While enamel is the most durable material found in our body, it’s not immune to change. It can be impacted by dental decay, disease, and other sources. It can most notably become discolored due to age, tobacco use, food and beverage choices, and disease. This has led to dental whitening being among the most frequently sought-after dental treatments in the United States today. When over-the-counter approaches haven’t produced the desired results, it’s time to reach out to Morning Star Dentistry.
Did you know…
that the teeth naturally darken as we age? Furthermore, certain foods, beverages, medications and habits can contribute to a darker, yellowed, or stained smile. However, it is possible to erase years of stains in a single professional whitening session and sustain those results for many years with proper maintenance. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, professional whitening is best maintained by a combination of good oral care and take-home whitening treatments as recommended by your dentist.
Restoring Your Sparkle With Dental Whitening
The underlying mechanism driving most dental whitening procedures is a powerful peroxide solution that breaks up the proteins causing the stain. This will remain true whether you get professional treatment or use an over-the-counter approach. The fundamental difference between the two approaches is the strength of the peroxide solution and the addition of other tools that improve the results. The strength of professional-grade solutions makes them potentially dangerous for use outside of a clinical environment.
However, this type of treatment isn’t going to work for all types of stains. Peroxide solutions are primarily effective for extrinsic stains. The three types of dental staining are described below:
- Extrinsic Stains – These form within the enamel found on the dental surface. They generally result from smoking, dark beverages, food, and poor oral hygiene. Tobacco use stands as the most frequent cause of these kinds of stains. However, extrinsic stains also tend to be the most simple to address.
- Intrinsic Stains – Underneath the layer of enamel can be found the porous material known as dentin. When stains form within this layer, peroxide treatments cannot remove them. Instead, veneers or laminates are used to hide them and improve the appearance of your smile.
- Age-Related Staining – Over the years, our teeth may develop stains related to aging. These stains often appear as the pulp within our teeth begins to die. However, vitamin D or calcium deficiencies have also been known to be involved. Veneers and dental bonding are the most effective approaches to resolving these stains.
Peroxide-based dental treatments are the most popular service provided by dental offices like ours. Dr. Justin Liggett helps patients all over the Sonora, CA, area address extrinsic stains using this type of dental whitening treatment. You are sent home with a custom set of trays, which contain a special solution and are to be used precisely as instructed to achieve the desired level of whitening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
You may be a candidate for professional teeth whitening if you are experiencing discoloration, but otherwise have healthy teeth and healthy gums. Schedule a consultation with a dentist to find out if tooth whitening could be right for you. Some patients, such as those who are pregnant or sensitive to whitening agents, may not be candidates for professional whitening.
What Should I Expect When I Get My Teeth Whitened?
Teeth whitening consists of a thorough cleaning and polishing of the teeth, with all debris carefully removed. Your dentist will then protect your gums before applying a whitening agent to the surface of your teeth. The product will be activated and left on the teeth for several minutes before being washed off with water. Your results will vary according to the natural shade of your teeth and degree of discoloration, but it is normal for patients to experience a lightening of several shades in a single visit.
What Type of Post-Treatment Care is Required After Having My Teeth Whitened?
It is normal to experience some tooth sensitivity following a professional whitening treatment. You may be instructed to avoid consuming highly pigmented beverages for at least 24 hours to prevent the teeth from becoming stained again. Examples include tea, coffee and wine. Depending on your results and long-term teeth whitening goals, you may also be sent home from your procedure with an at-home whitening kit for later use.
Contact Morning Star Dentistry For Dental Whitening
Having a white and beautiful smile can boost our smile’s impact on others. We can confidently share our smiles without feeling like we need to hide our discolored teeth. To learn more about how dental whitening services can improve the beauty of your smile, call our office in Sonora, CA, today!
