Teeth Bleaching Vs Whitening: What’s Best!

Having a dazzling smile can boost your confidence and make a lasting impression. Teeth bleaching and teeth whitening are two popular methods for achieving a brighter smile. But it’s important to understand the difference between them. In this article, we’ll compare teeth bleaching vs whitening to see what’s the better option.  

Teeth Bleaching vs Teeth Whitening: What’s the Difference?

Bleaching vs whitening teeth is often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings in the dental field. Teeth bleaching refers to treatments that use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to penetrate the enamel and brighten the inner layers of the teeth.   Teeth whitening, on the other hand, is a broader term that includes various procedures, both bleaching and non-bleaching. These are used to remove surface stains and restore a whiter appearance to the teeth.  

Can You Use Household Bleach on Your Teeth?

Using household bleach or Clorox on your teeth is strongly discouraged. Household bleach is not meant for oral use and contains chemicals that can harm your teeth and gums. High concentrations of bleach can cause chemical burns, tooth sensitivity, and other negative effects. It’s always best to consult a dental professional for safe and effective teeth whitening alternatives.  

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?

The duration of teeth whitening treatments depends on the method used, the severity of discoloration, and the desired results. In-office professional whitening treatments typically require one to two sessions, lasting 60-90 minutes each.   At-home whitening products may take several weeks of consistent application to achieve significant results. To get the best outcome, it’s important to follow the recommendations given by your dentist.  

Is Teeth Bleaching Permanent?

Teeth bleaching can provide long-lasting results, but the durability varies from person to person. The length of teeth whitening depends on individual factors such as oral hygiene, dietary choices, and lifestyle habits.   Over time, teeth can become stained again due to certain foods, drinks, or tobacco use. Regular touch-ups or maintenance treatments may be necessary to maintain the desired level of whiteness.  

Concerns About Safety: What Happens If You Use Bleach on Your Teeth?

Putting bleach directly on your teeth can be extremely harmful and dangerous. Household bleach contains high concentrations of chemicals that can damage your teeth, gums, and oral tissues.   It can cause chemical burns, tooth sensitivity, enamel loss, and other negative consequences. Teeth whitening should only be done using dental-grade materials and under the supervision of a dentist.  

Teeth Whitening Before and After

Before undergoing any teeth whitening treatment, a comprehensive dental checkup is necessary to assess oral health and determine the suitability of the treatment. Dentists often take photographs of your teeth before and after the whitening procedure to compare the results.   Before-and-after images can showcase the dramatic effects of teeth whitening, revealing a brighter and more radiant smile.  

Can You Permanently Whiten Your Teeth?

While teeth whitening procedures can provide significant and long-lasting improvements, it’s important to remember that teeth have a natural color. The purpose of teeth whitening is to restore the natural whiteness of the teeth or lighten them beyond their original color. Achieving a permanent “white” may not be possible.  

FAQs

Can I use regular bleach or Clorox to whiten my teeth?

No, using household bleach or Clorox for teeth whitening is not safe or recommended. These chemicals are not designed for oral use and can cause severe damage.  

What’s the difference between teeth bleaching and teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening removes surface stains, while teeth bleaching lightens the color of the tooth enamel using chemicals. Teeth whitening is safer and more effective compared to teeth bleaching.  

How long does it take to whiten teeth?

The time for teeth whitening treatments varies depending on factors like the method used, the severity of discoloration, and individual response. In-office professional treatments may require one to two sessions. While at-home kits may take several weeks of consistent use to show noticeable effects.  

Is teeth whitening permanent?

The longevity of teeth whitening varies from person to person. While the effects may last long, it depends on individual factors such as oral hygiene, dietary choices, and lifestyle habits. Regular dental visits may be necessary to maintain the whiteness.  

What happens if you brush your teeth with bleach?

Brushing your teeth with household bleach can cause severe damage to your teeth, gums, and oral tissues. It can lead to chemical burns, tooth sensitivity, enamel loss, and other negative consequences. Teeth whitening should always be done under professional supervision and with dental-grade products.  

Conclusion

Teeth bleaching and whitening offer ways to achieve a brighter smile. Understanding the differences between these terms is crucial for making informed decisions about teeth whitening procedures. While teeth whitening can provide long-lasting results, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding habits that cause stains are important.   Consult with our team of dental professionals at Smile Sky Dental for safe and effective teeth whitening methods. Remember, a healthy foundation is the basis for a beautiful smile, so prioritize oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.