Teeth Whitening

[DrMull04]

I've tried Crest White Strips in the past, and wasn't really impressed. I don't know if that's because I wasn't really consistent or what? Anyways, anyone else know of some cheap ways to whiten teeth?

[bulkologist]

mix baking soda with water

[infiniti1982]

i used crest white strips a few years back for about 10 of the 14 days, didn't notice jack, and then 6 mos. later my teeth somehow became brilliantly white.

don't ask...

[Karde]

go on ebay and get some syringes of carbamide peroxide. it's what you can get at the dentist to whiten your teeth. Tastes like shit, but it really really works.

[lxorl]

if you search on ebay you can get good deals.... i got a huge vial of the stuff of the stuff , 22% peroxide. Thats about as strong as you can get. I probalby wont have to buy more for a long time. my wife and i have both used it a few times and still have a lot left over.

Originally Posted by Karde

go on ebay and get some syringes of carbamide peroxide. it's what you can get at the dentist to whiten your teeth. Tastes like shit, but it really really works.

[beefcake]

They have teeth whitening kits at universalkits.com

[BBAddict]

...and if you use those too much, I can get you a number for a dentist to get you dentures!

[DrMull04]

When I went on Ebay and noticed that they come with trays. Will the trays fit my teeth or do I need to get a customized tray from my dentist? I would imagine that costing a good amount of $$. Anyways, what percentage should I get 35% or 22%? Thanks, if anyone sees any good deals please post a link to the auction page.

[SonofBone]

Originally Posted by BBAddict

...and if you use those too much, I can get you a number for a dentist to get you dentures!

Why is that? Does it basically eat/thin the enamel off of your teeth while whitening the dentin?

[beefcake]

Originally Posted by SonofBone

Why is that? Does it basically eat/thin the enamel off of your teeth while whitening the dentin?

Pretty much. Wears the enamel away. That's why many I know who have done it experience more sensitivity whenever they eat cold foods or liquids.

[BBAddict]

Yeah, all of those treatments wear away tooth material to some extent. It generally creates holes (porosity) in the enamel, which then would theoretically provide a starting point for cavities. The teeth are generally more sensitive because there is less of a shield from the dentin, which is the softer interior of the teeth. Demineralizing the enamel and any removal of that protective layer is not worth it in my opinion. We have actually run tests at the company I work for proving that the enamel loses about 25% of its hardness after a in-home whitening treatment.

My plan is to be such a freak that nobody even thinks of looking at my teeth!

[Karde]

you don't need customized trays, the ones on ebay are basically mouth guards that you mould to your teeth.

I experience sensitvity a day or so after I whiten, but no more than that really. This is the same stuff i got at my dentist when I had it profgessionally done. The dentist told me that there is no danger to the enamel, and info i find on the net seems to support his statements. You can get gum irritation if you leave it on the soft tissue though. I would like to read your study. Here is the ADA's position on the matter.

http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/po...ts/whiten2.asp

[BBAddict]

Originally Posted by Karde

http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/po...ts/whiten2.asp

I know that's the general position of professional dentists, but dental research scientists (I have seen and read presentations at the AADR and IADR conferences) have proven through many studies that ALL of the whitening products damage the enamel through demineralization.

99% of dentists do not, unfortunately, really understand the materials science that is behind the mechanics of teeth. That is the reason they do not understand the danger in recommending this. I can provide references if you want to read about it.

[fog_hat1981]

Originally Posted by BBAddict

I know that's the general position of professional dentists, but dental research scientists (I have seen and read presentations at the AADR and IADR conferences) have proven through many studies that ALL of the whitening products damage the enamel through demineralization.

99% of dentists do not, unfortunately, really understand the materials science that is behind the mechanics of teeth. That is the reason they do not understand the danger in recommending this. I can provide references if you want to read about it.

Post the references bro - I would love to learn more...

[SonofBone]

Okay...so that goes for chemical whitening, but what about the laser whitening? I guess there is a chemical on your teeth when the use the light isn't there. Since it isn't on as long, could it be safer? I know that route is expensive as hell.

[Karde]

Originally Posted by BBAddict

I know that's the general position of professional dentists, but dental research scientists (I have seen and read presentations at the AADR and IADR conferences) have proven through many studies that ALL of the whitening products damage the enamel through demineralization.

99% of dentists do not, unfortunately, really understand the materials science that is behind the mechanics of teeth. That is the reason they do not understand the danger in recommending this. I can provide references if you want to read about it.

I always like to learn more. This is something i do once in a while, and i would like to see any recent research on the subject.

[BBAddict]

Here's two results from research. The results are rather varied because of poor experimental techniques that are common among dentists. Incorrect measurement techniques are also employed for some measurements. They are using tools that measure the mechanical properties many microns into the teeth where the biggest damage is surface damage, which many techniques are insensitive to. Nanoindentation (the second study) is the most surface sensitive technique and provides the most reliable measurement of the changes imposed by the whitening process.
Basically, the whitening process is an oxidation that creates pores or enlarges existing pores in the enamel surface. This creates "homes" for bacteria that further weaken the enamel. The greatest damage occurs in unknown cavities, which provide access to the dentin. Any stinging sensation during the treatment may be indicative that the cleaning agent is reaching the dentin. This damage is irreversible and is greatly weaking the interior of the teeth.

In vitro action of various carbamide peroxide gel bleaching agents on the microhardness of human enamel.
Pinheiro Junior EC, Fidel RA, da Cruz Filho AM, Silva RG, Pecora JD.
Disciplina de Endodontia, Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

The authors verified a decrease in human enamel microhardness after application of the following carbamide peroxide gel bleaching agents for 8 hours daily for 1 week: 10% Nite White, 16% Nite White, Opalescence, Karisma Alpha and Perfect Smile. Statistical analysis showed that these agents caused a decrease in enamel microhardness. Nite White (16%) was the most effective in reducing enamel microhardness and Opalescente the least effective. Nite White (10%), Karisma Alpha and Perfect Smile fell into a statistically intermediate position.


NANOINDENTATION STUDY OF BLEACHING EFFECTS ON TEETH
B.R Hairul Nizam1, C.T.Lim2,3,4 *, H.K. Chng5, A.U.J. Yap5
Effect of 30% hydogen peroxide (bleaching agent)
1) Significant decrease in hardness (29%-50%) and Young’s modulus (20%-43%) for intertubular dentin.
2) Significant decrease in hardness (14%-28%) and Young’s modulus (18%-32%) for ename.l
References:
1. B.R. Hairul Nizam, C. T. Lim, H. K. Chng and A. U. J. Yap. Nanoindentation study of human premolar subjected to bleaching agent. Journal of Biomechanics, 2004. (in press)
2. Chng, H K, H N Ramli, A U J Yap and C T Lim, Effect of hydrogen peroxide on intertubular dentine. Journal of Dentistry, 2004. (in press)


I'll live with my natural colored teeth--I don't need Hollywood white!!

[DrMull04]

Has anyone used these kits? http://www.universalkits.com/Cosmetics.htm? It's 22% concentrate will that be strong enough? The price is unbeatable!

[Alin]

anyone ever try the laser whitening offered by dentists?

[Zulu 007]

You may start by brushing your teeth, it's really the most conventional method and it works too.

[GearTripper]

i heard the laser whitening causes small fractures in the teeth. not sure if that's true or not though.

[FitnessPower]

Who cares about fractures? White teeth are the ultimate way to make your muscles look even bigger than they are without deception, as Dorian Yates said, and I'm sure he knows!