Teeth Whitening: Say Goodbye to Stains and Hello to a Brighter Smile
Everyone desires a flawless white smile. However, this is not usually possible for dental stains and discolorations. Fortunately, you can get the smile of your dreams through teeth whitening in Petaluma. Read on to learn how it allows you to say goodbye to the unsightly teeth stains and hello to a brilliant smile.
What Causes Teeth Staining and Discoloration?
Teeth lose their natural white color due to various reasons. For example, you can get stains due to genetics. Other causes are dental trauma, excess exposure to fluoride, thinning enamel, and antibiotic use. These stains appear inside your teeth and are known as intrinsic stains. They are harder to remove.
In addition, your teeth can acquire surface stains, known as extrinsic stains. These occur due to exposure to things that discolor the tooth enamel. They include colored foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, sauces, and berries. Extrinsic discoloration can also happen if you smoke or use tobacco products.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
It is a treatment performed to brighten the color of your teeth, giving you a sparkling smile. Teeth whitening involves using bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide to lift stains off teeth. When a dentist near you performs the procedure, they use lasers, ultraviolet lights, or LED. These accelerate the whitening process and produce better and more long-lasting results.
Teeth Whitening Methods
Various options are available for people who want to enhance their smiles by eliminating stains. Each treatment option has benefits and disadvantages, making it ideal for different people. Below are some teeth whitening methods commonly used today.
- In-office teeth whitening
This whitening method is performed by a dental professional in a dental office setting. It is also known as chairside or professional teeth whitening. The procedure is considered the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective. In addition, the effects of professional teeth whitening last the longest. The dentist can also customize a whitening kit for home use.
In-office teeth whitening takes about 90 minutes at the dentist’s office. The teeth whitening dentist begins by cleaning your teeth to remove plaque and tartar. Next, they apply highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide directly on your teeth. Alternatively, they may apply it in a dental whitening tray and help you wear it.
They let the agent sit for a few minutes and then accelerate its working using a particular light or lasers. Next, the dentist wipes off the whitening gel and repeats the procedure a few times. During the process, they take precautions to avoid enamel damage and gum irritation. Afterwards, they give you pointers to maintain the new brighter smile.
- Over-the-counter whitening kits
These are whitening products obtained from a drugstore or grocery. They can be in the form of whitening toothpaste, strips, pens, or mouthwash. These products are used per the manufacturer’s instructions. Botching the directions can lead to enamel erosion, excess sensitivity, and permanent gum tissue damage.
The products contain hydrogen peroxide, which helps to remove discoloration. However, it is lowly concentrated to protect the user’s teeth and gums. Therefore, these kits do not achieve excellent results like professional teeth whitening. They only brighten teeth a shade or two whiter. Also, you do not see the results right away but after a few days of use.
The Benefits of Teeth Whitening: A Confidence-Boosting Smile Transformation
A stained and discolored smile makes you feel self-conscious and unattractive. As a result, you will avoid social interactions, taking pictures, or smiling and laughing in public. People will avoid you if you do not smile or laugh. Consequently, your job, studies, or social life will suffer.
Fortunately, it is possible to enhance your smile and feel more attractive through a teeth whitening treatment. The procedure will eliminate stains from teeth, leaving them several shades brighter. Therefore, you will have a more positive self-image, and your confidence will rise. Also, you will appear more friendly and approachable, improving your social interactions.
Other benefits of whitening by a teeth whitening dentist include:
- It involves cleaning your mouth, making it healthier and less prone to oral health issues.
- Achieving a brighter and more attractive smile takes a single dental visit.
- The procedure is straightforward and pain-free. You will not require anesthesia.
Contact us at Petaluma Dental Group to book a teeth whitening appointment for a whiter, more confident smile.