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Teeth whitening has been a popular cosmetic procedure for decades. This means many people continue to want brighter and more vibrant-looking teeth. This interest gave rise to various in-office procedures and home-based products, allowing people to choose any option.
So, is home teeth whitening good for you, or should you just wait for your next dentist appointment? Let’s explore more about this and where you can go for comprehensive dental care in Eugene, OR.
Home Teeth Whitening
Home whitening products use lower concentrations of active ingredients to reduce side effects. As a result, whitening results usually only become visible after a few days or weeks.
Choosing home teeth whitening gives you the flexibility to schedule your treatments around a busy schedule. This path can also be cheaper than professional whitening.
Just make sure to follow all instructions exactly and rely on trusted products for the best results.
Numerous over-the-counter products claim to be able to whiten teeth. Given the popularity of teeth whitening, check first whether a professional dentistry authority has approved the product before using it.
You can also check with your dentist so you can select a product that is safe and effective.
Home Whitening Options
Home whitening products usually come in the form of strips that you apply directly to your teeth. They can also be liquid-filled trays that you fit into your teeth.
Most products use hydrogen or carbamide peroxide as the whitening ingredients. You typically apply these products once or twice a day for a specified duration.
Other common home whitening products include toothpaste that contains peroxides and abrasive materials to scrub your teeth. You can use them on their own for whitening, although they are also useful post-treatment to prevent stains from returning.
Consult your dentist first if you use these pastes with other dental products to prevent any unexpected interactions.
In-Dentist Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening procedures often use bleaching ingredients, but the peroxide concentration is higher than in home products.
The higher concentrations help speed up the whitening process. This means you can see results after one or two sessions.
The more concentrated bleaching agents may have potentially greater side effects. That is why a professional dentist will take the necessary precautions to minimize adverse reactions.
Professional teeth whitening may also use UV or blue light technology, although this is becoming more common in home kits. Peroxide molecules become more effective when they are energized, and UV or blue lights can activate them.
Light-based teeth whitening can lead to shorter treatment times and improved results.
How Stains Are Removed
Teeth comprise an outer layer of enamel, one of the hardest substances in the human body. Below the enamel layer is dentin, a bone-like dental tissue that increases the strength of the entire tooth.
Both enamel and dentin are susceptible to retaining stains due to their transparency and white coloration.
In particular, dentin tends to retain staining compounds as it comprises numerous mineral tubules. This makes the bulk substance porous to liquids.
Extrinsic Stains
Dental stains can either be intrinsic or extrinsic, and the classification of a particular stain determines how it can be removed.
Extrinsic stains usually come from strongly colored food and beverages such as tea, coffee, or wine. These items contain chromophores, strongly dyed substances that bind tightly to dental structures.
While extrinsic stains can leave long-lasting effects, they usually respond relatively quickly to teeth-whitening procedures.
Intrinsic Stains
Meanwhile, intrinsic stains occur due to naturally occurring bodily processes. Plaque formation due to bacteria can eventually leave stains and make teeth more vulnerable to extrinsic staining.
For example, tooth decay can accelerate the staining process. Some genetic conditions may also alter teeth structure and impact appearance.
Managing intrinsic stains requires the treatment of the underlying condition. However, several teeth whitening techniques can still work effectively on these stains.
Teeth Whitening Treatments
Teeth whitening usually relies on a mild chemical agent such as hydrogen peroxide. This substance can react with chromophores to make them less visible and allow them to disassociate from the teeth.
Some techniques use carbamide peroxide, gradually releasinghydrogen peroxide into surrounding tissues.
Completing a treatment course usually makes teeth one to two shades brighter.
Other teeth whitening options involve the application of veneers or other substances to mask the underlying stained enamel and dentin.
Some whitening products also use other ingredients, such as:
- Proteases that break down protein
- Abrasives that remove small amounts of stained material
Dental Office in Eugene, OR
Are you looking for a dental office near you? You can trust 360 Dental if you’re looking for the best dental office near you in Oregon. For our patrons in Eugene, Dr. Ari Binder provides Zoom Whitening, a quick and powerful way to whiten teeth. 360 Dental also offers general and restorative dentistry services to keep your oral health in top shape.
To know more about our services or schedule a consultation, callus today at (541) 689-1645 or fill out our online appointment request form.
