How Teeth Whitening Works
Teeth whitening involves removing stains from the surface of the teeth. The goal is to remove only the stains and leave the natural enamel intact. This will cause the surface to appear more translucent, allowing the dentin to show through. This type of whitening usually takes three to four weeks.
During whitening, a chemical agent is applied to the teeth. These chemicals act by oxidizing dark pigmented molecules. They oxidize double bonds, which in turn frees calcium from the enamel surface. However, this method can also cause dehydration, which leads to damage to the tooth. For this reason, it is important to follow the directions and not over-expose your teeth to the whitening agent.
A dentist or oral health professional will typically use a hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agent to remove stains. In some cases, the whitening agent will require more than one coat to achieve optimal results. The concentration of the bleaching compound is also a factor. In most cases, dentists will recommend a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide than you can purchase over the counter.
There are two basic methods for teeth whitening: professional bleaching and at-home bleaching. When you choose either option, you will need a mouthpiece that fits the shape of your mouth, a dental tray, and a bleaching solution. The dentist will apply the solution to your teeth and place a rubber shield over your gums. The whitening process will take about 30 minutes to an hour. After completing the whitening process, you will need to keep the tooth white by brushing with a whitening toothpaste or using a whitening rinse.
If you have more noticeable staining, you may want to consider professional in-office whitening. This is typically faster than at-home whitening. You will also receive a rubber shield to cover your gums and will be supervised by a dental team during the whitening procedure. The effects of whitening can last for several years.
If you have mild stains, you may want to try an over-the-counter whitening product. Some over-the-counter whitening kits include a mouthpiece, a whitening gel, and a mouthwash. It is recommended to use the whitening gel twice a day for a few days before switching to the whitening rinse.
Some studies have indicated that the whitening effect can last up to a year. Ginger Scoggins Dentistry This depends on the intensity of the whitening agent and your lifestyle habits. A whitening agent can make your teeth sensitive to cold or hot foods, so you should be careful with how you eat. If you suffer from sensitivity, you should discuss the whitening process with your dentist.
The ADA’s Seal of Acceptance is only given to products that have met ADA safety standards. This is voluntary and manufacturers are not required to submit their products for review. You will find the ADA’s seal on many of the products used by oral health professionals.
When you have your teeth whitened, you will likely experience temporary side effects, such as tooth sensitivity and irritation of the gums. If these effects are persistent, you should visit a dentist.
