Teeth whitening works by using whitening bleaching agents to break down stains on the surface and inside the enamel of your teeth, making them appear whiter and brighter. Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:
The Whitening Agent
Most whitening products use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the active ingredient. These chemicals penetrate the enamel and break apart the colored molecules (stains) through an oxidation reaction.
Types of Whitening
- In-office whitening: Done by a dentist, this uses a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide and sometimes a special light to accelerate the process. You can see results in one session.
- At-home whitening kits: These include trays, strips, or gels with lower concentrations of peroxide. They take longer (days to weeks) to show noticeable results.
- Whitening toothpaste: These use mild abrasives and sometimes small amounts of peroxide, but mostly remove surface stains rather than deep ones.
What It Works On
- It’s most effective on yellowish stains from food, drink (like coffee or wine), or smoking.
- It’s less effective on gray or brown stains, or discoloration from trauma or certain medications.
- Fillings, crowns, and veneers do not respond to whitening.