What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth Whitening is a process usually done on discolored teeth. Discoloration of teeth often occurs when a person consumes coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. Natural aging is also another reason why adult teeth often become darker.

Teeth whitening can involve disposable products where you can almost paint them on your teeth, but these are very temporary. When the saliva comes in contact with the ‘whitening paint,’ it rubs off quickly. In-office whitening is also available, where the dentist’s office will do the treatment for you. It is a process where you apply the chemicals hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to bleach your teeth. This process opens the tubules of the tooth structure and allows that chemical to go in to the tooth. The chemicals inject just inside the enamel, which is the outside layer of your tooth. It then breaks down and helps eliminate both deep and surface stains. Once the whitener is removed, your natural saliva or brushing will then seal the tooth back again.

If you are a heavy coffee or tea drinker, or a smoker, you may need to consider teeth whitening to get rid of the stains. Some people may have darker teeth just naturally and even antibiotics given to children are also known to discolor teeth. These discolorations take place from the inside of the tooth and are much harder to address. There are whiteners that will lighten this type of internal or intrinsic antibiotic stain, but most people end up with veneers to cover up this type of discoloration.

Due to the chemicals involved in teeth whitening, it is not recommended for children and women who are pregnant. Tooth whitening by bleaching is a successful and inexpensive procedure done in less time. It is sure to give you beautiful and whiter teeth.

Back To Teeth Whitening Home Page