Teeth WhiteningTeeth whitening is conducted by millions of Americans each year, whether at the dentist or at home. Many people have tried whitening products at least once. Knowing this, it is obvious many people are willing to do whatever it takes to maintain a healthy and bright smile. Teeth whitening may not always be a good idea for some. If you have periodontitis or sensitive teeth and gums, teeth whitening may not be the best choice for you. You may have questions concerning the whitening process and whether you should do it at home or in the dental office. When you contact Mukilteo Smiles, we will have the answers that you are looking for concerning teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is a safe procedure, especially when it is done professionally. At-home products are generally safe too, as long as they are not overused. Over-the-counter whitening products are not as strong and effective as professional whitening, which causes some to overuse the products to try to get the results they are hoping for. Teeth Whitening OptionsThere are two options available for teeth whitening. You can conduct your own teeth whitening in your home or you can schedule one through our dentist. If you are unsure of how to get started with teeth whitening, we recommend starting with professional whitening at our office. Before you have a whitening conducted, your teeth need to be as healthy as possible. Our dentist will ensure this while examining your teeth. We will also advise you of the benefits of a whitening and review any questions you may have. Professional teeth whitening treatments tend to be more effective and longer lasting than in-home treatments. After we whiten your teeth in our office, we can send you home with whitening trays that you can use to continue to whiten your teeth at home. Both of these treatments are stronger than over-the-counter toothpastes, strips, or gels that you may purchase. These can offer a little bit of brightening, but you must be careful not to overuse them, as they can cause sensitivity to your teeth and gums. What Teeth Whitening Is Comprised OfWhen it comes to teeth whitening, the porous enamel is what ensures a deep whitening is achieved. It is this porous enamel that allows the whitening agent to reach the dentin. When the whitening agent comes into contact with the dentin, it is able to whiten it and remove stains. The majority of teeth whitening products will involve either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as the key whitening product. The whitening agents will normally consist of gels, toothpaste, a strip, or a rinse. Each type will be able to penetrate deeply and create a whitening effect through oxidation. You May Have Varying ResultsThere are two different types of teeth stains. The first is known as intrinsic and the other is extrinsic stains. Stains that are intrinsic are hereditary and extrinsic stains are caused by foods or liquids. Although knowing the type of stain you have is important knowledge, it will not change the effectiveness of the teeth whitening. It is also important to know that a stain that is extrinsic is more easily removed than an intrinsic stain. This is because all intrinsic stains may not be completely removed. Get Brighter Teeth with Us!Reach out to us here at Mukilteo Smiles by calling (425) 438-2400 to get set up for a teeth whitening appointment. |