How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Do you want to make the best impression at an upcoming party?
Do you just want to feel better about the appearance of your smile? If you’re looking for a hassle-free and safe way to whiten your smile.
You already know that whitening works, but do you know how? Stains on teeth can be classified in one of two ways: extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic stains appear on the surface of your teeth. Intrinsic stains live between the microcracks in your enamel and deep within your dentin (the layer of your tooth underneath your enamel).
Whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses may be able to remove some of the extrinsic stains on your teeth. But only teeth whitening agents can remove the stubborn extrinsic stains and the unsightly intrinsic stains that cause your teeth to look discolored.
Opalescence gels contain an active whitening ingredient that penetrates your enamel to get to discolored molecules. Oxygen molecules from the whitening agents react with the discolored molecules in your teeth, breaking the bonds that hold them together. The oxygen molecules spread, whitening the entire tooth. As a result, you are left with a brighter, whiter smile.
Tooth Bleaching Explained
Dental bleaching, also known as tooth whitening, is a common procedure in cosmetic dentistry. According to the FDA, whitening restores natural tooth color and bleaching whitens beyond the natural color. There are many methods available, such as brushing, bleaching strips, bleaching pen, bleaching gel, and laser bleaching. Teeth whitening has become the most requested procedure in cosmetic dentistry today. More than 100 million Americans whiten their teeth one way or another; spending an estimated $15 billion in 2010.
Bleaching methods use carbamide peroxide which reacts with water to form hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide has about a third of the strength of hydrogen peroxide. This means that a 15% solution of carbamide peroxide is the rough equivalent of a 5% solution of hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide oxidizing agent penetrates the porosities in the rod-like crystal structure of enamel and breaks down stain deposits in the dentin. Power bleaching uses light to accelerate the process of bleaching in a dental office. Another bleaching agent is 6-phthalimido peroxy hexanoic acid (PAP).
Tooth bleaching is not a modern invention. Ancient Romans, for example, used urine and goat milk in an attempt to make and keep their teeth whiter.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Our methods of professional teeth whitening are among the most successful and lauded home teeth whitening and in office teeth whitening in Naples. Island Coast Dentistry provides a safe, effectual, convenient, and cost-effective way to whiten your teeth and give you the flawless smile you were meant to have.
Your smile creates an immediate, subconscious, visual impact on people you meet. A brighter smile gives the impression of youth, vitality, radiant health, happiness, and warmth. Teeth whitening remains one of the most economical ways to enhance your smile.
Popularity of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening’s popularity is steadily increasing, and it is quickly becoming the most popular form of cosmetic dentistry on the market. Teeth whitening is gaining such momentum because there are so many benefits associated with this procedure. The most preferred method of whitening among patients is in-office whitening.
This method of whitening is performed in the office by our dentist. Most patients prefer in office teeth whitening because of the speed. In office teeth whitening is usually finished within one session, and in some cases it can even take less than an hour to complete. Many patients also choose in office teeth whitening because they have easy access to expert advice regarding the procedure and they are being monitored safely by a professional.
Take Home Teeth Whitening
As an alternative to in office teeth whitening, we also provide take home teeth whitening. In this case, the patient is given a series of trays, mouth pieces, and teeth whitening gel that they themselves can apply to their teeth whenever they choose, at their own convenience, and in the comfort of their own homes.
Opalescence take-home whitening gel is perfect for people who want a lot of options. With four different concentrations and three flavors, you can wear Opalescence for as little as 30 minutes per day—or even overnight! Dispensed only by a licensed dental professional, Opalescence take-home whitening gel allows you to get professional whitening results at your convenience in a safe, effective, and customized way!
- Opalescence tooth whitening gel contains PF (potassium nitrate and fluoride). Potassium nitrate has been shown to help reduce sensitivity. Fluoride has been shown to help reduce caries and strengthen enamel. Together, they help to improve the overall health of the teeth.1-5
- Formulated to prevent dehydration and shade relapse
- Four concentrations for treatment flexibility
- Three flavors: Mint, Melon, and Regular
- Day or night wear
For a consultation with Dr. Skupny about Cosmetic Dentistry procedures call Island Coast Dentistry at (239) 261-5566 today!