Teeth whitening is a popular procedure used to brighten teeth by removing old stains. In as little as one dental appointment, teeth whitening procedures can whiten teeth as much as 5-10 shades. This is because the whitening agents used by your Hemet cosmetic dentist are able to penetrate through both the enamel and dentin to remove stains from both layers. Teeth whitening can remove stains caused by:
- Foods & beverages
- Tobacco use
- Age
- Oral hygiene habits
Did You Know?
Teeth whitening treatments can remove stains on the outer enamel and the inner dentin. Since both these layers can become stained, removing stains from only the outer layer will not yield the same results.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?
Candidates for teeth whitening are those who have intact teeth that are generally healthy and free from decay and gum disease. Teeth whitening is the perfect cosmetic dental treatment for those who are simply looking to improve the color of their teeth by removing old stains. To find out if you are an ideal candidate for teeth whitening, schedule a consultation with your Hemet cosmetic dentist today.
How does teeth whitening work?
Teeth whitening treatments work by initializing an oxidation reaction inside the tooth that breaks apart colored molecules, basically dissolving stains. The hydrogen or carbamide peroxides found in whiteners are responsible for this reaction and then break down into water once the reaction is complete.
What can I expect when receiving teeth whitening from my Hemet cosmetic dental office?
Teeth whitening treatments are both fast and easy. Before having your teeth whitened, they will need to be cleaned so that there is an even surface to apply the whitening agent to. Next, your gums will be isolated in order to prevent them from becoming irritated by the whitener. Once your mouth has been prepared, the whitening agent will be brushed onto the front surface of your teeth. It will then be left in place for about 30-60 minutes, depending on the type of whitener and desired results. In some cases, a curing light may also be used in coordination with the whitening agent. Once the whitener has sat for an allotted amount of time, it will be rinsed from the teeth.
Will I need to follow any special post-treatment instructions after having my teeth whitened?
After having your teeth whitened, you will want to avoid eating or drinking anything that is highly pigmented. This is because the whitening agent applied to your teeth continues to work on dissolving stains for up to 24 hours after it was applied. Therefore, in order to get the best results, you will not want to expose your teeth to new stains.
Additionally, after having your teeth whitened, you may notice your gums are irritated or your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Gum irritation after whitening can occur if the whitener agent came in contact with the gums at any point during the treatment. Tooth sensitivity is another issue that can happen after teeth whitening. However, the severity of tooth sensitivity can be reduced or eliminated by using a sensitivity toothpaste in the weeks leading up to and away from your appointment. Both issues generally fade within a few days of the procedure.
Recent Comments