How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

From the writings of Hippocrates and Aristotle about tooth decay and tooth extraction to the invention of the first reclining dental chair in 1832 – oral health has come a long way and continues to evolve. Within the late twentieth century, perhaps the most popular advancements include aesthetic improvements – such as tooth whitening.

At this point in dental history, there are two main ways to whiten your teeth: Toothpastes and Bleaching:

Toothpaste: Whitening toothpastes use non-bleaching material to essentially “scrape-off” surface stains and polish your teeth. But remember, although these toothpastes do a good job scrubbing off the stains, they may also be scrubbing off protective enamel that your teeth need to stay healthy and strong.

Bleaching: Bleaching changes the color of your teeth’s enamel by removing both surface and deeper stains. Here are three ways to bleach your teeth:

At Dakota Dental: Our dentists can whiten your teeth with a strong bleach concentrate while shielding your gums from these potentially harsh materials. In order to see full results, this process may take multiple appointments ranging from 30-60 minutes each.

Bleaching-kit from Dakota Dental: Occasionally your dentist can give you a take-home bleaching kit with a custom-made mouthpiece and instructions of how often and how long to use it.

Over-the-counter: Similar to a bleaching kit from your dentist, the over-the-counter kits range in their concentration of bleach, length of use, and application (some use strips while other use mouthpieces).

Remember, the American Dental Association recommends that you consult with your dentist before using any bleaching products because every mouth is different. For example, patients with more fillings or darker stains may have greater concerns for their oral health aside from whiter teeth.

Dakota Dental specializes in cosmetic dentistry by offering professional teeth whitening along with tooth-colored fillings and dental veneers.

In the twenty-first century, there’s no need to be self-conscious about your teeth – so get your perfect smile today! Contact Dakota Dental and set up a consultation with your favorite Apple Valley dentists.