Dental Health How Does Whitening Really Work

We know that you want bright, white, healthy teeth. You should feel proud of your smile. Your smile is a valuable asset and a gift that you can share with others.

There is hope, no matter how embarrassed you feel about smiling because of stained teeth or how tired you feel seeing yellowish teeth every day in virtual meetings or in the mirror. There is no reason to hide your smile or be anxious about smiling.

Based on an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey:

• 7% believe that a smile is a social asset.
• 96% believe that a beautiful smile makes someone more attractive to people in the opposite sex.
• 74% believe that a unattractive smile can hinder a person’s chances of success in their career.
• Respondents were asked to answer the question “What do you want most about your smile?”. The most popular response was whiter, brighter teeth.

Whitening your smile is a quick and easy way to achieve the beautiful smile you desire. This is why this simple treatment has become so popular. There are many safe and effective ways to whiten your teeth.

How does teeth whitening work?

So your wondering how teeth whitening really works? To remove discoloration and stains, dentists use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in various concentrations. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizing agent. Carbamide peroxide produces hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can penetrate the enamel spaces of tooth teeth and reach the inner layer of tooth dentin if it is left on for long enough.

Hydrogen Peroxide Concentration Levels

• OTC (over-the-counter) whitening products typically contain 5-6% peroxide. They include gum, mouthwash strips, gum, gum, pens and paint-on gels.
• The hydrogen peroxide in the kits for home whitening are about 10-15%.
• Up to 40% hydrogen peroxide can be used in office bleaching.

Some treatments use LED light or lasers to accelerate the process.

A dental examination is a good idea to determine the cause of tooth discoloration. If there are any medical issues that may be causing your discoloration, your dentist will be able to correct them.

Is Teeth Whitening Effective?

Yes, there are teeth whitening products that can be used to treat specific kinds of discoloration. You will notice noticeable results if you choose a treatment that targets the discolorations or stains you have.

Extrinsic Stains

DIY tooth whitening products (OTCs) can be used to remove superficial (extrinsic) stains. Extrinsic staining is caused by red wine, coffee, cola drinks and other highly pigmented foods, such as dark fruits/berries, tobacco products and other environmental agents. These stains respond well to OTC whitening treatments like strips, toothpaste, gum, and strips.

Intrinsic Stains

Fluorosis, tetracycline abuse in childhood, aging and other health conditions can cause intrinsic stains. They are deeper than the surface. Because they aren’t strong enough to penetrate the enamel, dentin and pulp, over-the-counter remedies cannot fix intrinsic stains.

Patients can use the teeth whitening kits provided by dentists to correct both intrinsic and extrinsic stains. These treatments produce superior results than DIY methods.

How long does a teeth whitening treatment take?

OTC products such as toothpaste, gum, and mouthwash can take several months to achieve the best results. OTC whitening strips and whitening pens may show results within weeks.

The dentist can give you the stunning smile you desire faster or if you have staining below the surface of your enamel.

With an at-home prescription whitening tray you can achieve remarkable results in bleaching intrinsic and extrinsic discoloration. It takes only a few weeks. Your trays should be worn for one to two hours each day. Treatment for more severe staining may take longer.

In-office treatments take only two hours and can produce stunning results. Your teeth will be much lighter than other products after just one treatment. You will receive a prescription and trays at home to help you maintain your perfect shade.

Is Teeth Whitening safe?

Side effects of teeth whitening include temporary tooth sensitivity, gum inflammation, and even permanent tooth loss. To minimize side effects, sensitive patients may consider visiting a dentist to whiten their smiles.

These side effects are more common with OTC whitening solutions. Prescription whitening can be done with a custom-fitted tray that fits your mouth.

How long does teeth whitening last?

OTC treatments generally last about four months. The treatment will need to be repeated quite often. The results are not as good as the ones you would get from a dentist.

The results of in-office or take-home bleaching can last up to one year.

While dental bleaching can remove stains currently present, it cannot prevent future ones. You can extend your results by avoiding tobacco products such as tea, coffee, red wine, chocolate, and turmeric.

Why choose In-Office Teeth Whitening Services

If you are looking for a bright smile, professional teeth whitening can be a great option. You get almost instant results. You also get whiter teeth than with other methods. This method can be used for any cause of tooth discoloration, intrinsic or extrinsic.