Teeth whitening kits: How effective are they?
As the pursuit of a perfect smile grows increasingly mainstream, the market is flooded with an array of whitening options.
Once reserved for dental clinics, teeth whitening procedures have now transitioned into the world of DIY kits, allowing people to brighten their smiles from the comfort of their own homes.
As the pursuit of a perfect smile grows increasingly mainstream, the market is flooded with an array of whitening options—from professional treatments to convenient at-home solutions. But how do these at home kits actually work?
According to Zenyum vice president of clinical products and dentistry Dr Lou Yii Ping, teeth whitening gels work by penetrating the enamel, breaking down stains through oxidation and removing surface discoloration to lighten and brighten the overall appearance of the teeth.
The effectiveness depends on the concentration of the peroxide and the application method.
“In-clinic professional whitening uses a higher concentration of bleaching agent, most commonly hydrogen peroxide. The patient’s teeth and gums are carefully prepared and the gel is precisely applied by the dentist. Some systems use a blue light to accelerate the whitening process.
“In-clinic whitening is convenient as you will only need about an hour to get visible immediate results. Both in-clinic and take-home whitening solutions can be combined to enhance one's smile,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr Lou said home whitening kits differ by the type and percentage of active ingredients in the gel.
The most common active ingredient is carbamide peroxide in professional home whitening kits.
“These are more suited for people who require a stronger whitening solution. The trays containing the whitening gel are usually worn for 7-14 days, or as prescribed by a treating dentist.
“Over the counter whitening products have lower concentrations of active ingredients that are deemed safe to be sold to the public.
“It usually comes with a pre-formed tray or other direct application. These are usually suited for people looking for a quick touch up or maintenance,” she said.
For an on-the-go Zenyum solution, the ZenyumBright Invisible Whitening Strips is a convenient over-the-counter product that claims to give you up to four shades whiter teeth without the mess or fuss.
Whitening toothpaste works primarily by utilising mild abrasives and, in some cases, bleaching agents to remove surface stains and enhance the brightness of teeth.
“These are usually used as part of your daily or weekly maintenance, however one has to be cautious about over using harsh abrasive and bleaching products daily as it can wear down and damage your enamel over time.
“The ZenyumFresh Day! contains papaya enzymes for a brighter smile, and Vitamin E and natural mint flavours for fresh breath while the ultra fine-grade activated charcoal in ZenyumFresh Night toothpaste gently whitens and polishes stains at night.
“For maintaining a beautiful white smile, the ZenyumBright Active Whitening Serum uses the active ingredient PAP to maintain a bright smile,” she said.
Certain whitening toothpastes may contain optical agents, a chemical that adheres to the teeth and creates an optical illusion that makes them appear whiter immediately after brushing.
This effect does not provide a long-term colour change but can enhance the visual brightness of teeth temporarily.
Potential side effects
While professional teeth whitening procedures are generally safe, users should be aware of potential side effects. Some individuals may experience sensitivity in their teeth and gums, particularly after treatment.
However, Dr Lou said this sensitivity typically subsides within 24 hours. Understanding these common side effects is crucial for anyone considering whitening their teeth, especially when exploring at-home options.
Some active ingredients, particularly hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, may trigger irritation in sensitive individuals, leading to discomfort in the gums and lips.
Furthermore, improper usage or excessive application of these products can wear down enamel, making caution paramount.
Who should avoid teeth whitening?
Certain populations should tread carefully when it comes to teeth whitening. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are generally advised against using these products due to potential risks to the baby.
Additionally, individuals with allergies to specific ingredients, those with developing teeth (like children and adolescents), and those suffering from dental issues like gum disease or multiple restorations may also want to steer clear.
