Whitening is a safe way to brighten your smile and make your teeth look healthy and vibrant. There are many whitening products on the market, including cleansers and over-the-counter bleaching gels. You can also get professional whitening treatments from your dental team. These treatments typically take two or three appointments, during which your dental team will place a protective barrier on your gums and then apply a bleaching gel to the surface of your teeth. During treatment, you will usually sit in front of a special lamp that heats the bleaching agent, which breaks down dark pigmented molecules in the enamel on your teeth, leaving your teeth lighter in color.
Although you may notice a difference in the color of your teeth whitening omaha treatment, keep in mind that it is normal for your teeth to re-stain over time. This is because the dentin that makes up most of your tooth becomes thicker with natural aging and exposure to foods and beverages that stain. However, since stains are superficial on the outer enamel layer, they will likely fade and return to their original color.
The majority of stains on teeth are caused by drinks and foods that contain strong colors such as red wine, coffee, soda, and berries. Using a whitening toothpaste and mouthwash regularly can help to prevent stains, but if your teeth are already stained then you may want to consider other whitening options such as veneers or bonding.
Most people would agree that a whiter smile is more attractive, and for this reason, many of us turn to whitening as a way to boost our confidence. While there are a variety of whitening products on the market, it is important to use them correctly to avoid unnecessary risks such as increased tooth sensitivity and damage to the enamel.
While there are a wide variety of teeth whiteners available, only a few actually work to lighten the appearance of your teeth. The only true whitening chemicals are hydrogen peroxide and its close relative, carbamide peroxide, which penetrate the enamel and break down the dark pigmented molecules within the enamel. When these molecules are broken down, they become lighter in color, and the underlying dentin appears whiter.
Tooth whitening is safe, but it can cause a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth, particularly the gums. This typically occurs during the early stages of the whitening process and should disappear shortly after the whitening treatment is completed.
The best thing to do to minimize these side effects is to follow the directions on the product, and never exceed the recommended amount of whitening agent. You should also be careful not to expose your teeth to staining substances immediately after whitening and rinse your mouth thoroughly after each meal. If you are a candidate for whitening, ask your dental team for recommendations on the right product for you. If you decide to purchase a teeth whitener at home, it is wise to choose one that has the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance, which indicates that the product has been evaluated for safety and effectiveness by dental professionals.