The most effective teeth whitening and oxygen whitening – does it hurt?

The mechanism of this whitening method

What is oxygen teeth whitening? This is a method that involves the activation of hydrogen peroxide or urea. The fact is that under certain conditions (which are created using special means and methods, but more on that later), peroxide molecules split into water and atomic oxygen.

Oxygen atoms, in turn, actively penetrate the structure of enamel and dentin, bind to pigment molecules, make them water-soluble and literally clean them out of the pores. Thus, the pigmented areas become discolored, and the patient receives a snow-white smile.

Important! To achieve a high result, that is, lightening by many tones, ordinary peroxide from the pharmacy will not work. We need special products with a balanced composition and high concentration of active ingredients. They are usually produced in the form of special gels, which doctors apply to the enamel and activate. Or in the form of toothpaste, strips and pencils - with these types of products oxygen whitening can be carried out at home, but the effect will be lower than from office procedures, since they have a lower content of the active substance.

Advantages

The method is gaining popularity because it has advantages that distinguish it from others:

• in one session, the enamel brightens by 9–10 shades on the Vita scale;
• the patient does not feel pain during the procedure;
• the session takes 40 minutes;
• the enamel is not damaged;
• there is no danger of touching soft tissues (gums, lips, mucous membranes);
• the effect lasts up to 2–3 years.

Operating principle: under the influence of lamp light, oxygen is released from the gel applied to the teeth. It fights bacteria and destroys plaque.

Having experienced teeth whitening with active oxygen once, the patient will return to it in the future, because at a relatively low price the method quickly brings the desired result and has a minimum of side effects.

How does oxygen activation occur?

As noted above, to carry out oxygen bleaching in order to lighten the enamel by many tones at once (5-12), peroxide alone in a high concentration is not enough. A catalyst is needed to break it down and release oxygen atoms. Dentists use various means as such an activator:

• chemical compounds and reagents,
• halogen, LED, ultraviolet, LED lamps and even conventional polymerization lamps (for example, Klox biophotonic technology): many doctors today consider cold lamps to be the best, since they produce so-called cold light with a temperature of about 37 degrees, which practically does not heat the enamel, which makes the procedure quite comfortable and painless,
• laser: acts very carefully, precisely, and at the same time has a disinfecting, anti-inflammatory and even strengthening effect.

What does a teeth whitening lamp look like?

Flaws

Despite many advantages, the procedure is not without several disadvantages:

• in some cases, the whitening process is accompanied by slight pain, irritation and a tingling sensation in the oral mucosa;
• in isolated cases, a slight increase in the sensitivity of the enamel appears, which resolves itself one to two days after the lightening session;
• Depending on the initial state of the enamel, uneven lightening of the crowns of different elements of the dentition may occur.

Indications and contraindications for the procedure

The desire to make a snow-white smile, as well as yellowness, discoloration of teeth and stains on the enamel caused by food and drinks, wearing braces, smoking, some types of hypoplasia and fluorosis (spotted forms) are all reasons to consider oxygen whitening. But for the procedure to be effective and safe, the following contraindications must be excluded:

• age up to 18 years, pregnancy and breastfeeding,
• the presence of multiple restorations (fillings, crowns, dentures) in the smile area,
• untreated caries, pulpitis, periodontitis,
• acute inflammation of the gums and mucous membranes,
• erosions, wedge-shaped defect, severe forms of fluorosis and hypoplasia,
• increased sensitivity, abrasion of enamel, multiple cracks and chips,
• the period of orthodontic treatment, especially when the patient wears fixed systems like braces.

Description of technology

The whitening system using the Amazing White method is preceded by an examination and consultation with a dentist. During the session, the dentist performs a full examination of the patient’s oral cavity.

Based on its results, a decision is made on the need for preliminary procedures. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove tartar, treat existing dental diseases, and seal damaged crowns.

Remember! Artificial crowns are not lightened along with the teeth, so upon completion of the procedure they will stand out against the background of the rest of the row. If you have fillings and crowns, they may need to be replaced after the session.

If there are no contraindications, during the second visit to the dental center, the whitening procedure is carried out directly. It is carried out in several stages:

1. Preparation stage. The mucous membrane of the mouth and lips are covered with an oil solution of vitamin E and tightened with a rubber dam, which makes it possible to reduce the risk of negative effects of the lamp.
2. Whitening stage . A gel containing hydrogen peroxide is applied to the prepared crowns, after which the treatment is performed using an LED lamp. The duration of exposure to cold light on the dentition is 15 minutes. At the end of the specified time, the gel is washed off from the surface of the enamel. The procedure for applying the gel and exposure to the lamp is repeated two more times.
3. Completing the procedure . After completing the third period of exposure to the light lamp, the gel is finally removed from the enamel. The surface of the teeth is treated with a fluoride-containing preparation to saturate it with the necessary nutrients. At the end of the procedure, the dentist will evaluate the result and give recommendations for further dental care to avoid darkening.

The video explains in more detail the preparation process and stages of the procedure.

Methods of oxygen lightening of enamel

As for oxygen teeth whitening, people who want to transform their smile in this way have many different options that differ in cost and, naturally, in results. You can use professional methods, or you can give preference to home approaches.

Expert opinion
Victoria Nikolaevna Kashaeva
Specializations: Dental hygienist, therapist

Experience: 5+

“In essence, oxygen teeth whitening is not a separate or unique technique. It would be more correct to say that this is a general concept. Today, in almost all cases, products containing hydrogen or urea peroxide, which break down into oxygen atoms, are used to lighten enamel. The only difference is the concentration of the active substance, the composition of other components (the gel may contain fluorine, potassium, etc.), as well as the method of activating the peroxide.”

Professional ways

The largest group of methods based on the separation of oxygen atoms from peroxide is photobleaching. The catalysts here are lamps. And the most popular, safe and effective techniques include: ZOOM, Amazing White, Luma-Arch, Beyond Polus.

Laser whitening, when the gel applied to the enamel is activated by a laser beam, is deservedly in demand today. This technique is one of the safest, painless, allows you to work with complex defects and even improve the appearance of “tetracycline” teeth. True, the cost of procedures involving a laser is quite high, starting from 20 thousand rubles.

What does a laser whitening procedure look like?

Let's consider the most budget-friendly methods among professional ones. For example, chemical oxygen teeth whitening using the American Opalescence method. It is also carried out under the supervision of a doctor (but there are a variety of remedies for home use) and only after careful preparation. However, you shouldn’t expect too much effect here, a maximum of 4-6 tones. It is also important to understand that chemical methods, due to the emergence of safer and more comfortable ones, are gradually fading into the background, so dentists offer them less often.

Another fairly budget option is the so-called cosmetic lightening. Popular technology – Magic White. The peroxide gel is activated by an LED lamp. And the creator of the method assures that not only dentists, but also cosmetologists can carry out the procedures, which saves the patient’s time and money. Agreeing to this, you need to understand that cosmetologists cannot always competently assess the condition of the oral cavity of the person who contacts them, as well as exclude contraindications. In addition, cosmetologists will not be able to carry out preparations, for example, professional hygiene in order to remove bacterial plaque, which will be an obstacle to ideal whiteness.

There is also biophotonic technology "Klox". The creators of the method report that to carry out the procedures and activate hydrogen peroxide, all you need is a polymerization lamp, which is available in any dental office.

In cases where a patient goes to the dentist with discolored, pulpless (without nerve) teeth, the doctor can also offer intracanal (endodontic) whitening based on the action of peroxide and atomic oxygen.

Home methods and remedies

Again, professional products can be used for this purpose. Many well-known brands, for example, Zoom, Amazing White, Opalescence, produce products for home use, but emphasize that this requires preparation of the oral cavity and supervision by a dentist. At a minimum, a doctor should select and prescribe medications. Usually a special gel is included, which is applied to the enamel and kept according to the instructions. For the best effect, it is recommended to use the gel with the mouth guards included in the kit or purchased separately at the dentist.

Complete kit for whitening at home

Another option is stripes and pencils. For example, Crest strips, available in a wide range, are very popular, effective and relatively safe.

In addition, many people today choose a product such as toothpaste. True, you should be very careful here. If you want to carry out oxygen bleaching, then not all bleaching pastes are suitable for this. Most of them are based on mechanical action, when plaque is removed using abrasives included in the composition (for example, charcoal and bamboo charcoal). And you need to look for exactly those that contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide. For example, ROCS[1] Pro Oxywhite (“Oxygen bleaching”).

But those who like to experiment with folk recipes try to lighten the enamel using pharmaceutical peroxide 3%. In fact, upon contact with air, oxygen is also released from it, but saliva very quickly neutralizes its effect. Due to the low concentration of the product and its rapid neutralization, the effect of such lightening will be minimal. You can read more about this in the feature article on the website.

LED lamp

A special LED lamp used for teeth whitening emits cold light with a wavelength of 430-490 nm.

The key advantage of the lamp compared to devices used in other whitening methods is its inability to overheat and dry out the hard and soft tissues of the dental surface and oral cavity.

The LED lamp consists of the following elements: base, stand, power supply, control panel, safety glasses. A power of about 30 W allows you to effectively carry out the in-office whitening procedure.

Use of Lincomycin in dentistry, its action and contraindications. Click here if you are interested in the dangers of the edematous form of hypertrophic gingivitis.

Follow this link https://dr-zubov.ru/lechenie/bolezni-polosti-rta/effektivnye-sredstva-i-recepty-yazvy.html useful information about the treatment of oral ulcers.

Pros and cons of professional oxygen bleaching

If we are talking about professional products that are used under the supervision of a dentist, then the advantages are as follows:

• This is a choice of completely different methods,
• this is an achievement of high results - you can achieve enamel whitening by 10-12 shades (depending on its initial condition, color and the patient’s desire),
• it is safe for teeth and gums, taking into account contraindications and individual characteristics of the patient. Experienced doctors will not carry out the procedure without careful preparation, sanitation of the oral cavity, strengthening of enamel, without protective equipment (for example, liquid rubber dam for gums),
• it's fast: the effect is achieved in just 1 visit to the clinic.

The disadvantages include the relatively high cost of such procedures. You also need to be prepared for the fact that many patients’ teeth become very sensitive for some time after lightening. To make this go away faster and to minimize discomfort, you will need to strengthen the enamel with special pastes and avoid hot and irritating foods.

The disadvantages include the fact that in order to maintain a long-term effect, the patient will have to follow a “white” diet after the procedure, stop smoking and drinking red wine, and do not skip daily teeth brushing and professional hygiene. But again, all these rules are mandatory after any whitening method, even if we are talking about home remedies.

Saving the result

In order for your teeth to be snow-white for a long time, you must first follow a clear diet and take more careful care of them. Specialized pastes and rinses from the Asepta series will help you with the latter.

Sources:

1. Report on determining/confirming the preventive properties of toothpaste “ASEPTA PLUS” GENTLE WHITENING” Author: doctor-researcher A.A. Leontyev, head Department of Preventive Dentistry, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor S.B. Ulitovsky First St. Petersburg State Medical University named after. acad. I.P. Pavlova, Department of Preventive Dentistry
2. Clinical studies of antisensitive toothpaste “Asepta Sensitive” (A.A. Leontyev, O.V. Kalinina, S.B. Ulitovsky) A.A. LEONTIEV, dentist O.V. KALININA, dentist S.B. ULITOVSKY, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Prof. Department of Therapeutic Dentistry, St. Petersburg State Medical University named after. acad. I.P. Pavlova
3. The role of anti-inflammatory rinse in the treatment of periodontal diseases (L.Yu. Orekhova, A.A. Leontyev, S.B. Ulitovsky) L.Yu. OREKHOVA, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Prof., Head of Department; A.A. LEONTIEV, dentist; S.B. ULITOVSKY, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Prof. Department of Therapeutic Dentistry of St. Petersburg State Medical University named after. acad. I. P. Pavlova
4. Report on determining/confirming the preventive properties of commercially produced personal oral hygiene products: Asepta toothpaste used in combination with Asepta mouthwash and Asepta gum balm Head. Department of PFS Doctor of Medical Sciences Professor S.B. Ulitovsky St. Petersburg State Medical University named after Academician I.P. Pavlova. Faculty of Dentistry. Department of Preventive Dentistry.

Pros and cons of home remedies

If you use strips, pencils, paste, or just a regular bottle of peroxide from the pharmacy, which are used for oxygen bleaching, then the most obvious advantage here is budget savings. Also, if your oral cavity is in good enough condition, you regularly visit the dentist, and your approach is reasonable (if you do not carry out procedures frequently and follow the instructions), the likelihood of harming the enamel using such means is minimal. Thus, it is lower than with the unlimited use of abrasives with soda, coal, and lemon.

This is what teeth whitening strips look like

Another plus is that with strips and pencils, for example, you can also quite successfully lighten the enamel by 3-5 tones, which is more than enough for many people. The resulting color will definitely not be unnatural, too white.

As for the disadvantages, the following points must be taken into account:

• without prior consultation and examination by a dentist, you may overlook contraindications that are important to exclude for safe and effective whitening procedures,
• Not everyone needs to lighten the enamel by 3-5 tones. Some people want more, and only professional technologies can achieve this,
• there is a risk of injuring the enamel and gums.

Pastes

Have you decided to use a homemade oxygen whitening paste? Buy:

• Rembrandt+;
• Splat extreme;
• ROCS.

The first allows you to make the enamel lighter by 5 tones. The second gives approximately the same effect, preventing demineralization of teeth. The plaque will be removed completely after a few uses.

Important. If you have opted for lightening pastes, do not overuse them: this leads to demineralization of the enamel. Four times a week is enough to gradually whiten crowns without harming them.

ROCS paste is approved by dentists for its high effectiveness and safety.

Price

The Amazing White express whitening system is used in many dental clinics. Its cost depends on the level of popularity of the service center and the whitening option itself.

There are classic and professional teeth whitening using Amazing White technology.

The classic procedure is carried out using a gel based on 16% hydrogen peroxide. The resulting result will differ from the initial state of the enamel by 4-5 tones. The cost of this method of lightening starts from 4,500 rubles.

Express whitening using the Amazing White system involves changing the shade of teeth by 6-10 tones. During it, a gel with 24% peroxide is used. The price for the procedure starts from 6,000 rubles.