How Exactly Does Teeth Whitening Work?
You have probably heard about teeth whitening or teeth bleaching and you may be wondering how this process comes about and what the results are. A person’s smile is often what catches another person’s eye first. Like it or not, people judge each other by their grin.
Let’s begin by talking about how your teeth accumulate stains or discoloration. Stains come from many different sources, including food, beverages, and especially smoking. These stains are in your enamel or dentin, and block light from your teeth. When your teeth are bleached or whitened, the dentin is cleansed from stains built up over time.
This allows the light to pass through to your teeth. The light is what keeps your teeth white and clean-looking. In order to bleach or whiten your teeth, a bleaching gel must be applied to the outer part of your teeth.
This gel is generally hydrogen peroxide that will break down into oxygen molecules, which will clean the stains from the enamel and dentin. As more light passes through the tooth, it will appear lighter colored.
Some teeth stains are easier to remove than others. Stains can become embedded in the tooth, and therefore they are harder to remove by simply bleaching or whitening.
Depending on the length and intensity of your teeth whitening treatment, you could begin seeing results in as little as one hour. There are different types of treatments and they all take different amounts of time and have individual results.
Your dentist can perform two procedures in the office and there are other take home procedures that work well too. Consult with your dentist before beginning any bleaching procedure.
Many patients choose to have laser bleaching performed. This is where your gums and lips are protected from the bleaching agent, and after being applied to your teeth, a bright light is placed in front of your mouth.
This light activates the ingredients in the bleaching gel and gets the whitening process started. This type of treatment will last about an hour or so, and may need to be repeated over time. The results will last up to three years.
If you choose to whiten your own teeth at home, you dentist will have you come in and will get a mold of your teeth. Once the mouthpiece is ready, you can take it home for you.
By inserting the bleaching solution in the mouthpiece and then placing it in your mouth, the gel is applied to your teeth, similar to an in office treatment. This treatment is not as strong as those performed in the office and will take multiple applications for the process to show noticeable results.
Most patients are pleased with their teeth bleaching results. It is advised to avoid red wine, tobacco, and other staining foods after having the procedure performed. The results will last anywhere from one to three years, depending on the number of teeth staining foods that are consumed.
Other habits, such as brushing and flossing, can also help teeth keep their white shine. Consider the cost, results, and educate yourself about teeth whitening before starting the procedure.