What You Need To Know About Teeth Whitening

If you feel uncomfortable about your smile because of stains and discoloration, consider teeth whitening. This practical and safe method can help you regain the white smile of your dreams. At West End Dental, Lauren Izadi, DDS, and the team offer various types of teeth whitening.

Why Teeth Get Stained or Discolored

Your teeth become stained and yellow as part of the natural aging process. As you age, your tooth enamel wears out, revealing dentin (the inner part of your tooth), which is yellow. When dentin becomes more visible, the teeth appear more yellow.

Some causes of teeth discoloration include poor dental hygiene, diseases that affect the enamel, excessive fluoride in water, and genetics.

What are the types of teeth whitening?

Whitening Toothpaste

All toothpastes are used to eliminate stains because they have abrasives. Whitening toothpastes contain chemical agents or gentle polishers which increase stain removal effectiveness. Whitening toothpaste helps remove surface stains and do not have bleach, while over-the-counter and professional whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that promote whitening deep into the tooth. Whitening toothpaste lightens the color of teeth by one shade, while prescription-strength pastes conducted in the dentist’s office makes the teeth three to eight shades lighter.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips and Gels

Whitening gels are pure peroxide and are applied directly to the surface of your teeth. Instructions differ depending on the peroxide’s strength. You should carefully follow the directions on the product. Results are seen in a few days and final results after about four months.

Whitening strips are small, invisible strips coated with peroxide-based gel. The strips are to be applied following the instructions on the label.

Whitening Rinses

Whitening rinses act like other mouthwashes. They help reduce dental plaque, freshen breath, and reduce gum diseases. These products also have ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide, which whiten the teeth.

Tray-Based Tooth Whiteners

Tray-based tooth whitening services are purchased from the dentist or over-the-counter. This process involves filling the mouth with a gel whitening solution containing a peroxide bleaching agent. The tray has to be worn for some time, depending on the desired level of whitening, and may require one to wear it anywhere from several hours a day to every day and at night for up to four weeks.

In-Office Whitening

In-office bleaching provides the fastest way to whiten teeth, as the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. The products are also used in combination with a special light, heat, and a laser. Promising results are often seen after just 30-50 minutes of treatment. To achieve better results, frequent appointments are needed. This type of whitening can be expensive, though.

Keeping a healthy bright smile is essential. It’s important to remember that teeth whitening products do not offer permanent solutions, with regular touch ups being necessary to maintain the results because the teeth will continue to accumulate stains. Always speak with your dentist to ensure the safest way to enhance a whiter smile with the best results. Schedule an appointment at West End Dental today for more information on teeth whitening.