If you’ve begun to notice stains on your teeth, you’re not alone! Many factors can lead to some of us losing a little of the pearly whiteness we cherish so much, including smoking, eating, drinking, aging, and certain medications. When you become self-conscious about your smile, it might be time to consider cosmetic dentistry! At Kruckman Family Dentistry, we are ready to whiten your smile and give you teeth that you can be proud of. If you want to learn more about how tooth whitening works, read on!
How Does Tooth Whitening Work?
As it turns out, whitening your teeth is a simple process! All whitening products contain one of two bleaches: Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These are both bleaches that work by breaking down stains into smaller pieces, concentrated pieces. This breaking up of stains will help to make your smile much brighter.
Does Whitening Work on Everyone’s Teeth?
Unfortunately, no. That’s why we encourage you to talk to Waconia’s professionals at Kruckman Family Dentistry about the best cosmetic dentistry choice for you and your teeth. Whiteners cannot correct all discoloration! Yellow teeth will likely bleach without any issues, but teeth with brown or gray tones may not see any improvement whatsoever. Also, if you have any caps, crowns, fillings, or veneers, whitening will not work. It’s also unlikely to work if you have discoloration due to any medications you have taken or a tooth injury.
How Can I Whiten My Teeth?
There are a few options before whitening your teeth, but we highly recommend speaking to a dentist first before selecting one! If you are a good match for whitening, here are a few of the methods you can choose:
- Whitening toothpaste – This simple method is a perfect way to remove surface stains! However, they will not change the overall color of your teeth.
- In-office bleaching – This can happen in usually one visit! We will whiten your teeth by protecting your gums and then applying bleach to your teeth. Then we use a special light to activate the whitening agent.
- At-home bleaching – You’ve seen those at-home kits before! These gels bleach the surface of your tooth, but at a lower concentration than what dentists use in the office.
What Are the Side Effects of Whitening?
Whitening your teeth can lead to a little sensitivity, so keep that in mind if you have had issues with tooth sensitivity before. This usually happens because the peroxide in the whitener goes through the enamel and irritates your tooth’s nerve. However, this sensitivity is temporary! You can resume treatments once it goes away. Keep in mind that using these products too much can seriously harm your teeth. Always talk to your dentist before beginning a whitening regimen!
Contact Us
If you are ready to whiten your teeth, be sure to contact the cosmetic dentistry professionals at Kruckman Family Dentistry! We are here to provide the residents of Victoria, Mayer, Cologne, and all the surrounding areas with dentistry services. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.