It has come to the end of the 14 day in-house whitening experiment the results have been mixed. I have noticed a significant difference with the two participants that used the hydrogen peroxide, while the other two not as a significant difference.
SDI Polalunimate
You can see from the images, there has been a change in the tooth colour. The participant has gone down a shade for when they first began treatment. Although the product did create sensitivity, the participant constantly used the Ivoclar Vivadent Fluor gel and was able to continue the experiment. The participant will continue using the whitening pen once a week to maintain her results.
Participant 1
OralB Whitestrips
There has also been a difference with the use of the whitestrips. This participant is a smoker and you can see from the first photo she has whitened her teeth by a shade. The whitestrips are easy to use, and she highly recommends this product. She will be using this product again.
Participant 2
Carbon Coco
The participant has notice the removal of the surface stains from her teeth. Although it was abrasive and made her gums bleed, she recommends using the Ivoclar Vivadent Cervitec gel twice a day if you experience sore gums. This product didn’t whiten the teeth as promised, but does clean well.
Participant 3
Bi-Carb Soda
This participant noticed a small difference to her teeth. It has removed some of the surface stains of her teeth, but wont be doing this treatment again.
Participant 4
To further cement my findings, I decided to get professional advised from a dentist Dr Stephen Vouliotis, who is situated in Clifton Hill Melbourne. Dr Vouliotis likened the structure of enamel to spaghetti strands and for any bleaching product to penetrate within those strands requires some form of peroxide. The peroxide requires 5 to 10 mins to penetrate into the enamel then the bleaching process begins. In order to gain results, you will need sufficient concentration of peroxide for a specified time. The longer you leave the product the more the teeth with whiten. Most companies will have either 6% hydrogen peroxide or 18% carbamide peroxide, which is the most effective in-house whitening you can do without getting if done by a dentist.
Dr Vouliotis also states products containing natural ingredients like charcoal or Bi-Carb, only removes superficial loose plaque and tooth stains that have accumulated on the surface of the enamel. Due to the abrasive nature of the products they only reveal the current shade of the tooth bellow and it doesn’t alter the colour in any form. Dr Vouliotis recommends if you are prone to sensitivity when doing any whitening products to consult your dentist. They will advise you on the right pre-treatments for you before beginning any bleaching product.
I have presented a few options for in-house whitening treatments. Whichever method you choose I advise that you research the product. I also advise that you prepare your teeth beforehand with a fluoride treatment and follow the instructions and precautions that have been set out by each company. As Dr Vouliotis advised please see your dentist before any treatment or if you’re unsure the product chosen is for you.
Feature Image supplied By John Tsatalios at Dreamingtree photography facebook.com/dreamingtree.oz
Dr Stephen Vouliotis – 264 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North Victoria 03-94891891