Do you dream of having pearly white teeth? Are you self-conscious about your smile because of the stains on your teeth? If so, you’re not alone. Many people wish they could have brighter teeth. Thankfully, there is a way to achieve this goal: teeth whitening. In this blog post, we will answer the four most common questions about teeth whitening so that you will know everything you need to know about this popular cosmetic procedure!
So, what is teeth whitening and how is it performed? Teeth whitening is a procedure that uses bleaching products to remove stains and discoloration from the teeth. The most common type of teeth whitening is in-office bleaching, which is performed by a dental professional. During this procedure, a gel containing hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth. The hydrogen peroxide penetrates the enamel and breaks down the stains. In-office bleaching is usually done in two visits, with each visit lasting about an hour.
At-home teeth whitening kits are also available, although the bleaching agent used is not as strong as that used for in-office treatments. These kits contain trays that are filled with a bleaching gel and worn for a period of time, usually 30 minutes to an hour. The length of time and number of treatments will depend on the kit you use as well as the severity of your stains.
Now that we’ve answered the first question, let’s move on to the second: what types of stains can teeth whitening remove? Teeth whitening can remove both extrinsic and intrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains are the type of stains that appear on the surface, or enamel layer, of the teeth. They are usually caused by smoking, drinking coffee or tea, or eating certain foods. Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, are located beneath the enamel within the dentin layer. These types of stains are often caused by certain medications or by trauma to the teeth.
Is teeth whitening safe? The short answer is yes, teeth whitening is considered to be safe. However, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your dental professional or at-home kit to avoid damaging your teeth or gums. It is also important to note that teeth whitening will not work on all types of stains. If you have any concerns about whether or not teeth whitening is right for you, be sure to consult with your dentist.
Finally, we come to the last question: how long do the results from teeth whitening last? The results from teeth whitening are not permanent since the treatment only removes existing stains and does not prevent future stains from forming. However, they can last for several months to a couple of years. The length of time will depend on your lifestyle, oral hygiene habits, and diet. If you smoke or drink coffee or tea, you may find that your teeth become stained again more quickly than someone who doesn’t have these habits.
In this blog post, we have answered the four most common questions about teeth whitening. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you will now feel more confident about getting your teeth whitened! If you’re considering this cosmetic procedure, be sure to consult with your dentist to see if it is right for you.