The Truth About Teeth Whitening
The desire for whiter teeth has long been popular with the public. The depiction of perfect white smiles in the media has raised awareness about discolored teeth and increased demands for whitening products and treatments. There are a variety of whitening methods, with the effectiveness being dependent upon the cause of tooth discoloration.
The most common method of teeth whitening involves bleaching the enamel and dentin of the tooth. Bleaching agents use chemicals to lighten the color of the chromogens or staining molecules on the surface of the teeth. Different products use different mechanisms: cleansers which contain abrasives to remove stains; bleaches that react with the chromogens on the tooth surface to lighten the color; or both cleaners and bleaches.
Teeth Whitening: Achieving a Brighter Smile Safely
To determine if you are a good candidate for whitening, your dentist will examine your mouth and take x-rays of your teeth. He or she will also discuss your current shade of the tooth and how many shades lighter you could be after whitening. Your dentist will also explain how the whitening process works and address any questions or concerns you may have.
After a whitening treatment, your teeth will appear brighter immediately, but they will darken again with time due to re-staining. This can be prevented by resisting brightly colored foods and beverages like red wine, coffee, or candy, practicing daily oral hygiene habits, and visiting your dentist for routine dental exams. A touch-up whitening session every few months can help you maintain your desired shade of white.