A Stunning Smile A Whiter Smile For The Holidays And Beyond Are you thinking about whitening your teeth? You are not alone! Teeth whitening has been a dental topic for more than 150 years. It wasn’t until in the 1970’s they accidentally discovered the whitening effects of hydrogen peroxide. It was just a little over 20 years ago the products were developed into what we know today.
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Over-the-counter products, such as whitening trays, strips, rinse, or brushes can be effective. The concentration of these products give minimal results and take the longest time to see the result. Whitening toothpastes cannot change the internal color of the tooth.
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Home-use whiteners typically use a tray which is filled with the whitening gel and worn from an hour to overnight. They can be purchased over-the-counter or from your dentist.
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In-office whiteners use a much stronger gel so gives a much quicker result.
The facts: Foods and drinks stain our teeth (such as berries, sauces, coffee, cola, black tea, and red wine). Teeth darken naturally as we age. Certain medications can darken teeth. Tobacco stains our teeth. Injury to the tooth can cause discoloration. The teeth can become discolored during formation. There are two types of tooth stains: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are on the surface of the tooth and can be removed by toothpastes and good oral hygiene. Intrinsic stains are deep into the structure of the tooth and must be removed using a chemical process. The chemicals typically used for whitening teeth are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Tooth-whitening options range from surface whiteners to stronger ones that can also remove deeper stains. There are many different types of tooth whitening products. They fall into three main types:
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The main risks to whitening is gum and tooth sensitivity. This resolves within a few days after the treatment is complete. Many studies have been done and all show there is no harm to the structure of the tooth. How long will the results last? It depends on your particular habits. The results can last from months to years. Subsequent “touch-ups” are usually much quicker to respond. We recommend a dental examination prior to bleaching to determine what results you may expect. Remember, dental materials like porcelain and tooth colored fillings do not lighten.
By Dr. Michelle Aldrich, DMD Riverbend Dental, Salem Riverbend Dental has the newest whitening system on the market – Sinsational Smile. (www.sinsationalsmile.com) We have chosen this system because it takes only 20 minutes, has minimal to no sensitivity and has an affordable everyday price of $99. Come let us brighten your smile today! www.riverbenddentalclinic.com Willamette Living Magazine
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