Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental service that Dental Care Today PC – E. Dale Behner DDS provides in-office or through a take home kit. Results vary, but most patients experience significant lightening that lasts up to a year. Our teeth whitening patients agree that a whiter smile boosts self confidence and can take years of wear and discoloration away to reveal a brighter smile.
Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching, however, refer to two different things. Surface cracks and stains arise on tooth enamel, exposing the yellower dentin below the surface. Discoloration can be the result of the natural aging process, illness, genetics, or dark colored food or drink. Foods and beverages that are both dark colored and acidic— like wine, coffee, and tomato sauce—have even stronger staining power.
Teeth whitener can refer to any product used to remove stains from tooth enamel: toothpaste, DIY strips, and some mouthwashes are safe and cost-effective and can enhance teeth with continued, regular use. The extent of whitening varies, and it takes dedicated, consistent use to see results.
Whitening products that do not contain bleach can usually make teeth two to four shades lighter. These are a good choice for individuals with sensitive teeth and gums that can react to products containing harsher whitening chemicals. Dental Care Today PC – E. Dale Behner DDS guides pregnant or nursing mothers to pick the non-bleach whitening products.
The term “bleaching” is used to refer to a tooth whitening product that contains a form of bleach, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, in varying concentrations. For best results, teeth bleaching should be performed in-office by your dentist. Bleaching can commonly achieve more noticeable results, sometimes up to seven shades lighter. Intrinsic stains on the dentin, as well as surface stains can be capably lightened under an experienced dentist’s supervision.
Call the friendly team at Dental Care Today PC – E. Dale Behner DDS to set up a consultation!
Redefining the Art of the Smile
The following online articles were used as source material for this post:
Linda Dyett, ‘Teeth Whitening: How it Works and What it Costs,’ Consumer Guide to Dentistry, September 12, 2011, http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/teeth-whitening/.htm, accessed on February 6, 2012
‘How to Whiten Teeth,’ What’s Cooking America, http://whatscookingamerica.net/HealthBeauty/TeethWhitening.htm, accessed on February 6, 2012
Contact Dental Care Today PC – E. Dale Behner DDS:
317-842-2337
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
9744 Lantern Rd
Fishers, Indiana
46037
