We practice cosmetic dentistry in Turlock with a dedication to perfection, so when you trust us to help you create your dream smile, we strive to get it right. We're very passionate about cosmetic dentistry, and one of the cosmetic dentistry treatments my wife and I are asked about most is teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening is popular because it can change your smile dramatically in a short amount of time, it's relatively cheap, and it's heavily marketed. You may not know how a porcelain inlay can affect your smile, but I'd be willing to bet you know exactly what teeth whitening does and can probably name a few brands like Opalescence or Zoom! or Crest Whitestrips. Since there seems to be so much buzz around teeth whitening, we'd like to dedicate our post this week to explaining how teeth whitening works and what you should know about it.
Teeth Whitening Is Not The Same Thing As Teeth Bleaching
There are two basic ways that your teeth get discolored: staining on the tooth's surface, or enamel, and discoloration below the tooth's surface in the dentin layer. Technically, teeth whitening and teeth bleaching refer to two different things. Teeth whitening only removes stains on the enamel layer of the tooth, whereas bleaching penetrates the tooth's enamel and changes the color of the dentin layer.
Teeth whitening is used as a catchall cosmetic dentistry term, however, and the two often get lumped together.
Teeth Whitening Basics
Most in-office teeth whitening treatments use one of two agents: hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which will break down into hydrogen peroxide and urea in the mouth. These chemicals penetrate the enamel layer of your tooth and set off an oxidation reaction that breaks down the compounds causing your teeth to stain.
The difference in most teeth whitening treatments is actually how the oxidation reaction is activated.
Are There Risks Involved In Teeth Whitening?
Unfortunately, if you're considering teeth whitening there are risks to consider. Most of the risks aren't too serious, but it's why I always recommend talking to your dentist before starting any teeth whitening treatment, even if it's one bought at your local grocery store.
The two main things to worry about are tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Teeth whitening can cause sensitivity to pressure and temperature for some people, especially if used improperly. If tooth sensitivity does occur, your dentist can recommend a toothpaste to help.
Is Teeth Whitening a Good Option for You?
There are many factors to consider when it comes to teeth whitening. It may seem like a simple treatment, especially with the availability of so many home-whitening kits, but you should consider:
- The overall cost of each treatment and the best path to reach your treatment goals
- What type of treatment is most convenient for you
- You should have your teeth examined before you begin any teeth whitening treatment to mitigate risk and get the best results
Thanks for Reading!
We appreciate you stopping by to read our blog this week. If you're considering whitening your teeth to get closer to your dream smile, consider what we've shared here. If you know someone who might benefit from this info, please share our post. If you enjoy our dental tips, news, and information, please like or share our Facebook page and help us get the word out about great oral health!