Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that uses bleaching agents to remove stains and discoloration from the teeth. The bleaching agent can be in the form of a gel, cream, or liquid, and it is applied to the teeth using a mouth tray or strips. Teeth whitening is effective in removing stains from food, drinks, tobacco, and aging. The bleaching agent in teeth whitening products contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These agents break down into oxygen molecules when they come into contact with the tooth enamel. The oxygen molecules penetrate the pores in the enamel and break down the stains into smaller molecules. The bleaching agent then removes the stains from the teeth.
Did You Know?
Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 96% of people surveyed believe that a white smile makes a person more attractive.
Who is a candidate for teeth whitening?
Most people with stained or dull teeth are candidates for teeth whitening. However, there are some cases where teeth whitening may not be recommended. These include people with sensitive teeth, gum disease, tooth decay, or visible dental restorations. To determine if you are an ideal candidate for teeth whitening, schedule a consultation with your Detroit dentist today!
What can I expect when having my teeth whitened at Grand River Family Dentistry?
When you have your teeth whitened at Grand River Family Dentistry, you can choose between in-office or at-home treatments.
Professional in-office teeth whitening procedures are performed by a dental professional in a dental office. The dental professional will first clean the teeth and remove any plaque and tartar. They will then apply the teeth whitening agent to the surface of the teeth using a mouth tray. The bleaching agent will break down stains over the course of 30-60 minutes. The dental professional will then remove the bleaching agent and rinse your mouth.
At-home teeth whitening treatments are performed by the patient at home using a bleaching kit that is purchased from a dentist. The kit contains a bleaching gel, mouth tray, and instructions. The patient will first brush their teeth, then fill the mouth tray with the bleaching gel and place it over their teeth. The patient will wear the mouth tray for a designated amount of time before rinsing their mouth and removing the tray.
While both in-office and at-home treatments will yield results, it is important to note that in-office treatments offer the most dramatic results in the least amount of time. This is because the bleaching agent used is stronger than those used for at-home treatments. In some cases, your dentist may perform the in-office treatment, then prescribe at-home trays for maintenance.
How long will my teeth whitening results last?
The results of teeth whitening are not permanent, since the procedure can only remove existing stains and cannot prevent future stains. However, they can last for several months to a year. The length of time your results last will depend on your lifestyle and habits. If you smoke or drink coffee, tea, or red wine regularly, you may notice that your teeth begin to yellow more quickly. However, you can prolong the results of your teeth whitening by avoiding these habits and by brushing and flossing regularly. As mentioned above, your dentist may also prescribe at-home whitening trays to help maintain your results.