The teeth whitening market is flooded with products promising 'instant white teeth.' Most are ineffective. Some are actively harmful. Here's the science.
Why Teeth Yellow
Two types of staining:
- Extrinsic: surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, smoking, curries. Respond well to whitening.
- Intrinsic: internal staining from antibiotics (tetracycline), fluorosis, age, dental trauma. Respond less to whitening — may need veneers.
The Whitening Hierarchy
Whitening Toothpastes (least effective)
Use micro-abrasives to scrub off surface stains. Cannot whiten beyond natural shade. Maximum improvement: less than 1 shade.
OTC Whitening Strips
Low-concentration peroxide (5-10%) gels on a strip. Inconsistent contact with teeth = uneven results. Maximum: 1-2 shades over 2-4 weeks. Often cause gum irritation.
Take-Home Custom Trays (dentist-supervised)
Custom-fitted trays + professional-grade carbamide peroxide (15-22%). Gradual whitening over 2-3 weeks. Result: 4-6 shades. Comfortable, controlled.
In-Office Professional (Philips Zoom!)
Highest concentration peroxide gel + LED light activation. Gum protection barriers. Up to 8 shades whiter in 60 minutes. The gold standard.
What About Charcoal?
No scientific evidence supports activated charcoal whitening. Worse, it's abrasive — long-term use can damage enamel. We strongly advise against it.
What About Lemon/Baking Soda?
Lemon is acidic and erodes enamel permanently. Baking soda used occasionally is fine; daily use is too abrasive.
Our Honest Recommendation
If you want real whitening, do it properly: 60-minute Philips Zoom! session at Ark Dental Global, followed by take-home trays for maintenance. Results last 1-3 years with discipline.
