Why Teeth Whitening is the Latest Trend

It is estimated that around one third of American adults are unhappy with their smile. The leading reason is either crooked teeth or stained or discolored teeth, with yellow teeth being the most common reason for dissatisfaction. Yellowing teeth can cause a smile to lose its charm and confidence to drop. That said, there are a variety of treatment solutions that can help whiten teeth and restore the original color of your teeth. Let’s go through some of the latest trends in teeth whitening treatments for a brighter smile.

Introduction to Teeth Whitening

Social media, with its vast reach and impact, plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of dental aesthetics. Teeth whitening is a popular way to help you brighten your smile. Many people choose this easy and quick treatment to clear away stains from things like coffee, tea, smoking, or just getting older. It's a great boost for your confidence, helping you make a great impression in both social and work settings. You can get your teeth whitened professionally or use at-home teeth kits, both aiming to get rid of staining and yellowing of teeth, giving you that sparkling, bright smile.

Common Causes of Yellow Teeth

There are several reasons why teeth might turn yellow or become discolored. Some factors are natural, while others are related to lifestyle choices:

• Aging: As you get older, keeping your teeth white becomes more challenging. The outer enamel layer of your teeth wears away over time, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath.
• Diet: Certain foods and drinks, like coffee, tea, and red wine, contain tannins that can yellow your teeth. Also, acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits may stain your teeth as they erode the enamel.
• Smoking: Nicotine is a major culprit in turning teeth yellow or brown. It clings to the surface of your teeth and is tough to scrub off with just a toothbrush.
• Medications: Some medications lead to tooth discoloration. For instance, antibiotics like doxycycline and tetracycline can stain teeth. Over-the-counter antihistamines, like Benadryl, and certain mouthwashes, especially those with chlorhexidine, can also cause staining. Keep an eye out for these ingredients when shopping.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Plaque buildup on teeth can harden into tartar, a yellow deposit full of bacteria and minerals. Tartar typically forms along the gum line and requires professional cleaning to remove.

Teeth Whitening Treatment Options

There’s actually plenty of teeth whitening treatment options available in the market, from professional in-office teeth whitening, to at-home teeth whitening kits, to over-the-counter products and also DIY teeth whitening methods. The latest trends have been promoting at-home teeth whitening kits and DIY teeth whitening methods as the most convenient and effective way to get rid of stained yellow teeth. However, the treatment choice always depends on the person’s needs and preferences. Let’s go ahead and talk about some of these treatments.

1. Professional In-Office Whitening

Professional in-office teeth whitening is the quickest and most efficient method for brightening your teeth, performed directly by a dentist. During a visit to the dentist's office, you will undergo a procedure where a highly concentrated whitening gel is applied to your teeth. This gel is much stronger than any product available for home use, making it capable of lifting deep stains and discoloration in a short amount of time.

To enhance the effectiveness of the gel, dentists often use a special light or laser. This technology activates the whitening agents within the gel, accelerating the bleaching process. The entire procedure typically lasts about an hour. In just one session, it's possible to see significant whitening results, with teeth appearing multiple shades lighter. This option is ideal for those looking for immediate results, such as before a big event or if you prefer not to deal with the hassle of repeated applications at home.

2. At-Home Whitening Kits

For those who prefer gradually whitening their teeth in the comfort of their own home, at-home whitening kits are an excellent choice. These kits include custom-made trays tailored to fit the unique contours of your mouth. This personalized fit ensures that the whitening gel covers all areas of your teeth evenly, reducing the risk of missed spots and uneven whitening.

The teeth whitening gel used in at-home kits is milder than the gel used in professional treatments, which means it's safer for long-term use without supervision. You'll fill the trays with gel and wear them for a specified period each day, often around one to two hours. This routine is usually recommended for a few weeks, depending on the degree of whitening desired and the recommendations of your dentist.

Using these trays daily allows for gradual and controlled teeth whitening, making it a more manageable approach for those with sensitive teeth or who may not need drastic whitening. Additionally, it provides the flexibility to maintain your normal daily activities without having to schedule appointments, making it a convenient option for busy individuals.

Now let’s compare both of the these options and see how they stand against each other:

Aspect	In-Office Whitening	At-Home Whitening Kits
Effectiveness	Immediate, but intense treatment.	Gradually effective, with gentle treatment.
Speed	Fast results in one session	Progress over time, allowing for natural improvement.
Cost	Higher due to professional fees	More budget-friendly.
Convenience	Requires scheduling and dental visits.	Convenient, flexible scheduling at home.
Safety	High, with professional oversight	Very safe with proper use, less intense chemicals.
Comfort	Possible discomfort from strong chemicals.	Gentle on teeth, less risk of sensitivity.
Maintenance	Follow-up treatments may be needed.	Easy to maintain and control treatment frequency.

3. DIY Teeth Whitening: Natural Remedies for Teeth Whitening

Many influencers claim their secret to whiter teeth can be done at home using common products. However, many of these products can cause harm to your teeth.

CHARCOAL PRODUCTS

One of the most popular trends for achieving whiter teeth features charcoal toothpaste, with numerous creators and influencers saying it’s the reason for their sparkling smile. Charcoal has been shown to be less effective than traditional whitening agents and toothpastes, despite its widespread use. Charcoal also presents a risk to your dental health. Because charcoal is naturally abrasive, it can progressively erode your teeth's enamel, increasing sensitivity and increasing the chance of decay.

BAKING SODA AND LEMON JUICE

Creators are also sharing a supposed teeth-whitening hack that involves mixing baking soda with lemon juice, but this trend also comes with risk.

This practice's use of baking soda isn't problematic. The Journal of the American Dental Association has determined that using baking soda for teeth whitening to remove stains from your teeth is a safe and economical option due to its mild abrasiveness. The usage of lemon juice in this teeth-whitening craze raises the possibility of danger. The enamel hardness may diminish as a result of lemons' acidic content. As a result, erosion may erode teeth's strength and increase their chances of cavities, sensitivity, and even tooth loss.

SPICES/ OILS:

Most influencers these days have been promoting coconut oil, turmeric for teeth whitening. They claim that oil pulling can whiten your teeth or using turmeric for teeth whitening are the best solutions for removing stains from your teeth. However, swishing them around your mouth or trying them out for whitening purposes, has yielded no reliable scientific evidence. While it may work for very few people with already healthy teeth, they may not work for people with yellow or stained teeth like magic.

4. Over-the-counter products for Teeth Whitening

Whitening Toothpastes and Mouthwashes:

• Toothpastes: Teeth Whitening toothpastes typically contain mild abrasives and chemical agents that polish the teeth and help break down stains. These toothpastes can remove surface stains and provide a modest whitening effect with regular use. They are ideal for daily maintenance after undergoing more intensive whitening treatments.
• Mouthwashes: Whitening mouthwashes contain hydrogen peroxide or other bleaching agents that help lighten tooth color. They are used in conjunction with brushing, often as a supplementary treatment. While not as potent as other methods, they can contribute to overall oral hygiene and the gradual whitening of teeth over time.

Whitening Strips and Gels:

• Strips: These are thin, flexible plastic strips coated with a whitening gel that contains a peroxide-based bleaching agent. The strips are applied directly to the front surfaces of the teeth and left in place for a specified period, usually about 30 minutes. Consistent use according to package directions can lead to noticeable whitening in a few weeks.
• Gels: Similar to the gels used in dentist-provided home kits, over-the-counter gels are applied to the teeth using a small brush or a similar applicator. These gels are typically used twice a day for around two weeks, and the results can vary depending on the concentration of the bleaching agent and the duration of use.

Choosing The Best Teeth Whitening Treatment

Unfortunately, teeth whitening treatment does not last forever. At most, in-office bleaching can last just up to 1 year.However, the time frame depends heavily on your dietary intake and/or oral routine. The effects of teeth whitening will be compromised if staining agents are present. You can maximize the impact and further its lifespan by avoiding food that can stain your teeth and also by quitting smoking.

The best way to go about it would be having a regular dental care regime. At-home teeth whitening treatments combined with a great oral care routine can give you the best results while also not making your teeth sensitive. If you’re looking for teeth whitening after braces or teeth whitening after clear aligner treatment then we recommend using ALIGNERCO’s at-home teeth whitening kit. If you’ve already had in-office teeth whitening done and are wondering how to maintain teeth whitening results then you can order our teeth whitening kit which includes:

• Includes: 2ml Teeth Whitening Pens (3 Count) and LED Accelerator Light
• Features: Provides professional results by removing tea and coffee stains and requires a quick application of only 20-25 minutes.
• Cost: $34.99 currently on sale.

Final Thoughts on Teeth Whitening Trends

Teeth whitening continues to be a highly sought-after cosmetic treatment, reflecting a growing consumer interest in achieving and maintaining a bright, white smile. The availability of a wide range of solutions and technological advancements have made teeth whitening more accessible and economical than ever. There are many choices available to suit a wide range of needs and preferences, from over-the-counter kits and natural cures to professional dental operations.