Is the home teeth whitening gel same as the one that is used by my family dentist?

Over the counter options available in the market are as safe as those used by the dentists. The percentage of hydrogen peroxide might differ, but more or less, it’s the same.

What causes teeth to discolor or become yellower?

The teeth become yellower due to the natural ageing process. As a person ages, his/her dentine gets yellower. The thicker enamel fades away and the inner yellow color becomes evident. As such, teeth begin to show the inner discoloration.

Apart from the ageing process, it is the foods you eat and liquids you drink that cause your teeth to become yellow. The food and liquid deposit on your teeth, making them discolored.

Are there side effects to having the teeth whitening process done?

No, as such there are no side effects. People just tend to report about sensitivity issues though, which remain for a short time only. No long-term issues have been reported or found.

Is teeth whitening worth investing?

That’s a personal preference. Teeth whitening is worth investing if you are looking to have a brighter smile. However, you need to be regular with the process and continue with the process in order to see the results. Moreover, it is advised that you look for the root problem that is leading to the yellowing of your teeth.

Can whitening tooth pastes be used?

Whitening tooth pastes do not whiten teeth. That’s a myth. This is because they do not contain any ingredients that will actually whiten your teeth.

What is the average shelf life of teeth bleaching gels?

Teeth bleaching agents usually come with a shelf life of one year. Always double check the expiry date before buying.

More about Teeth Whitening Lights

Teeth whitening lights are the new hype. They have been developed significantly over the past few years in order to advance the teeth whitening process. New technology incorporates LED lights, which accelerate the overall process. Although the battery operated at-home kits do not have the same strength like the in-office ones, they can work really well when combined with the whitening gel.

Is LED at-home teeth whitening safe?

Yes, completely. Although this is a safe option, it is not as effective as an in-office treatment. That is simply because of the fact that in-home LEDs operate on a battery instead of a power system. The LED teeth whitening lights act as a timer and allow the patients to apply the product for the right amount of time. The good news is that there are no light-activated ingredients in take-home whitening kits.

Is sensitivity normal and is there any pain?

Sensitivity is normal to some extent. The reason behind this is that hydrogen peroxide can lead to some sort of irritation in the gums. Moreover, areas that lack thick enamel covering show sensitivity. However areas that are already sensitive before a teeth whitening procedure is initiated should be avoided by all means. This will worsen the sensitivity.

If you face any sort of sensitivity that is associated with the whitening treatment, it should go away within a week of terminating the use of the product.