Teeth whitening may no longer be a novelty in the dental industry, but it’s still a revolutionary for the individual who wants to maintain a bright, white smile. With many underwhelming over-the-counter products that promise big results and deliver little, some may be skeptical of the effectiveness of teeth whitening, even from a professional. While we at Parkcrest Dental Group can’t speak for the over-the-counter products and at-home procedures, we can absolutely speak for the effectiveness of our tried-and-true methods of teeth whitening.
The Enemy of Your Bright White Smile
To understand how it works, you must first understand what causes discoloration. Your teeth are made up of an inner layer called dentin and a protective, outer enamel layer. From the moment you sprout teeth as a baby, residue begins building up on that enamel. It comes from the food and drinks you consume. As you get older, other components that you consume or take in have more aggressive effects (food, wine, coffee, sugary drinks, smoking, etc.). The material that collects on your teeth forms a pellicle film layer over the enamel. Regular brushing and dental treatments can eliminate this film as it develops. If this pellicle layer sits on your teeth for years and years, it will begin to penetrate the enamel. Enamel is made up of a porous material which allows staining agents to seep down into the tooth, where “scrubbing” (tooth brushing and teeth cleaning) can no longer scour them away.
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Teeth Whitening to the Rescue
Real teeth whitening agents use a bleaching chemical, which causes an oxidation reaction and breaks apart the staining compounds. Breaking the stains down into smaller pieces makes the colors of the stain less concentrated and less visible.
If you go to a dentist for teeth whitening, they will tailor their use of Carbamide or Hydrogen Peroxide (the bleaching agents) to suit you. They will see the possible vulnerable areas that could be negatively affected by the teeth whitening process and they will make a plan to provide you with the healthiest and most comfortable teeth whitening process for you. Most dentists will, first, clean the patient’s teeth, fill any cavities and ensure that their gums are healthy before inviting the harsh chemicals into your mouth. This careful consideration is another important step that is missing if you choose a quick and easy, over-the-counter method of teeth whitening.
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Parkcrest Dental Group will Brighten Your Smile
If you’re interested in teeth whitening and are looking for the right dentist in Springfield, MO to do it, contact Parkcrest Dental Group. We take your oral health seriously. We will give you the best and brightest smile and ensure that you are well-prepared and taken care of through the process.
