Teeth Whitening

Getting a brighter smile at Honeygo Village Dentistry

Whiter teeth are wanted by many people but it can be difficult to geta brighter smile.  There are a couple options to consider. Teeth whitening can be achievedwith use of a whitening toothpaste containing abrasives.  These abrasives scrub the exterior of thetooth and are only able to clean surface staining; such as those from coffee ortea beverages.  Bleaching refers to useof a bleaching product (usually a gel) that contains hydrogen peroxide orcarbamide peroxide.  These agents breakdownthe color of stains helping the teeth appear whiter.  This process involves removing stains insidethe tooth structure itself. 

Whitening Toothpaste / Abrasives

This product can be purchased over-the-counter and used athome whenever teeth are brushed.  Bleachingproducts, such as bleaching strips or trays, can also be purchasedover-the-counter. Any product that can be used at home, without dentistsupervision, has a lower percentage of bleaching agent than those that are usedat a dental office. 

In-Office Procedures / Bleaching

Usually these include a one-hour bleaching treatmentwhere gum tissues are isolated (covered up for protection) and a high level ofbleaching product is placed on the enamel. A bright blue curing light may be used to help the bleach penetrate intoteeth.  Custom bleach trays along with tubesof bleach may be sent home to maintain the whiter color of the teeth.  This in-office procedure and take-home traysare the fastest scenario to a whiter smile.

Know The Limits

Unfortunately, there are limits to bleaching and whitening teeth.  Some individuals that have mild to severegingival recession may experience root sensitivity after using whiteningtoothpaste.  Others may experiencesensitivity with in-office and/or take-home bleach due to the bleaching agentreaching the nerve of the teeth.  One options in this case, is for those with sensitive teeth to use a special toothpaste prior to teeth whitening, that can help reduce sensitivity. Forsome, bleaching is not a good option if they have permanent restorations suchas crowns, bridges, fillings, or veneers. These teeth may not change color; natural teeth surrounding them maybecome much lighter than the restoration(s). Additionally if the tooth structure beneath the enamel, the dentin, is very dark, whitening the enamel may not achieve the desired results.

Honeygo Village Dentistry Can Help You Decide

There are many products, treatments, and options when it comes togetting a whiter smile.  Our team at Honeygo Village Dentistry can help determine what option is best for you.