Anyone looking into teeth whitening today has more options available than ever before. If a brighter smile is the goal, it is natural to wonder how the whitening process actually works and whether it could be a good fit for you. Below is an overview of this widely used treatment and the kind of difference it can make.
Can Discolored Teeth Really Turn White?
Whether a whitening product is purchased over the counter or provided by a dental professional, nearly all of them rely on some form of peroxide to break down the stains that build up on teeth.
Once applied, that peroxide is absorbed into two separate layers of the tooth.
- Enamel is the hard, thin, protective outer layer of the tooth. It has a naturally white shade, although it can wear down over time for a variety of reasons.
- Dentin sits just beneath the enamel and is naturally yellow in tone. As enamel wears thin, more of that yellow dentin can show through, which can make teeth appear more yellow overall.
Peroxide based whitening cannot change the underlying color of dentin itself. What it can do is break stain causing molecules down into smaller pieces, which is typically why teeth can appear noticeably whiter and brighter afterward.
What Sets Professional Whitening Apart?
A major distinction with dentist provided whitening comes down to the strength of the peroxide used. Dental professionals typically have access to higher concentrations than what is found in over-the-counter products, which can lead to faster, more noticeable results.
Dentists may also bring in additional techniques to strengthen the whitening process, and professional treatment options can include the following.
- In-Office Zoom! Teeth Whitening: This method pairs a whitening gel applied to the teeth with a particular light that activates it, and teeth may appear six to 10 shades whiter in as little as 45 minutes.
- At-Home Professional Whitening: Dentist-supervised kits for use at home come with trays custom molded to fit your mouth precisely, which helps keep the peroxide positioned correctly against your teeth for the best possible outcome.
- The KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System: This approach pairs in-office treatment with at-home treatment and can be highly effective because it targets the three leading causes of tooth discoloration, which are surface stains, internal discoloration, and tetracycline staining. A dentist can help determine whether KöR Teeth Whitening may be a good option for you.
Is Whitening Teeth a Safe Process?
One benefit of choosing professionally supervised whitening is that a dentist can help make sure the treatment is carried out safely and effectively.
In addition, many over-the-counter whitening products carry the Seal of Acceptance from the American Dental Association® (ADA), which shows that they have met the required standards for safety and efficacy.
If you are considering whitening on your own, be sure to look for that ADA seal. Also keep in mind that overusing whitening treatments, or using at-home whitening products incorrectly, can potentially harm your teeth and gums, so it is worth talking with your dentist about whitening to figure out what may work best for you.
Teeth Whitening Near Huntersville, NC
For whitening and any other dentistry needs, the team at The Smile Architects is here to help. We are committed to providing technologically advanced, family-friendly care all in one comfortable place. To set up an appointment or learn more, call us today at 704-875-1621, or contact us online.