White teeth are the ideal image of healthy, youthful teeth that look their best. A lot of patients complain that their teeth get colored in time, or because of certain lifestyle choices: smoking, drinking coffee and wine, or taking certain medications.
If you notice that your teeth are not as white as you would like, you can do a dental check-up and explore one of the many teeth whitening options out there. Fortunately, modern dentistry has progressed to achieve great results with less invasive procedures, and cosmetic dentistry is no exception.
How Does Tooth Whitening Work?
The darker, yellow color your teeth get as you age, or when exposed to external factors, is given by two processes: the inside of your teeth (the dentin) becomes more yellow, and the external layer (the enamel) becomes thinner. Naturally, a thinner enamel will be more see-through and show the colored dentin below.
There are two main methods to whiten your teeth: removing the surface stains on the enamel with an abrasive agent, or using a bleaching substance that will whiten the dentin. While whitening toothpaste is indeed effective to a point, it’s recommended to use it cautiously as it can thin your enamel too much.
Bleaching means exposing the teeth to hydrogen peroxide in the form of a gel or liquid. The substance must stay on the teeth for about 30 minutes, which is why DIY kits and professional whitening both use trays to keep the gel on.
DIY Whitening Versus Dental Office
There are a lot of products on the market promising amazing whitening results from the comfort of your own home. Teeth whitening is also offered in some malls or beauty salons, without the presence of a dentist. However, we strongly recommend seeing a dentist beforehand, to make sure your teeth are healthy and to get the green light for whitening.
There are several disadvantages of whitening your teeth at home, and they all have to do with your oral health and the final result of the process. First of all, the concentration of the gel is much smaller than what a dentist would use, therefore less effective. Second of all, it can cause burns and blisters to your gums if you are not very careful.
Dental Whitening Treatment
If you decide to go on a safe path and invest in a better result, book an appointment with Dr. Mark Ashy and his team at Elite Dentistry. Your oral health will be assessed thoroughly and the doctor will keep your teeth safe while achieving the best possible result for your smile.
Contact us or visit our office in Orlando, we will be happy to help you achieve a bright, healthy and strong smile! We welcome patients of all ages and offer a wide range of modern dental services.
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