Everyone loves a beautiful, white smile that increases self-confidence and improves overall appearance. In due course, teeth become stained due to food consumption and drinks, smoking, or simply aging. Teeth whitening in Forest Lake is a very popular cosmetic procedure aimed at restoring the natural brightness of the teeth. But how does it work? The science behind teeth whitening can help you decide whether it’s the right choice for you.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
In order to know how whitening is carried out, one also has to know why teeth get stained in the first place. There are two kinds of stains on teeth:
- Extrinsic Stains – These are external discolorations of the teeth due to staining agents like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco.
- Intrinsic Stains – These are stains that occur within the tooth and can be caused by aging, some drugs, excessive fluoride, or trauma.
Both of these stain yellow or dingy teeth, but bleaching agents remove these stains to leave a whiter smile.
Different Teeth Whitening Methods
There are a number of ways to whiten teeth with varying effectiveness and duration.
1. In-Office Professional Whitening
The whitening effect is geared towards people with higher-than-average tooth discoloration or stains. The dentist does the treatment in the office, where a combination of stronger bleaching agents and light/laser technology helps accelerate the whitening system. The procedure promises maximum results achievable in a single dental appointment.
2. At-Home Whitening Kits
Patients who visit their dentist will receive take-home whitening kits containing custom trays along with professional-grade whitening gel. The process requires patience because it needs regular use, but it delivers outstanding results.
3. Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
Bleaching materials in drugstore whitening gels, toothpaste, and strips are kept at lower strengths than professional products. Professional whitening treatments are more effective than products sold in stores, but are more expensive.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Teeth whitening treatments utilize bleaching agents-hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide penetrate the stains of the teeth enamel and dentin.
- Oxidation Process – The oxidation reaction proceeds with the whitening agent penetrating the enamel, thereby entering the substance of the tooth where such discoloration occurs.
- Stan-breaking reaction – Oxygen molecules combine with stain molecules and break them into pieces, so reducing their color.
- Improving light reflection – The removal of stains restores the tooth’s natural color, allowing for better and more even reflection of light off the tooth surface, thus giving a brighter appearance to the teeth.
Teeth Whitening Benefits
Teeth whitening is more than a cosmetic improvement. It also has several advantages, including:
- Increased Confidence – A brighter smile has the potential to increase people’s confidence in their personal and working lives.
- Youthful Grooming – Discolored or yellowed teeth have the ability to make someone appear older, whereas a healthy-looking smile gives them a young look.
- Improved Oral Health – Most people become more encouraged to take proper oral care once they have whitened their teeth.
- Affordable Cosmetic Enhancement – As compared to other cosmetic dental treatments, teeth whitening is an inexpensive method to enhance one’s appearance.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Patients frequently express concerns about the safety of whitening treatments. Professional teeth whitening performed correctly yields both safe and effective results. The side effects from teeth whitening are minimal because tooth sensitivity and gum irritation occur rarely and fade away in a few days.
A qualified dentist supervising professional treatments protects enamel from damage. The whitening agents used in professional dental treatments are FDA-approved and safe for dental applications. Following dental guidance along with avoiding excessive whitening product use will lead to the best possible safe outcomes.
Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?
If you are looking for a safe and reliable dentist in Forest Lake to whiten your teeth, Forest Lake Family Dental provides professional services to help you get the smile of your dreams. Make an appointment today and experience the life-enhancing benefits of a whiter, healthier smile!