Many people wanting a lighter smile turn to over-the-counter whitening products only to be disappointed at the results. Not only is there no guarantee that you’ll achieve your ideal shade, but you might end up with teeth sensitivity or worse.
Thankfully, your dentist has access to professional-grade whitening agents and will examine your mouth first to ensure that your smile is happy and healthy after your procedure. If you have tooth decay and want a brighter grin, continue reading to learn why it’s important to mend the damage before proceeding with cosmetics!
How Are Store-Bought and Professional Teeth Whitening Different?
Although commercially available teeth whitening strips and gels claim that they can remove stubborn stains, that’s not always the case. They often contain more diluted bleaching agents that don’t always get the job done and one-size-fits-all application trays with plenty of room for error. Many people misuse or overapply products and end up with teeth sensitivity.
Meanwhile, your dentist uses ultra-concentrated bleaches that are designed to mitigate potential discomfort. They’ll also examine your mouth first to ensure no pre-existing issues, like cavities, could interfere.
A single in-office appointment can potentially lighten your teeth by up to 8 shades with instant results. If you prefer a more gradual approach, you can ask if they also provide take-home kits using the same top-quality supplies and custom-fitted trays for an optimal outcome.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Most teeth whiteners contain bleaches like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which remove stains from the protective outer layer (enamel). When they come into contact with the moisture in your mouth, they have a chemical reaction that produces reactive oxygen molecules that break the discolored molecules down. The discolored particles are broken down into smaller, less pigmented pieces.
How Do Cavities Impact Teeth Whitening?
Cavities happen when bacteria in your mouth work in tandem with acids from the foods you eat to wear down your enamel. Once they penetrate this shield, they infect the tender materials and nerves inside your tooth. This can produce aches and inflammation enough by itself, but can you imagine putting concentrated bleach over the injury? Those whitening their teeth at home might not even realize they have tooth decay until they try to brighten their grin and end up needing an emergency dental appointment to address their pain.
The safest way to achieve an upgraded grin is to call your dentist first!
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan Cohen takes pride in helping people of all ages build happy, healthy smiles. He graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine before completing a General Practice Residency at University Hospital in Syracuse, NY. Today, he’s an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, making him an expert at improving your appearance. If you’re interested in professional teeth whitening services, you can request a consultation on the website or call (904) 230-2961.