Teeth Whitening: Does it Work?

The process for teeth whitening is fairly simple. Depending on what product you use and if you choose to whiten at home or professionally at the dentist, the steps vary.

Teeth whitening products contain one of two tooth bleaches: hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These ingredients work to break stains into smaller pieces and reduce the concentration of color, in turn making your teeth brighter.

Unfortunately, whitening does not work on all teeth. Therefore, it’s important to check with your dentist to determine the right procedure for your teeth. Certain whiteners may not correct all types of staining and discoloration. For example, yellowed teeth typically bleach well while brown teeth may not respond as well and teeth with gray tones may not bleach at all.

In addition, whitening won’t work on dental appliances like caps, veneers, crowns, or fillings. It’s highly likely that bleaching your teeth will not be effective if the primary cause for discoloration is medication or trauma

There are many options for professional teeth whitening and at-home teeth whitening. Be sure to consult your doctor prior to beginning any treatment plan. Most teeth whitening options fall into one of three categories and range from gentle surface whiteners to stronger ones that can remove deeper stains.