Bright natural teeth are successful in bringing out an attractive smile. During a survey conducted in the United States, when asked about the changes people wanted to make in their smile, many of them replied that they were willing to brighten their teeth. A brightness of teeth is believed to be a strong factor that can increase the beauty of your smile. This is one reason why tooth whitening is popular among cosmetic procedures. Although there are over-the-counter whitening products, the in-office treatment is safer and highly effective. At our Redlands, California dental office, we have successfully given life to many of our patients who visit us from, and other nearby local areas. Thanks to our tooth whitening services, our patients are proud owners of healthy smiles today.

Reasons for discoloration of teeth

There are several factors that can cause teeth discoloration. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and certain medications are a few contributing factors. People who are more into the consumption of dark-colored fluids such as wine, cola, and coffee are at higher risk of teeth discoloration. Aging can be another factor which causes the teeth to look dull. This is primarily because of the reduction in the thickness of the enamel layer which causes the yellow dentin layer to be visible. Poor oral hygiene can increase the formation of plaque over other teeth surfaces. This can mask the natural color of your teeth.

Teeth whitening procedure

Teeth whitening done in an office setup involves examination of natural teeth. The dentist gauges the color of teeth using the shade scale and takes pictures before the treatment begins. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the most widely used whitening agents for the purpose. These agents can enter the porous enamel layer of teeth and clear stain through oxidation. This helps in unmasking the natural color of your teeth. The dentist ensures to use a protective gel over soft gum tissues before applying whitening agents over natural teeth. A special light is used during the process to accelerate oxidation. The dentist takes pictures after the treatment is complete to show the transformation in brightness. A diet that is free from dark-colored fluids can retain the brightness for long.

Frequently Asked Questions

How safe is professional in-office whitening and who performs the whitening?

Professional teeth whitening under the supervision of a dentist is safest as it helps in protecting the sensitive gums and tooth root surface better than over-the-counter whitening products.

How often should I get my teeth whitened?

Teeth whitened with teeth whitening procedure is not permanent and the lasting effect may vary on one’s habitual diets. For example when an individual who consumes stain-causing food and beverages can see the results to fade in as little as 1 month when compared to an individual who follows all the do’s and dont’s instructed by a dentist.