How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
To provide patients with an optimal smile, they must understand how teeth whitening works. With endless options of brands, formulas, and application methods, there can be lots of mixed information out there. But, here at GLO Science Pro, our goal is to simplify things!
The Science of Whitening Made Simple
Professional Teeth Whitening has become one the most commonly requested cosmetic dental procedures for good reason. These treatments can be done quickly, inexpensively, and offer almost immediate results. As teeth whitening methods become more widely available, consumers will realize that their dream smile is attainable. But before investing in a whitening treatment, patients may wonder whether teeth whitening works and will it work for them. To answer that, they must first understand what causes staining on teeth.
Tooth color comes from a convergence of our genetics, environmental factors, and our ability to keep our mouths healthy. While tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body, it’s also porous. It is here, within the dentin, that most stains are absorbed. Then, through other intrinsic and extrinsic factors, teeth yellow and stain over time.
What Factors Affect Teeth Whitening?
Two primary factors influence the efficacy of whitening— the concentration of hydrogen peroxide gel and the contact time on teeth. When whitening takes place within a sealed environment, whitening oxygen molecules cannot escape into the atmosphere. A better seal means better whitening.
The way a whitening product is applied will also impact results. Gels, pens, strips, syringes, and trays are all widely marketed, making it confusing for consumers to determine what's best. Many of these methods can be messy and leave room for user error, especially without proper guidance.
GLO Professional has developed a streamlined application with our vials, allowing the user to target gel toward teeth and away from the gum tissue. Less exposure and treatment time also results in less pain and sensitivity.
Perhaps the most influential takeaway for optimal whitening is patient compliance. This includes staying away from teeth-staining foods and beverages and maintaining a proper oral care routine. It's important to note that not all teeth whitening is safe- this is why it's crucial to use a tested, trusted, dentist-developed formula. When done correctly, whitening improves more than just a smile. It protects gum health, leading to better health overall.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Gel Take To Work?
The length of contact time teeth whitening gel requires depends on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. GLO Science Pro uses gel delivered in a dual-barrel syringe for chairside whitening. The formulation uses a safe and effective level of hydrogen peroxide in-office—24% for younger and more sensitive patients and 30% for everyone else. Both include a pH raiser in the dual-barrel syringe to increase efficacy.
So just how much time should patients expect an in-office teeth whitening session to take? Some outdated technology can take up to 90 minutes, but with our new GLO Pro Power+, results can be achieved in as little as 16 minutes! That’s less chair time, less gum exposure, and less sensitivity- something all clinicians (and their patients) want.
How Long Before Teeth Whitening Works?
The timeframe for teeth whitening to show results varies depending on the method used. Some treatments may show immediate results, while others may take several sessions to achieve desired outcomes. It's essential to consult with a dental professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan.
How Long Will Teeth Whitening Last?
There is no universal answer, as the success and lasting effects of a professional whitening treatment depend on individual and lifestyle factors. But when adequately cared for, many patients see results lasting approximately 4-6 months, making in-office treatments an easy gateway into regular hygiene visits. We also recommend that in-office whitening treatments are followed with take-home technology for longer-lasting, brighter and whiter smiles.
Other frequently asked questions about how teeth whitening works
Can Teeth Whitening Damage Teeth?
Teeth whitening should not be painful or damage teeth. Today’s formulas are generally safe and easy to use, resulting in less human error and damage to enamel or gum tissue.
However, it is crucial patients have a complete dental exam before whitening to rule out any existing conditions, such as weak enamel or cavities. Since whitening gel must penetrate teeth to work effectively, any holes can cause extreme pain and potential root damage.
At GLO Science, our products are FDA-registered and specifically formulated to be sensitivity-free. We use a warming heat acceleration, resulting in less wear time, and our whitening gel sticks to teeth and won’t affect the surrounding soft tissue. We encourage patient education and advocacy to ensure the best results.
Can Yellow Teeth Become White?
In most cases, yes! While some people are more prone to tooth staining than others, many discolorations can be removed by teeth whitening or bleaching.
Extrinsic stains, caused by factors such as food and smoking, reside outside the tooth and are easier to treat. Intrinsic staining of dentin, or layer beneath the enamel, can be more challenging to remove with whitening, but is possible with the right technology!
Clinicians must consult and speak to patients openly and honestly about their unique circumstances and what they should expect. While modern whitening systems have universal appeal, results vary and are impacted by individual factors.
Why Isn't Hydrogen Peroxide Whitening My Teeth?
Professional teeth whitening under the care of a dentist is a safe, effective, and affordable option for a brighter smile. However, there are some instances where even the best teeth whitening technology may not work.
Intrinsic stains caused by certain medications or tooth decay are some of the hardest to treat. A dead tooth caused by injury or trauma can also prove difficult in responding to traditional whitening methods. In these cases, patients should speak with their dentist about alternatives for improving their smiles.
Another issue lies in post-treatment follow-up. It is imperative patients leave adequately informed of any steps they should be following after a whitening session.
Continued education is key to maintaining bright, white smiles in between dental visits. Utilize your website and social media platforms to stress proper oral care habits. After all, people who take better care of their teeth tend to be healthier in general.
Does Peroxide Free Teeth Whitening Work?
In recent years, many companies have begun advertising all-natural tooth whitening products, leaving consumers wondering whether they're truly effective. If hydrogen peroxide is lacking, a product cannot remove deep discoloration inside the tooth. While it may improve surface stains, the result is only temporary.
These products may be cheaper but have not undergone the same rigorous testing as professional whitening products, leaving companies under scrutiny for their lack of safety and efficacy.
Does Teeth Whitening Work On Crowns?
Many patients will patients ask if there is a teeth whitening that works on crowns. These caps used to cover the tooth and restore its shape, size, and strength, are made from porcelain or composite porcelain and are not a natural material. Only natural teeth are porous and able to change color, therefore crowns cannot be whitened.
The good news is that a professional whitening treatment can ensure teeth around them are whitened in a similar shade, creating a natural-looking, healthy smile. A qualified dentist is your best asset in making sure newly whitened teeth match any existing cosmetic dentistry.
At GLO Science, we believe all people deserve a reason to smile. Our mission is to provide state-of-the-art whitening that also improves overall health and wellness.