How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Between the morning cup of joe, tea, and a nice glass of cabernet, most of us make it really hard to keep our teeth beautifully white. That is not to say, though, that it’s impossible to get the radiant smile we all deserve and would be proud to show off. Teeth whitening or bleaching makes this an achievable goal. What can you do to give yourself a dreamy set of pearly whites? The first step is always to consult your dentist. There are a few folks who may not be able to bleach away the stains on their teeth, but assuming you don’t have dental implants or crowns, continue reading to see what some of your options are.

Whether you suffer from intrinsic or extrinsic stains will determine your best course of action. Extrinsic stains, stains from everyday staining liquids or foods, can be controlled by using a whitening toothpaste. The more serious case comes from teeth that have intrinsic stains. Intrinsic, meaning “from within” are the result of years of stains that rest more below the enamel and are harder to get rid of. The use of whitening agents such as carbide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide is used by means of a gel with whitening trays to achieve the desired shade of your teeth. You can rest assured knowing that this kind of tooth whitening does not affect any previous dental work.

What Are My Teeth Whitening Options?

Be sure to discuss the best option from this list with your dentist to ensure you will achieve your desired shade of white with the most professional and safe means possible.

• Professional take-home trays
• Whitening strips
• In-office bleaching

My Teeth Are Sensitive When I Bleach!

If your teeth are sensitive during treatment, it is best to let your dentist know so they can delay treatment in order to let you use enamel building toothpaste or lower the concentration of the whitening agent used on your teeth.