A bright, white smile is a confidence booster. It can make you look younger, healthier, and more approachable. That's why teeth whitening Edmonds has become such a popular cosmetic dental procedure. But with so many over-the-counter whitening products available, you might wonder what dentists use for even more dramatic results.
The Science of Whiter Teeth
Teeth whitening works by breaking down stains on the enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. These stains can come from a variety of sources, including:
Food and beverages: Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries are notorious for staining teeth.
Smoking: Tobacco use can leave behind yellow or brown stains.
Medications: Certain antibiotics and medications can discolor teeth.
Aging: As we age, teeth naturally lose their whiteness.
Dentists use two main types of bleaching agents to whiten teeth:
Hydrogen peroxide: This is the most common bleaching agent used in both professional and at-home whitening treatments. It breaks down stain molecules, making them less visible.
Carbamide peroxide: This is a milder form of hydrogen peroxide that breaks down into hydrogen peroxide in the presence of water.
The Dentist's Advantage: Stronger Solutions and Techniques
While over-the-counter whitening products can be effective, they have limitations. Here's how professional teeth whitening at the dentist's office differs:
Higher concentration of bleaching agents: Whitening products available to the public are regulated by the government to ensure safety. In-office treatments use stronger concentrations of peroxide for faster and more dramatic results. Typical drugstore products range from 3% to 20% peroxide, while professional treatments can use solutions as strong as 35% to 43%.
Faster results: Professional treatments can whiten teeth several shades lighter in a single visit, whereas at-home treatments may take weeks or even months to achieve similar results. Some in-office procedures, like the Zoom system, can whiten teeth up to eight shades brighter in just a two-hour appointment.
Light or heat activation: Many dentists use lasers or ultraviolet (UV) light to activate the bleaching agent. This can accelerate the whitening process and lead to more even results.
Customizable treatment: Dentists can tailor the whitening treatment to your individual needs and level of tooth sensitivity. They can also protect your gums with a special barrier to minimize irritation.
Types of In-Office Teeth Whitening
Here are some of the most common in-office teeth whitening procedures:
Chairside whitening: This is the most common type of professional whitening. The dentist applies a bleaching gel to your teeth and activates it with a light or laser. The treatment typically takes 30-60 minutes and may be repeated for several sessions to achieve the desired results.
Tray whitening: The dentist takes impressions of your teeth to create custom-fitted whitening trays. You fill the trays with a bleaching gel and wear them at home for a prescribed amount of time each day. This method takes longer than chairside whitening, but it can be a good option for people with sensitive teeth.
Laser whitening: This is a variation of chairside whitening that uses a laser to activate the bleaching gel. Lasers can shorten the treatment time and may provide more consistent results.
Safety Considerations
Teeth whitening is generally safe for most people, but it can cause some side effects, such as:
Tooth sensitivity: This is the most common side effect of teeth whitening. It usually goes away on its own after a few days.
Gum irritation: The bleaching gel can irritate the gums, especially if it comes into contact with them.
Temporary enamel weakening: Whitening can temporarily weaken the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to cavities. This is why it's important to follow your dentist's instructions and use a fluoride toothpaste after treatment.
Before You Whiten
If you're considering teeth whitening, it's important to talk to your dentist in Kent, WA first. They can assess your teeth and gums to make sure whitening is right for you. They can also discuss the different options available and help you choose the one that's right for your needs and budget.
Here are some things your dentist will consider:
The cause of your tooth discoloration: Not all types of discoloration respond well to whitening. For example, whitening may not be effective for teeth that are discolored due to certain medications or trauma.
The health of your teeth and gums: If you have cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems, you may need to have these treated before you can whiten your teeth.
Your expectations: It's important to have realistic expectations about the results of teeth whitening. While professional treatments can be very effective, they won'
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