Sparkling white teeth allude to overall good health. Over-the-counter products promise to deliver a mouth full of pearly whites, but if your teeth are severely tarnished, you might not get the same results you see in the tantalizing advertisements for whitening toothpastes and at-home bleaching kits. The American Dental Association recommends that if you want the most effective teeth whitening, it's best to ask your dentist.
Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpaste may give you subtle results, says Mayo Clinic prosthodontist Alan Carr. These toothpastes not only tackle light surface stains--those caused by coffee or tobacco use--but help maintain results after professional bleaching.
Whitening toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients that polish the teeth or chemicals that dissolve food stains. Some contain blue covarine, Carr says, which may appear to work instantly. This chemical bonds to the surface of yellow-tinged teeth and makes them appear whiter, he says.
Other whitening pastes may take up to four weeks to work when used twice a day. These products won't bleach your teeth or have any affect on internal discoloration caused by excessive fluoride exposure or reverse decay.
Home Whitening
The American Dental Association states that you can whiten your teeth at home, either using an over-the-counter bleaching product or one that your dentist dispenses. The biggest difference between the two is in the strength of the bleaching agent.
According to the ADA, carbamide peroxide is the active ingredient that makes these at-home whitening kits work; however, only a dentist can dispense a product containing 10 percent carbamide peroxide or stronger. Before you use an over-the-counter bleaching product, the ADA advises you to first talk to your dentist.
Side effects may include teeth sensitivity and gum irritation that usually resolve after treatment.
Professional Dental Whitening
Chair-side or in-office bleaching may be recommended by your dentist if you're a good candidate for this procedure, says the ADA. This cosmetic treatment is relatively quick, lasting between 30 minutes and an hour. The ADA indicates that your dentist will use a protective gel or shield on your gums before applying a whitening solution. Sometimes a laser device is used to increase the effects of the bleaching agent.
When Whitening Won't Work
Sometimes whitening won't be appropriate, given the state of your teeth. The ADA indicates that the color of your teeth has a bearing on how effective teeth whitening will ultimately be. For example, yellowish teeth may whiten easily, but those brown in hue bleach less successfully. Grey-tinged teeth may not bleach at all.
Bleaching may also be ineffective on bonding and enamel-colored fillings. In this case, your dentist may have other suggestions to whiten your smile, such as porcelain veneers.
Product Cautions
If you use an at-home tooth whitening product, such as toothpaste, the ADA urges you to make sure that it has the ADA Seal. Be wary about products you cannot inspect yourself, as teeth whitening products are a big seller online.
According to an October 2009 consumer warning released by the Better Business Bureau, many consumers have fallen prey to online advertisements for teeth whitening products offering free trials. After signing up, their credit cards were subsequently charged for items they didn't order, as well as shipping costs and other mystery charges.
The BBB advises you to watch out for any advertisements that link to a blog or what appears to be a news website. Also, check out the company with the BBB before ordering, and always read the fine print.
