Teeth Whitening Before & After

Teeth whitening, without a doubt, is the most common treatment in cosmetic dentistry. Achieving a healthy-looking and brighter smile is an attractive prospect for most people. Keep reading to know more about professional teeth whitening.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

When our permanent teeth come as children, they’re generally fairly white. However, they may not necessarily be as bright as the white pearls shown in toothpaste commercials.

Everyone has a standard, natural brightness level for their teeth. If you wish your teeth to look as white as a sheet of paper, the results may look artificial. However, a professional teeth whitening treatment from a dentist can help you achieve a brighter smile while retaining your natural appearance.

Your teeth will become discolored as you get older. The yellowing and dullness can be attributed to:

  • Medications – Several medications or mouth rinses may discolor your teeth.
  • Medical Conditions – Oral diseases affecting your tooth enamel can cause spotting or staining.
  • Age – As you grow older, your enamel wears away, making your teeth look yellow and brown.
  • The Foods You Eat – Foods and beverages like soda, apples, coffee, tea, and potatoes may cause stains.
  • Tobacco – Chewing tobacco and smoking discolors your teeth.
  • Inadequate Dental Hygiene – Not brushing and flossing properly makes your teeth discolored.
  • Avoiding Dental Cleanings – Professional dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar, which can discolor your teeth.

Some teeth stains are permanent and can set in if you regularly have tobacco or drink red wine, especially if you have poor dental hygiene. If you expose your teeth to stain-producing compounds longer, the more likely your stains will be permanent.

Discolorations produced by tartar and medical conditions typically need dental treatment for removal.

How Long Does a Professional Teeth Whitening Last?

The length of time you can expect a professional tooth whitening to last depends on the type of whitener used by your dentist. Besides this, your lifestyle habits also contribute to it.

Professional tooth whitening treatments reduce stains, but they cannot repel new ones. Professional tooth whitening will last longer if you keep your teeth clean and have good oral habits.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Stains

Note that the type and degree of stain or tooth discoloration you have matters. Two types of tooth stains are:

  1. Intrinsic (internal): Intrinsic stains are caused by trauma, infection, aging, medication, etc. These are deep, internal stains. These strains are harder to eliminate, but they can be removed using the right type of treatment.
  2. Extrinsic (external): These stains are caused by cigarette smoke, food, and drinks. Most whiteners easily work on extrinsic stains.

Professional Whitening Methods

Are you looking for whiter teeth? You’re not alone. A bright, white smile is associated with youth, vitality, and health. Fortunately, many professional whitening methods are available to get the job done. Two main types of whitening agents are – hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Each of them has its pros and cons.

  1. Hydrogen peroxide is the most commonly used whitening agent, and it works by breaking down into oxygen molecules, penetrating the tooth enamel, and breaking down the stains. Hydrogen peroxide is available in different concentrations, so it’s important to talk to your dentist about which one is right.
  2. Carbamide peroxide is another popular whitening agent, and it works similarly to hydrogen peroxide, but it is not as strong. Carbamide peroxide is available in different concentrations, so it’s important to talk to your dentist about which one is right.

OTC whitening products use a form of peroxide, but the concentration is not as high as what is used in professional treatments. OTC products are a good option for people who want a brighter smile, but they may not be as effective as professional teeth whitening treatments.

If you’re looking for whiter teeth, talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening methods. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the most commonly used agents, but other options are also available. So it’s best to talk to your dentist about which option is right for you.

Find Out More About Professional Teeth Whitening at Minneapolis Dental

You can expect tooth discoloration to some degree as you age because it is a natural occurrence. But there are some ways to maintain your color and retain your beautiful smile. Also, you can check out Teeth Whitening Options.

How long a professional teeth whitening lasts depends on two factors; firstly, how you get your teeth whitened, and secondly, how you maintain them. Speaking to a qualified dental professional is important when you get your teeth whitened. They can advise you on the best treatment options available for you and your lifestyle and can help address any issues you have regarding your teeth.

Lastly, how long a professional teeth whitening lasts will depend on how well you care for your teeth. Avoiding highly staining foods and maintaining good oral hygiene practices can help prolong the whiteness of your teeth, as the better you treat your teeth, the whiter they will stay.

At Minneapolis Dental, we are fortunate to have a world-renowned cosmetic dentist to help you achieve all your smile goals. We offer you a personalized tooth whitening treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle and needs as we work with the boutique whitening system.

If you have any more queries about professional teeth whitening and ways to maintain your results, please do not hesitate to contact us today! Call 612-332-1255 or send an email to robin@mplsdental.com and a member of our expert team will be on hand to advise and book you in for a consultation.