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Teeth Whitening
What is tooth whitening?
There are products and services that can remove the stain that has built up on the surfaces of teeth. This process is generally called "tooth whitening." This process can restore the teeth to their natural shade, but not make them lighter.
Then there are products and services that can remove the debris and stains that have penetrated below the surfaces of teeth. This is referred to as "bleaching." This process can make the teeth lighter than natural.
Tooth whitening has become synonymous with bleaching, and one must check carefully what a particular product or service claims to deliver. A whiter, brighter smile can make a person look younger, more attractive, and more confident. Although whitening is very popular, many people are still confused about the wide array of different products available today. There are hundreds of products out there and results can vary from remarkable to disappointing. The professional literature now states that some of the more expensive systems that utilize a fancy high intensity light to enhance the effect of the bleaching gel work no better than using just the gel alone.
The key to efficient whitening (bleaching) is the proper concentration of bleach gel (peroxide or carbamide peroxide) and a well-fitted custom tray that is trimmed to fit the contours of the person's gum line and not beyond it. Store bought tray systems can work but may not be as effective as professional systems. A consumer “boil n bite” tray fits beyond the gums and even covers them. Using a professional concentration of bleach gel can burn the gums, so the gel included with the consumer kits are intentionally weaker.
The consumer bleach strips can work well for some people but must be adapted properly; otherwise there can be missed areas - especially if the person has crowded teeth.
Finally, bleach gels can make the teeth sensitive for some people. If there are dental problems such as cavities, leaky filling, broken teeth, or exposed roots, it is best to correct this prior to whitening the teeth. If you already have sensitive teeth, this should be treated before whitening. Otherwise, it may be a very unpleasant bleaching experience.
Ask us how we can help you achieve a whiter smile.
There are products and services that can remove the stain that has built up on the surfaces of teeth. This process is generally called "tooth whitening." This process can restore the teeth to their natural shade, but not make them lighter.
Then there are products and services that can remove the debris and stains that have penetrated below the surfaces of teeth. This is referred to as "bleaching." This process can make the teeth lighter than natural.
Tooth whitening has become synonymous with bleaching, and one must check carefully what a particular product or service claims to deliver. A whiter, brighter smile can make a person look younger, more attractive, and more confident. Although whitening is very popular, many people are still confused about the wide array of different products available today. There are hundreds of products out there and results can vary from remarkable to disappointing. The professional literature now states that some of the more expensive systems that utilize a fancy high intensity light to enhance the effect of the bleaching gel work no better than using just the gel alone.
The key to efficient whitening (bleaching) is the proper concentration of bleach gel (peroxide or carbamide peroxide) and a well-fitted custom tray that is trimmed to fit the contours of the person's gum line and not beyond it. Store bought tray systems can work but may not be as effective as professional systems. A consumer “boil n bite” tray fits beyond the gums and even covers them. Using a professional concentration of bleach gel can burn the gums, so the gel included with the consumer kits are intentionally weaker.
The consumer bleach strips can work well for some people but must be adapted properly; otherwise there can be missed areas - especially if the person has crowded teeth.
Finally, bleach gels can make the teeth sensitive for some people. If there are dental problems such as cavities, leaky filling, broken teeth, or exposed roots, it is best to correct this prior to whitening the teeth. If you already have sensitive teeth, this should be treated before whitening. Otherwise, it may be a very unpleasant bleaching experience.
Ask us how we can help you achieve a whiter smile.
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» Tooth Whitening Maryland - One reason an individual may decide to try teeth whitening procedures from their dentist is because of stained and discolored teeth. What factors affect the color of your teeth?
» Maryland Teeth Whitening - Good Candidates for Teeth Whitening
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