Philly’s Top Cosmetic Dentists Share Their Teeth-Whitening Tips (2024)

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What’s it take to get a movie-star smile? We asked Philly’s top cosmetic dentists to spill the tea on tooth whitening.

By Caroline Cunningham·

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Philly’s Top Cosmetic Dentists Share Their Teeth-Whitening Tips (1)

We asked Philly’s top cosmetic dentists our teeth-whitening questions. / Photograph by Anna Shvets

The worldwide teeth-whitening market is expected to reach more than $10 billion by 2030. And it’s no wonder: A brighter smile can boost your confidence and make you look younger. In the U.S., one in every five adults has had professional tooth whitening — and that’s not even accounting for all the folks using off-the-shelf products.

There are two primary types of tooth stains: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are surface-level stains that form on the enamel of the tooth, the result of drinking acidic and dark-colored beverages and other lifestyle habits. Intrinsic stains, however, are within the tooth, and can be a result of injury, antibiotic use or fluoride overuse, or even just genetics. Plus, as we age, our enamel naturally thins, and the insides of our teeth darken, leading to a yellowed smile. When we talk about teeth whitening, that most often means using chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to bleach the extrinsic stains.

Ready to get a 100-watt smile of your own? We polled this year’s top cosmetic dentists and asked them all our burning tooth-whitening questions — including what to do when your gums start burning from a whitening product. Here’s what they had to say.

What’s causing my teeth to stain in the first place?

When it comes to the worst culprits dulling your smile, dentists are pretty unanimous: Coffee, red wine, tea and smoking all have a big impact on your teeth. “Foods and drinks high in acidity cause a softening of the tooth surface, making it easier to pick up stains,” explains Jenkintown dentist Andrew Cohen. Can’t quit your latte habit? Try to consume your beverage within a half-hour, and sip some water before and after, suggests Center City prosthodontist Eva Anadioti. That way, you’re not leaving acidic substances on your teeth for long periods of time throughout the day, worsening the effects. As for smoking, try to brush immediately after, to “reduce the time that nicotine and tar from smoking sit on your teeth and gums,” suggests South Jersey dentist Khurrum Sheikh. And be sure to prep properly if you’re going to invest in tooth whitening. A good rule of thumb? If it can stain a white t-shirt, don’t ingest it for two hours before or after each whitening session, says Erdenheim dentist Jill Moniz.

Philly’s Top Cosmetic Dentists Share Their Teeth-Whitening Tips (2)

Ouch! What can I do about tooth sensitivity?

Ah, that uncomfortable, cringe-inducing twinge that comes with rounds of whitening. To handle the discomfort, dentists recommend using sensitivity-reducing toothpastes, like Sensodyne, starting two weeks before you begin treatment and continuing for two weeks after. Swishing with a fluoride mouth-rinse before and after each whitening session can also help. Still feeling the sting? Try trading daily whitening treatments for an every-other-day routine, to give your teeth time to adjust.

Just how white can my teeth go?

“One of the most common misconceptions about teeth whitening is that everyone’s teeth can get super-white, which is not the case,” explains Center City dentist Leily Razavi. While whitening treatments can certainly help brighten your teeth, everyone’s base tooth color is different, which may limit just how bright yours get. “It’s not an exact science; many factors play a part in your ability to whiten your teeth,” says Center City dentist Rande Kaminsky. “The base color of the actual teeth plays a big part in who gets the better result.”

Another thing to consider? Any restoration work — fillers, crowns, veneers — won’t brighten like your natural teeth, which could lead to a patchy-looking smile.

Philly’s Top Cosmetic Dentists Share Their Teeth-Whitening Tips (3)

Photograph by Karolina Grabowska

Are at-home whitening strips worth a shot?

As an inexpensive experiment, to see if they help you reach your whitening goals? Sure, go for it — especially if you’re younger (think: 25 and under), with stains that might take less coaxing to lift. “Younger individuals can benefit from over-the-counter whitening products, especially since they’re much less costly,” says Kaminsky. “Older adults will gain much less from those types of products.”

For faster, more surefire results? Dentists are big fans of sending clients home with custom-made trays. For one thing, they’re designed to fit your teeth, so you know you’re getting a more even distribution of whitening gel. “White strips do a decent job on the biting edges of teeth but give poor results at the gumline. It’s easy as a dentist to tell when a patient is a white-strips user,” says Chalfont dentist Brian Wilk. Another consideration: The professional stuff tends to have a higher concentration of whitening agents, which can help speed up the process.

Oops! I got whitening gel on my gums, and now they’re burning.

Don’t panic! Remove the gel with a cotton swab, and rinse with warm salt water. If you’re still in pain, Center City dentist Alan Atlas suggests a pain reliever like Orajel. While your gums may be pale and sensitive, they should return to normal in a few days. (But don’t hesitate to contact your dentist if they don’t.)

My teeth are freshly whitened. How long will it last?

While it’s largely going to depend on lifestyle factors — will you be guzzling black coffee all day and red wine all night? — professional whitening can last anywhere from a couple of months to a year. Like many other cosmetic treatments, teeth whitening isn’t a one-and-done service. Regular touch-ups once or twice a month with at-home products — like your dentist-made custom trays — can help keep your smile bright.

What actually works?

There are a million different whitening products on the market, from toothpastes to rinses to gum (yes, gum). But does any of it really work? Here’s what the dentists say.

Do whitening toothpastes* actually work?

Yes, very well ……. 0%
Yes, somewhat ……. 94%
No, not at all ……. 6%
*When it comes to brands of whitening toothpastes, Colgate Optic White was a top pick among dentists, with Crest 3D White a close second.

Does whitening mouthwash* actually work?
Yes, very well ……. 6%
Yes, somewhat ……. 50%
No, not at all ……. 44%
*While the majority of dentists didn’t have a preferred brand, since they don’t typically recommend whitening mouthwashes to patients, Colgate Optic White was the most popular option, followed by Crest and Listerine.

Does whitening gum actually work?
Yes, very well ……. 0%
Yes, somewhat ……. 25%
No, not at all ……. 75%

Published as “Shine On” in the March 2024 issue of Philadelphia magazine.

Philly’s Top Cosmetic Dentists Share Their Teeth-Whitening Tips (2024)

FAQs

What is the most effective teeth whitening method? ›

laser teeth whitening is the safest, quickest, and most effective option among the types of teeth-whitening treatments available. However, there are ultimately several ways to whiten teeth, and the most suitable option will depend on your timeline, budget, and priorities, as well as the nature of the discoloration.

Can 70 year old teeth be whitened? ›

Teeth whitening treatments are for everyone – there's no age limit to having any kind of cosmetic dental treatments, so it doesn't matter if you're 26 or 62 or older, if you want whiter teeth, your age is not going to prevent it from happening.

What is the best product to whiten teeth at home? ›

Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects

Crest 3D Whitestrips were a unanimous favorite among our experts. They're easy to use and effective for at-home whitening, mostly due to the amount of time they stay in contact with teeth, Lowenberg says.

What do dentists put on your teeth to whiten them? ›

Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues. Temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation are the most common adverse effects of vital tooth whitening.

What whitens teeth really fast? ›

Zoom in office whitening

Zoom-in-office whitening is the best teeth whitening system out there. It is fast (takes about an hour) and you get great results. This is the one you have probably seen before where the patients are under that blue light and it turns your teeth up to four shades of whiter.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

2. Can yellow teeth be bleached? Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.

What is the best teeth whitening method for seniors? ›

Bleaching Trays

Compared to commercial products, whitening trays from your dentist are stronger and much safer for seniors in particular. As you age, your gums and teeth can become more sensitive. Your dentist can first evaluate your oral health to determine if you are eligible to receive teeth whitening.

How can I whiten my 80 year olds teeth? ›

If you want to whiten aging yellow teeth, you should make an appointment and head to your dentist's office. This option is a bit more expensive than purchasing tubes of toothpaste and packages of whitening trays from the store, but it is safer and more effective overall.

Does a banana peel whiten teeth? ›

Banana peels don't do anything to whiten your teeth. Many articles recommend rubbing the peel against your teeth for a few minutes. While this could scrub off some surface stains, it's no more effective than brushing your teeth. Banana peels have no special whitening properties.

How do I whiten my teeth ASAP? ›

Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
  1. Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
  2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
  4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Apply Coconut Oil. ...
  6. Brush Your Tongue. ...
  7. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.

How do celebrities get their teeth so white? ›

If you see celebrities with perfectly white, straight, and uniform-looking teeth, they likely have veneers. Unlike teeth whitening, veneers are more permanent. There are various types of materials used, but porcelain and composite are the most common types.

What is the longest lasting teeth whitening? ›

White strips are the most effective over-the-counter whitening treatment you can use without a dentist's supervision. At-home gel trays that are customized to fit your mouth by your dentist and chairside whitening provide the longest-lasting whitening.

What is the cheapest way to whiten your teeth? ›

Over-the-counter options, like whitening toothpastes, strips, and kits, tend to be the cheapest options. If you feel self-conscious about the brightness of your smile, you are far from alone.

Does gargling coconut oil whiten teeth? ›

Some claim coconut oil offers benefits like healthier gums, plaque removal, and even whiter teeth. But before you make oil pulling part of your morning routine, it's important to ask, “Does coconut oil really whiten teeth?” It turns out that oil probably won't offer you significant oral benefits.

What is the most effective teeth whitening treatment? ›

The Crest Whitening Emulsion with LED Light stands out as the best overall teeth whitening product due to its ease of use, effectiveness, and comfort. Its simple, straightforward process, coupled with the ability to carry on with normal activities during treatment, makes it highly convenient and user-friendly.

What whitens your teeth the most? ›

6 Natural Ways To Whiten Your Teeth
  • First things first, brush your teeth regularly: ...
  • Oil pulling: ...
  • Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste: ...
  • Rub banana, orange, or lemon peels: ...
  • Take a diet rich in fruits and vegetables: ...
  • Go to the dentist:

What is the least damaging way to whiten your teeth? ›

Baking Soda: As long as you are careful to brush gently, baking soda can eliminate stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging them. Whitening Strips: Whitening strips mold to the shape of your teeth to whiten them. Whitening strips are both safe and effective.

What is the best way to permanently whiten teeth? ›

While teeth whitening is the most popular treatment in the field of cosmetic dentistry, it may not be the best option for everyone. Luckily, permanent, whiter teeth can be achieved by receiving porcelain veneers in Scotts Valley.

Which teeth whitening method lasts the longest? ›

Professional Teeth Whitening. We've learned that at-home treatments may not last as long as we want them to and results may take more effort and time. So, if you want instant pearly whites that will last longer and with minimal effort, professional teeth whitening is the way to go!

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