How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

How Does Teeth Whitening Work? Many people seek to make their teeth whiter and brighter using various methods such as whitening strips or whitening gels but may or may not understand how the actual process works, or which method is the best whitening treatment for teeth. At-home whitening treatments can be effective for some people but, for others, professional whitening gives them the best results.

Types of Teeth Stains

There are really two different types of tooth discoloration, extrinsic and intrinsic, and the teeth whitening procedure for each can differ for each type in order to be most effective.

• Extrinsic Stains – An extrinsic stain affects the outer surface of the tooth otherwise known as the enamel surface. These stains are caused from things such as eating, drinking, smoking, and poor hygiene. These stains can appear in many colors and the stains removal process can typically be done with home treatments.
• Intrinsic Stains – Intrinsic stains start from within the tooth and affect the dentin which is the layer below the enamel. These can be caused by things such as dental trauma, aging, and medications. These stains tend to be incredibly hard to remove and the teeth whitening process requires a dental professional.

Teeth Whitening Options

There are many treatment options available such as lifestyle changes, commercially available teeth whiteners and professional dental treatments. Some of these treatment options include: There are many treatment options available such as lifestyle changes, commercially available teeth whiteners and professional dental treatments. Some of these treatment options include:

• Dietary Adjustments –Avoid staining foods such as coffee, wine, and tobacco as this can reduce stains. Eating certain fruits and vegetables has also been shown to contribute to whiter teeth.
• Good Oral Hygiene – Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day along with regular checkups and professional cleanings at your Horsham dentist can help keep your teeth white.
• Over-the-Counter Whitening Treatments – These can include things such as whitening toothpastes, whitening strips, and whitening pens. Many of these products contain hydrogen peroxide which whitens teeth through a chemical reaction that starts the oxidation process that helps penetrate the tooth and dissolve stains.
• Professional Whitening Treatments –These can come in many forms such as custom-made whitening trays or professional treatments using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide which works in a similar manner to hydrogen peroxide but has bleaching agents that may make the whitening of teeth more pronounced.

Who Should Get Their Teeth Whitened?

Professional teeth whitening can provide long-term benefits and is incredibly useful to people looking for an improved smile. There are many advantages to getting your teeth whitened including increased confidence, social advantages, and overall well being. Being proud of your smile allows you to be more confident smiling and speaking publicly which can lead to increased career prospects and personal satisfaction. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind if you are planning on whitening your teeth. Teeth whitening is most suitable for people with healthy teeth and gums. Gum disease usually prevents professional whitening from being done and whitening works best for people without many fillings or dental bonding. Sensitivity issues should also be discussed with your dentist prior to treatment during the consultation process. This is also a great time to discuss potential risks and whitening safety issues such as allergic reactions.

How to Keep Teeth White

If your teeth are already white or after a tooth whitening procedure, the best way to keep your teeth white is by having good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes and flossing and using mouthwash at least once a day. You should also regularly see your dentist and have professional cleanings. Other maintenance tips include avoiding staining foods as much as possible like wine, coffee, and tobacco products and eating a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables that scrub your teeth like carrots and watermelon. Furthermore, using a whitening toothpaste once or twice can remove surface stains that do appear while avoiding gum irritation.

What’s the Best Way to Whiten Your Teeth?

The best way to find teeth whitening that works for you, is to understand what types of stains you have. If you have surface stains from food and drink, over-the-counter products like whitening strips and whitening toothpastes may work to get your teeth whiter. However, if you have deep stains, professional treatment may be the only thing that helps. The cost comparison between home treatments and professional treatments should, of course, be done but w the results duration and overall effects can be dramatically higher with professional treatments. Plus, if you have any issues such as tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or temporary discomfort, you have a professional who can adjust your treatment.

Get the Facts on Teeth Whitening – Contact Miracle Dental Today!

The team at Miracle Dental are teeth whitening experts and can explain everything about bleaching teeth whitening and other treatments to make your smile whiter and brighter. Miracle Dental will determine the type of stains you have and work with you to design the best cosmetic procedures available to make you proud of your smile. If you are interested in exploring your teeth whitening options, contact Miracle Dental today!