How Teeth Whitening Works

Teeth whitening dentists have long been improving smiles, and methods are now more effective and easier than ever. Dentists can dramatically improve the whiteness of a patient's teeth, but exactly how does the process work?

Before one can understand how teeth whitening dentists improve smiles, the source of discolored teeth must be known. The white part of teeth is known as the enamel. When teeth first emerge, the enamel is very white, but the brightness dulls over time. After years of chewing and biting, the enamel wears down by suffering microscopic cracks. This allows the tooth's core, which is made of a yellow material called dentin, to show through the enamel.

Two types of stains can affect the teeth. Internal stains are caused by aging and enamel decay, while external stains are primarily caused by ingesting stain-inducing foods like coffee. Smoking or using chewing tobacco can also cause external stains. Both internal and external stains can dim a normally brilliant smile, but are now able to brighten even the most resistant of stains.

To brighten smiles, whitening dentists generally employ two different methods. One method is known as bleaching. When bleaching, teeth whitening dentists apply a chemical with a bleaching agent to the teeth that makes them brighter than their natural state. The chemicals of choice for teeth whitening dentists are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, both of which contain powerful bleaching agents. Teeth whitening dentists usually use hydrogen peroxide in offices, while carbamide peroxide is preferred in take-home methods of whitening. The other method of brightening teeth is whitening, which is used to restore teeth to their original color. Whitening is performed by removing debris from the cracks in the tooth enamel, so products as simple as toothpaste are considered whiteners.

Teeth whitening dentists usually use bleaching methods, as consumers can easily use the whitening methods on their own. In-office whitening sessions are usually most effective as the dentists can control all aspects of the whitening and the greatest amount of color change occurs. For in-office sessions, teeth whitening dentists usually apply a high-concentration peroxide gel (usually hydrogen peroxide) that whitens the teeth in a period that is usually as short as 15 or 20 minutes. The dentists paint a rubber coating on the gums before the peroxide application to ensure the material touches nothing but the enamel.

In-office sessions are usually the most effective, but teeth whitening dentists have other options for patients. One such option is a take-home kit. These kits don't work as quickly as an in-office session, but they gradually produce a whiter smile that lasts for a long time. Take-home kits usually employ a low-concentration peroxide inside a tray that is molded to your teeth. The process takes longer than in-office visits, but can be more convenient for the patient.

Whether teeth whitening dentists use in-office or take-home methods, patients always experience at least some degree of color change. The bleaching process guarantees a whiter smile, and making your teeth whiter is now easier than ever.

Teeth Whitening Dentists