Teeth Whitening And Bleaching - What’s The Difference?
While they may sound similar, there are significant differences between teeth whitening and teeth bleaching. The most effective treatment will depend on the type of staining you have. Skip to:
- Extrinsic staining
- Intrinsic staining
- Teeth whitening vs teeth bleaching
- What is non-vital tooth bleaching?
- Is it safe to whiten teeth with bleach?
Extrinsic staining
When comparing teeth whitening and bleaching treatments, we need to first understand the types of tooth stains. Extrinsic staining refers to discolouration on the outer surface of the teeth. These stains are typically caused by your diet, smoking and poor oral hygiene, and are easier to treat than intrinsic stains.
Treatment options
Average cost (UK)
In-clinic teeth whitening
£300 - £1,000
£20 - £600
Teeth whitening pens and strips
Starts from £7
Starts from £1
Starts from £250 per tooth
Intrinsic staining
Intrinsic stains start inside the tooth, with certain medications, health conditions and dental trauma being the main culprits. In comparison to its counterpart, intrinsic is much more difficult to treat. This is because the dentin, the layer beneath the enamel, is affected.
Treatment options
Average cost (UK)
Internal tooth bleaching
£200 - £1,000
Starts from £100
Dental bonding
Starts from £250 per tooth
£700 - £1,400 per tooth
Teeth whitening vs teeth bleaching
Teeth whitening removes extrinsic (and sometimes intrinsic) stains with abrasive ingredients or bleaching agents, usually at a low concentration. The treatment helps to restore your teeth to their natural shade and enhance uniformity. On the other hand, teeth bleaching addresses intrinsic stains. How? By opening up the tooth and filling it with high concentrations of peroxide-based formulations (like carbamide peroxide), before sealing it with dental composite. This action can lighten your teeth by several shades. Thanks to its potency, tooth bleaching is often preferred by dentists for patients with moderate-severe discolouration. For those with mild discolouration or staining, there are a myriad of teeth whitening products available both online and over the counter. Please note that the ingredients used across the treatments are often interchangeable. If you are unsure as to which procedure is best suited to your smile, contact your dentist.
What is non-vital tooth bleaching?
This refers to the bleaching of a dead (non-vital) tooth that no longer receives blood flow. These teeth are typically grey and dull, making it a source of self-consciousness for many, but the discolouration can be fixed with bleaching. Dentists first recommend having a root canal to prevent future discolouration and infection. However, if your dead tooth is causing you pain or becomes infected, please contact your dentist. They will decide if the tooth needs to be extracted in order to prevent further damage. Here are the common symptoms of a non-vital tooth:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food and drinks
- Lingering toothache
- Pus
- Persistent bad breath
- Tooth discolouration
- Swollen gums
- Bad taste in your mouth
Is it safe to whiten teeth with bleach?
Allow us to clarify that teeth bleaching does not refer to the use of household cleaning products. Bleach is extremely dangerous and poisonous and should not be consumed under any circumstances. Teeth bleaching refers to the act of ‘bleaching’ smiles with intrinsic staining. The treatment should only be carried out by a qualified dental professional in the safety of a dental clinic. Conclusion: Want to achieve the dazzling smile of your dreams? Yorkshire Dental Suite offers both teeth whitening and teeth bleaching treatments. Enquire today and take the first step to becoming the most confident version of yourself yet.