What is the safest teeth whitening? Safe ways to whiten teeth in dentistry and at home

The safest teeth whitening is the one that was carried out according to all the rules and under the supervision of a specialist. aesthetic dentistry. But that's not all. Safe whitening also something for which we carefully prepared. If a patient has caries, it must be treated. If bleaching gel gets into carious cavity may arise sharp pain. The same thing will happen to tooth enamel that is cracked or chipped. In such situations, as well as when hypersensitivity teeth, before and after whitening, the doctor must prescribe a remotherapy procedure and a course of using desensitizers, namely: gels, rinses and pastes with the effect of reducing hypersensitivity.

Before you whiten your teeth, you need to see a hygienist and have a professional oral hygiene done. During the procedure tooth surface are cleared of dental plaque and tartar, preventing the formation of good result bleaching. It is worth noting that the slight brightening effect of professional hygiene can often satisfy those patients whose main problem is superficial pigmentation and plaque, as well as tartar.

Gentle teeth whitening

For gentle teeth whitening, clinics usually offer professional systems using trays. Unlike office-based procedures, they are performed by the patient independently at home. However, the patient receives everything necessary for whitening, as well as recommendations for use, from a specialist. This is the safest teeth whitening at home. The essence of the technique is to wear a special mouth guard with whitening gel for several hours during the day or at night. The advantage of this method is that at the slightest discomfort the patient can immediately stop the procedure. But, on the other hand, independent use Using a whitening system without strictly following the instructions for use can result in a number of complications. In addition, there is an opinion that the faster the whitening procedure is carried out, the more harmless it is for the teeth. From this point of view, the safest teeth whitening is laser.

Safe home teeth whitening

Gentle teeth whitening at home can be done using semi-professional products with a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide.

Sets

Includes two pastes - whitening and remineralizing, as well as varnish or gel for lightening. After brushing your teeth, the surface is covered with the product for a certain time. Then a paste with minerals is applied to strengthen the enamel.

Whitening strips

They are made by many manufacturers and sold in the public domain. The most popular strips are Crest 3D White. The included tapes are already treated with a lightening gel; they only need to be fixed for the time specified in the instructions. The effect is teeth whitening by 2 or 3 shades.


Pencils

Used to maintain results after lightening more than in professional ways. The product whitens teeth by 1 - 2 shades.


Toothpastes


Rinse aids

Fluorine in the product strengthens and saturates tissues with minerals, but does not whiten them. Teeth look 1 tone lighter due to healthy and shiny enamel.


Teeth whitening: harm or benefit?

The yellow color of teeth does not in any way affect their health, so whitening is a purely aesthetic procedure. To the question “Is whitening harmful?” the answer is given in the article, but as for the benefits, they certainly exist. A snow-white Hollywood smile allows us to look good, smile freely and feel a little happier.

Considering all of the above, it can be argued that any professional whitening teeth are safe, whether it is photowhitening, laser, chemical or endodontic, but only when it is carried out with the direct participation of a dentist. That is why it is so important to take a responsible approach to choosing a clinic and a doctor and entrust the beauty and health of your teeth only to reliable and competent specialists.

Is it worth it to lighten the enamel yourself or is it better to see a doctor? What methods are the safest? We invite you to learn more about popular methods of teeth whitening, their effectiveness and consequences.

How safe is teeth whitening?

Impact on enamel of aggressive chemicals(acids, peroxides) destroys its structure and washes away calcium, making teeth vulnerable to various damages. In addition, if the procedure is performed incorrectly, burns to the gums and oral mucosa are possible. One more thing negative consequence– porosity of the enamel, which when used coloring products leads to rapid re-darkening of teeth.

The safest methods of teeth whitening in dentistry

Despite the possible side effects, many people decide to resort to enamel lightening. But first you should learn more about possible options. To determine the safest method of teeth whitening, let's review known means and techniques.

Photobleaching

The photobleaching procedure, which helps lighten the enamel by 8–12 tones, is performed only in a clinic. The essence of the method is as follows: the patient’s teeth are cleaned of plaque, a protective composition is applied to them, and then special drug containing hydrogen peroxide. Under the influence of LED, halogen or ultraviolet lamp, the active substance releases a highly active form of oxygen, which whitens the enamel.

The session lasts 10–20 minutes and immediately produces noticeable results. If the patient is not satisfied with the degree of enamel lightening, photobleaching can be repeated after a week, but total number procedures should not exceed seven.

Is teeth whitening safe with this method? Photobleaching has a minimum side effects, but still, when it is carried out, it is possible to increase the sensitivity of the teeth to irritants for several days after the procedure. In addition, individual intolerance to the active substance by the patient cannot be ruled out. The procedure is not carried out if there is a carious process in the tooth tissues and tooth wear.

Laser teeth whitening

Another way to whiten teeth that harms the enamel is to use a laser. The procedure is similar to photobleaching, but instead of lamps, a laser beam serves as a catalyst for the lightening gel. It takes 1–2 minutes to treat each tooth.

Individual trays are more effective as they provide direct contact of the lightening gel with. As for the harmlessness of the procedure, the use of pharmacy kits, and even more so purchased in untrusted places, is not the safest way to whiten teeth. There is a possibility of allergic reactions and damage to the oral mucosa from the active substance.

If the procedure is carried out under the supervision of a physician and with the use of individual impressions, its safety increases. The dentist will clearly explain to the patient the rules for putting on mouth guards and conduct a test for intolerance to the whitening gel. Also, their tighter fit minimizes contact of the active substance with the gums and oral mucosa.

Among side effects procedures – increasing tooth sensitivity during whitening, local allergic reactions, damage to the enamel if the rules of use are not followed. Use is contraindicated for diseases of the oral mucosa and gums, damage to the integrity of the enamel, oral piercing less than a month ago.

Teeth whitening strips and pencils

Pencils are intended for home use, which is very convenient. But is it always possible to whiten teeth without harming the enamel using this method?

Lightening strips are small pieces of perforated polyethylene coated with a gel containing hydrogen peroxide. They are placed on the front teeth and kept for the specified time, usually from 5 minutes to half an hour.

The procedures are carried out daily for 2 weeks. During this time, it is possible to lighten by 4 tones. The weak whitening effect is due to the low concentration of the active substance. This is necessary so that the product is safe and does not cause significant harm health for possible errors in application.

Despite the potential harmlessness of whitening strips, they can cause increased tooth sensitivity, irritation of the gums and oral mucosa. The risk increases if a person has inflammatory processes oral cavity and/or thinned enamel.

If whitening strips are not manufactured with safety standards in mind and have too high a peroxide concentration, tooth enamel may also be damaged. This often happens when using uncertified Chinese-made products.

The same can be said about . They are tubes with gel and a built-in brush for its distribution. The composition is applied to the front teeth, after which you need to continue smiling for a few more minutes (from 1 to 10, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations). During this time, the hydrogen peroxide in the composition will have the necessary effect.

After the procedure, you should rinse your mouth and refrain from eating for an hour. In total, up to 14 whitening procedures are carried out. To avoid damage to enamel and gums, it is better to give preference to products made in America, Italy or Spain, avoiding Chinese counterfeits. Also, before purchasing, it is important to make sure that the concentration of peroxide in active substance does not exceed 12%.

Whitening toothpastes

Some people believe that the easiest way to whiten teeth without harming the enamel is with a toothpaste. Is this true? First, you need to consider that the term “whitening” in the case of toothpastes is not entirely accurate. Even specialized compounds cleanse the enamel rather than lighten it.

The effect is achieved due to the presence of the following components in the pastes:

  • potassium or sodium pyrophosphates, which make hard deposits on the enamel surface more pliable;
  • enzymes that destroy the protein matrix of dental plaque - papain, bromelain;
  • abrasive particles various shapes and origin.

The packaging of such pastes may indicate that they contain active oxygen (carbamide peroxide), but its concentration is so low that there is no need to talk about chemical bleaching. The low efficiency of the method allows you to make the enamel lighter by only 2-3 tones.

Is teeth whitening with toothpaste dangerous? Products with low and medium levels of abrasiveness are completely harmless. But highly abrasive toothpastes contribute to accelerated abrasion of the enamel and the appearance of increased sensitivity. For those who already suffer from dental hypersensitivity, any cleaning compositions with solid particles are contraindicated.

Traditional medicine for teeth whitening

You can often hear the opinion that the most harmless teeth whitening is done using natural and home remedies. It is especially common among adherents of traditional medicine.

However, dentists do not share this point of view. To understand the dangers of teeth whitening at home, consider the operating principle of popular traditional methods enamel lightening.

Usually for this purpose it is suggested to use:

  1. Soda, salt, charcoal . The listed substances are highly abrasive and damage tooth enamel. In addition, if used carelessly, you can damage the surface of the gums and cause inflammation.
  2. Lemon juice and zest. Fruit acids are natural, but not harmless. They have an aggressive effect on tooth enamel and contribute to its thinning.
  3. Hydrogen peroxide solution . Regular peroxide, intended for disinfection, when applied to teeth actually whitens them, but can behave unpredictably, and irritation of the oral mucosa is almost guaranteed. In addition, this method more often than others leads to increased tooth sensitivity and thinning of the enamel.
But besides dangerous methods, traditional medicine offers relatively harmless ones. One of them is application. At correct use it removes well, has an antibacterial effect and helps improve the microflora of the oral cavity. Also, using strawberry and wild strawberry pulp, which gently cleanses the enamel, will not cause harm.

However, the effectiveness of these methods is low. Don't expect more than 1-2 shades of lightening.

What methods of teeth whitening are considered the safest and most effective?

So what is the safest and most effective teeth whitening? We can say with confidence that it is easier to get a snow-white smile without damaging the enamel under the supervision of a doctor. Only in-office whitening methods provide significant teeth whitening (up to 12 shades). During the procedure, the dentist controls the effect of the whitening gel and monitors the condition of the gums and oral mucosa.

The use of a bleaching composition without catalysts, as well as laser and photobleaching, is completely safe, although side effects are still possible. In any case, you need to remember that teeth whitening is not completely harmless and you should carefully weigh the risks before carrying out it.

The right decision would be to first carry out professional cleaning teeth from plaque and stone. Sometimes the effect of this procedure is sufficient to achieve the desired lightening of the enamel.

The safest and most gentle teeth whitening in dentistry is in-office. When choosing a method, you should listen to the doctor’s opinion and not insist on the procedure if contraindications are identified.

Chemical teeth whitening is far from harmless and should not be abused. If the enamel is prone to yellowing, in order to maintain the whitening results for a long time, you need to monitor and avoid coloring foods (coffee, wine, dark berries, colored carbonated drinks). Thanks to regular dental care and visiting the dentist at least once every 6 months, you will forget about plaque and its unpleasant consequences.

Useful video about teeth whitening

Anastasia Vorontsova

Any person feels confident if his smile is snow-white and beautiful.

But what should those who, due to some circumstances, have to hide their teeth from others do?

And not every person can afford professional teeth whitening.

You can, of course, whiten your teeth at home, but how do you know which whitening is the safest?

When should you not whiten your teeth?

Not all people can afford to make their smile perfect, and this is due to the fact that one group of patients this procedure is contraindicated, and for others it will be ineffective.

Bleaching is not carried out in the following cases:

  • If you have increased tooth sensitivity.
  • If there are fillings or crowns on the front teeth. As a result of bleaching, the restorations will appear darker than natural teeth.
  • If there is gray or brown tint enamels. Such teeth are difficult to whiten.

Is there a safe way to bleach?

Dental clinics offer many types of whitening procedures.

Moreover, you can change the color of your teeth by a couple of shades or give them a completely white color.

Everything depends not only on the patient’s wishes, but also on financial capabilities.

In addition, do not forget that after such a procedure there may be negative consequences.

According to dentists, not all methods are aggressive, which means there are safe technologies.

Laser Application

IN lately Laser teeth whitening is increasingly being used in dentistry..

This is one of the most quick ways lightening the enamel, which minimizes the risk of damage.

Most dental offices offer modern methods, eliminating damage to tooth enamel after the laser whitening procedure.

For example, before whitening, the dentist applies a special gel containing hydrogen peroxide to the tooth enamel.

  • Under the influence laser beam the gel becomes active, and the released oxygen lightens the enamel.
  • The duration of the procedure directly depends on what effect is to be achieved as a result of the procedure.

Laser teeth whitening is carried out in several stages:

  • No more than a week before the scheduled procedure, the doctor will prescribe hygienic cleaning of the oral cavity.
  • At the beginning of the procedure, the dentist applies a protective agent to the gums to prevent burns to the mucous membrane.
  • The patient's eyes are covered with protective goggles.
  • A whitening gel is applied to the front surface of the teeth, which will whiten the teeth under the influence of a laser beam.

Zoom system

This method According to dentists, it is also safe.

  • The procedure is carried out in several stages, similar to laser whitening.
  • The whitening gel is activated using ultraviolet light.
  • The system involves treating enamel with amorphous calcium phosphate

Whitening teeth at home

It will be almost impossible to get the same result as with in-office whitening.

But with home lightening, an undoubted advantage is that with some methods the aggressive effect on the enamel will be insignificant.

There are many ways to whiten teeth on your own, but you must remember that many of them can have a destructive effect on the enamel.

Home remedies that can safely whiten teeth include the following:

  • Using whitening toothpaste, which can be used no more than once a year. But the pasta best case scenario, can only remove plaque.
  • Teeth whitening with hydrogen peroxide. The whitening effect of 3% peroxide is insignificant, but quite safe. You can use it yourself using a cotton swab, or after brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with a solution prepared at the rate of: 20 drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide dissolved in 50 ml of water.
  • Activated carbon can also be used to lighten tooth enamel. The tablets should be crushed into powder and brushed on your teeth with a toothbrush. Its use is also safe for teeth.
  • Application of oil tea tree is one of the safest methods of treating teeth for the purpose of whitening. Tea tree oil has advantages: it does not injure gums, does not destroy enamel, refreshes the oral cavity, has bactericidal effect. To be used after brushing your teeth: apply a few drops to toothbrush and brush your teeth again. It can also be used as a rinse by dissolving a few drops of oil in warm water.
  • Teeth whitening with strawberries. The berries are crushed into puree and applied to the surface of the teeth, like toothpaste.
  • Application of herbs. There are herbs that not only perfectly whiten teeth, but also have a healing effect on the oral cavity. Such herbs are sage and basil. The plants are ground into powder and used to clean teeth.

Homemade whitening remedies that can damage not only the enamel, but also the mucous membranes of the oral cavity:

  • Using soda. The method is quite fast and effective, but you need to use soda with great care.
  • Teeth whitening with lemon. Gives a good whitening effect, but may have harmful influence on enamel.
  • Using salt to make teeth whiter. Salt is a strong abrasive, so it can scratch the enamel and lead to its thinning and destruction.

As a result of the uncontrolled use of these products, the enamel of the teeth becomes thinner, and they become susceptible to hot and cold. These processes are irreversible.

Video: “Cheap and Cheap: Real Smile”

28.03.2016


The whitening procedure is a way to clean the enamel surface from plaque, lighten teeth and remove pigmentation from tissues. There is enough large number ways you can whiten your teeth. Internet forums and “healers” of various stripes advise home whitening. Clinics recommend contacting a dentist. Note that surface brightening in the dental office has many advantages. The main one is that your teeth will remain undamaged and healthy. Which whitening method should you choose? What do dentists offer now?

The main methods of harmless whitening:

  • Mechanical;
  • Using ultrasound;
  • Laser;
  • Oxygen;
  • Using a mouthguard or gel;
  • Folk remedies.

Below we will consider each of the methods and describe their advantages and disadvantages.

Mechanical bleaching

The most common method, which is used in most dental clinics. The principle of its operation is that a sand-salt solution is supplied to the tooth under pressure through a special sprayer. Small particles of the mixture “beat off” plaque, stone and polluting pigments from the surface.


Photo: Mechanical whitening “AIR-FLOW”

Advantages:

  • Low cost;
  • Versatility;
  • Speed ​​of the procedure.

Flaws:

  • The enamel is damaged;
  • Temporarily increases sensitivity.

The main disadvantage of the procedure is that after it the teeth are sensitive to temperature changes for some time. After cleansing, you need to limit your consumption of food with dyes: juices, wine, coffee.

Ultrasonic cleaning of dental plaque

The principle of this procedure is very similar to mechanical bleaching. Under the influence of ultrasound, external plaque is destroyed and stone is removed. The advantage of this method is that ultrasound does not affect the patient’s condition in any way, unlike spraying a solution of sand and salt. After cleaning, they are polished and coated with a special fixing gel. Fluoride therapy is almost always performed to further strengthen the enamel.


Note! All dentists unanimously recommend mechanical whitening once every six months. Thus, the stone will be promptly removed and surface plaque, which can cause caries, will be destroyed. Regular whitening will always keep you healthy and looking dazzling.

Laser whitening

The most modern and safe method teeth whitening. The only drawback of the procedure is its high cost. But the effect is visible immediately and will last for a long time. The cleaning process itself takes place in several stages:

  1. A protective gel is applied to the gums. Cover with active substance.
  2. Teeth are illuminated with a laser. In this case, the active particles in the gel penetrate the cells and safely remove the pigments out. This method can achieve lightening by more than 2 tones.
  3. After the procedure, they are covered with a special mineralizing gel. This product penetrates the enamel cells and strengthens it from the inside.

Photo:

There are no side effects after the laser whitening procedure. The important thing is that the laser can remove pigments that are deep in the tooth. That is, bleaching occurs in all layers of the fabric, and not just on the surface.

Bleaching with oxygen

One of the most traditional ways bleaching. The most common remedy is carbamide peroxide, a safer and gentler version of hydrogen peroxide. After all chemical processes Oxygen atoms are formed, which penetrate the cells and oxidize all substances that affect color. The best teeth to treat are those whose color has changed due to drinking tea, coffee, red wine, or smoking.

Important! During bleaching, an excessive reaction may occur and the surface will become very light. If fillings are installed, the color will differ, creating a rather unsightly contrast.

Whitening with trays and gel


Photo: Whitening with aligners

Very cheap and affordable methods of slow whitening:

  • Kappa - used by those who are afraid to go to the dentist. The gel is applied inside, and the mouth guard is put on the teeth at night. The unnoticeable and gentle whitening effect lasts quite a long time. long time. The effect of using the mouthguard may appear after a month. If you have nowhere to rush and are afraid of the doctor, this method fits better everything.
  • Gel – applied with a special brush to the surface. The effect of this “colgate whitening” can appear after 15-20 days. The advantage of this method is that whitening is carried out at home and has a lasting effect.

Teeth whitening methods in dentistry - folk remedies!

Dentists strongly discourage the use of any abrasive or chemical active mixtures for whitening. This is soda activated carbon, hydrogen peroxide. They, of course, allow you to achieve some whitening effect. But they have very serious disadvantages:

  • Baking soda and activated carbon destroy and scratch the surface. This creates pockets of possible infection with caries and other dangerous diseases.
  • Hydrogen peroxide corrodes enamel, reduces its thickness, which affects strength.

Photo: Whitening with baking soda and activated carbon

Products based on herbal infusions, green tea or lemon are certainly effective. But they themselves require a very long period of time for the whitening effect to appear. Almost all dentists advise carrying out such procedures at home after cleaning in the clinic.

Whitening pastes

Quite a controversial method of whitening. Inexpensive brands, which are widely distributed in stores, can only remove the top coating. There are so few active substances there that they have virtually no noticeable effect. More expensive pastes should be used a maximum of twice a week. In such products the concentration active substance more and it has a noticeable effect on the structure of the enamel and pigmentation.


The photo shows a paste with a whitening effect

Before you begin whitening, be sure to consult your dentist. Whatever method you choose, it is much better to undergo all procedures under the supervision of a specialist than to harm your health. A snow-white smile is easy, you just need to follow the doctor’s recommendations and take care of your teeth.

The dream of a snow-white smile can become a reality thanks to modern dental technologies. But often you have to pay for its implementation with dental health and subsequent complications. Is there a safe teeth whitening method that does not harm the enamel?

First of all, it is necessary to understand the terms, since teeth whitening methods can be chemical and mechanical.

Ultrasonic method

A common method of teeth whitening in dentistry, aimed at removing pigmented deposits from the surface. Deposits are removed by exposure to ultrasonic waves and then washed off with a stream of water. Lightening occurs by 1-3 tones, depending on the initial amount of deposits on the surface.

Photobleaching

Photobleaching refers to a procedure during which a special gel with hydrogen peroxide is applied. It penetrates the enamel and provokes chemical reaction, as a result of which coloring pigments are destroyed. Special lamps act as catalysts:

  1. Ultraviolet devices. Dental centers are beginning to refuse to use them: the devices generate a large amount of heat, causing tissue overheating. In some cases, this can cause pulp burns and the development of pulpitis.
  2. LED devices highlight " cold light", eliminating the danger of overheating.
  3. Halogen– tissue heating is present, but not as pronounced as when using ultraviolet lamps.
  4. Laser techniques when a laser beam becomes a reaction catalyst.

Laser whitening allows you to make your teeth 8-10 shades lighter.

The safest teeth whitening is laser. With its help, lightening by 8-10 tones is achieved, providing bactericidal effect, A negative impact beam to surrounding tissue is excluded.

In all cases, the steps of the procedure are the same:

  • The preparatory stage involves eliminating caries and professional cleaning.
  • Treatment of gums with protective compounds, isolation of lips and cheeks.
  • Application of the gel, exposure to the selected lamp (duration depends on its type).
  • Gel removal.
  • Repeating the algorithm for next appointment(there can be no more than six).

Safe whitening is only possible when the clinic complies with the standards similar procedures, has the appropriate licenses. Many complications after lightening arise due to medical errors, so you need to choose a dental center based on its authority and patient reviews.