White teeth are associated with good oral hygiene and overall health. However, if your teeth are stained or discolored, you may feel self-conscious when smiling or speaking. Luckily, there are many ways to achieve brighter teeth, including teeth whitening procedures. Here is everything you need to know about teeth whitening: what it is, how it works, and the different types of treatments available. Then, read on to find the best method for achieving your desired results!
What is teeth whitening, and how does it work?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses bleaching products to lighten the color of teeth. The active ingredient in most bleaching products is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide. These compounds react with the tooth enamel to oxidize stains and discoloration when applied to the teeth.
There are two types of teeth whitening: internal and external. Internal whitening refers to procedures where the bleach is applied directly to the tooth structure (usually via a custom-fitted mouthguard). On the other hand, external whitening uses agents that are applied to the surface of the teeth.
Types of teeth whitening products available over the counter
There are many different types of teeth whitening products available over the counter. The most common are toothpaste, gels, and strips. Toothpaste typically contains a small amount of bleaching agent and removes surface stains from teeth. Gels usually have a higher concentration of bleaching agents than toothpaste and work to penetrate deep into the enamel to remove more stubborn stains. Finally, strips are thin films that are applied to the teeth and dissolve over time, releasing bleaching agents onto the surface of the teeth.
There are also many natural teeth whitening products available. These products typically contain ingredients such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or lemon juice. You can also find natural teeth whitening products at most health food stores. However, before using any teeth whitening product, it is essential to consult with a dentist to ensure that it is safe for use and will not damage the teeth or gums.
Smile More Spokane Family Dentistry, 9671 North Nevada St. ste. 200, Spokane, WA 99218-1146, (509) 505-6303, spokanefamilydentistry.com, 12/11/2024, Page Keywords: dentist Spokane WA,