materials used during the procedure.
• Laser whitening method. This method is less gentle, but more effective. The laser penetrates deeper into the tooth tissue. The procedure can be carried out pointwise, that is, the dentist adjusts the laser power depending on the condition of the tooth. This effective teeth whitening lasts up to seven years. The cost of laser teeth whitening varies from clinic to clinic and will depend on the pricing policy of the dentist. Inexpensive teeth whitening in Moscow is carried out by private offices, which, unlike online giants, value their clients and are always ready to accommodate them.
• Photobleaching. The main advantage of this method is the ability to whiten sensitive teeth with microcracks, chips, and loose fillings. The principle of operation is as follows: a special composition is applied to the tooth, from which, under the influence of halogen light, oxygen is released and removes dark spots. The only downside is that the result is a too dazzling white color, which does not suit everyone. If you take proper care of your teeth, the effect of photowhitening can last a lifetime. This is a safe, harmless teeth whitening.

Sometimes, scrolling through advertising brochures of dental clinics, you can come across an offer for conservative and transformative whitening. The first method is the same as returning your teeth to their natural color. The second method is more aggressive - a soft abrasive agent is applied to part or the entire tooth.

Whitening strips

The principle of operation of the strips is very similar to the mechanism of a pencil. These are special soluble or insoluble strips that are fixed on the visible surface of the teeth in the smile area and left for the recommended time, during which the active substance based on hydrogen peroxide penetrates the top layer of tooth enamel and brightens it.

Special toothpastes

This is the most affordable way to whiten teeth at home. As a rule, these pastes contain abrasive particles that remove plaque and polish the enamel, making it lighter.

The main advantage of all home whitening methods is that they are affordable. But with their help, it will be possible to lighten the enamel by no more than 2–3 tones, and to maintain this effect, the procedures will have to be repeated with enviable regularity.

Important to remember!

Uncontrolled use of home teeth whitening methods can damage the enamel and cause its thinning. In addition, all of them, like professional methods, have their contraindications and require prior consultation with a dentist.

Methods for whitening at home

Those who want to get themselves in order without leaving home can also easily find a decent option for themselves. The main thing is accuracy and moderation. And we discussed this issue in more detail in the material “Home teeth whitening - TOP 10 methods.”

Whitening toothpastes

Such products really help get rid of the notorious plaque and lighten the tones somewhat. However, their use is fraught with the appearance of micro-scratches. To achieve a noticeable effect, you will need to regularly use a suitable preparation, the continuous use of which increases the risk of damaging the enamel. You can buy cross brand toothpaste from the USA in this section.

Table soda

An effective, safer, but still merciless way to whiten your teeth at home. In this case, the color will not change, but the soda used as an abrasive will certainly clean the teeth that have been rubbed with it from plaque and will certainly damage the protective shell.

Hydrogen peroxide

Depending on the concentrate of the substance and the duration of its use, it can make the smile snow-white: the longer the product is not washed off, the whiter the teeth become. One main fact that should not be overlooked is that frequent use of hydrogen peroxide as a whitening agent can cause gingivitis or periodontitis. Therefore, in order to avoid damage to the gums and increased sensitivity, you should not abuse the drug.

Wood ash

Potassium hydroxide contained in the ash has bleaching properties. After applying, leaving for some time and rubbing the teeth with the substance, the result will be visible, but the effect will be extremely short-lived. And frequent use of the method, in turn, has an extremely negative effect on the enamel.

Mouthguards

One of the safest and most effective methods requires third-party intervention from a specialist - you will need to make an individual mouthguard based on dental impressions. To whiten using this method, you will need a special gel and a tray itself. It is enough to apply the gel, put on the nylon product, wait and your smile will shine white.

Whitening strips

A new product that has caused a real sensation in the field of dentistry. Having gathered together the accumulated knowledge and best practices, the world-famous leader in the production of hygiene products has found the optimal solution to the pressing problem. Created by true professionals, the Crest 3D White Whitestrips system for home teeth whitening has created a method that satisfies all needs. Elastic strips that follow the shape of your teeth when “glued” are already covered with an optimal amount of gel that is safe for enamel and gums. All you have to do is stick the strip on, wait and get real 3D whitening that makes your smile truly brilliant and natural.

In addition, today Crest 3D White Whitestrips is perhaps the only product that does not harm the enamel, even when using several strips one after another. The effect is guaranteed to last for at least 12 months, which is simply impossible when using other methods of teeth whitening at home.

Is teeth whitening harmful?

The peculiarity of all whitening methods is their relative safety. On the one hand, if the patient has absolutely healthy, strong teeth, then the enamel lightening procedure, carried out once every 2-3 years, will not cause much harm. On the other hand, regular use of chemical reagents that whiten teeth causes a gradual thinning of tooth enamel and makes it sensitive. Home lightening is especially dangerous when patients use available and advertised whitening products without taking into account their specificity and the individual characteristics of their enamel.

Before you sign up for a whitening procedure, you must consult a dentist and choose a real professional to perform it. A correctly calculated concentration of the active substance applied to the enamel, the depth and time of its exposure will minimize the risk of complications after bleaching and its negative impact on the enamel.

What to choose: home or dental teeth whitening

As always, the choice is yours. Practice shows that for those who have sufficient funds and time, it is better to contact a specialist at the clinic. And for readers who decide to whiten their teeth at home, there is only one piece of advice: if you do not use Crest 3D White Whitestrips, which have no contraindications, be sure to consult a doctor when choosing a method. And don’t forget that you can buy whitening strips in Moscow from us!