What you need to know about teeth whitening

Whether you’re looking to remove stubborn stains from years of drinking coffee or simply want to enhance your natural pearly whites, there’s a teeth whitening option out there for you. In this blog post, we’ll explore the available options and discuss the most important aspects you should consider before whitening your teeth.

Why do teeth get stained?

Drinking and eating pigmented foods and beverages is one of the most common causes of teeth staining. These include coffee, tea, black sodas, and red wine. The colors in these foods and drinks can stain your teeth, giving them a yellow or brown tint over time. This is known as extrinsic staining.

Another common cause of teeth staining is the aging process. As we get older, the enamel on our teeth naturally becomes thinner, exposing the dentin underneath. Dentin is a naturally yellow-colored substance, so as it becomes more visible, our teeth can appear to take on a yellow or brown hue. This type of staining is known as intrinsic staining and is typically more difficult to remove. However, professional teeth whitening treatments can help reduce the appearance of both extrinsic and intrinsic staining.

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening is a quick and easy way to brighten your smile and remove stubborn stains from your teeth. One of the most popular and widely used whitening agents is hydrogen peroxide. This powerful bleaching agent works by penetrating the enamel of the tooth and breaking down stubborn stains, revealing the natural white color of the tooth.

There are a variety of teeth whitening options available, including over-the-counter products, such as whitening toothpaste and strips, as well as professional treatments, such as in-office bleaching or at-home bleaching trays. Many of these use hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient, and the concentration can vary depending on the strength of the treatment. For example, over-the-counter products typically have a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide, while professional treatments may have a higher concentration for more dramatic results.

Are teeth whitening treatments bad for your teeth?

The first thing you need to know is that teeth whitening treatments are considered safe. However, the old adage “everything in moderation” applies to teeth whitening too. So don’t be tempted to whiten your teeth every 2 months without consulting your dentist first. Also, if you go for an over-the-counter option, ask your dentist for recommendations and make sure you follow all the product’s instructions carefully.

What teeth whitening treatment is best?

Over-the-counter teeth whitening options, such as whitening toothpaste, strips, and gels, are a convenient and affordable way to improve the appearance of your teeth. These products can be found at most drugstores and supermarkets and can be used at home without the need for a professional appointment. However, the results from over-the-counter options may not be as good as those from professional treatments. Also, some over-the-counter products may not be as effective for people with severe staining or discoloration.

On the other hand, professional teeth whitening options, such as in-office treatments or custom-made whitening trays, are administered by a dentist. These treatments can provide more significant and longer-lasting results. Plus, professional treatments are tailored to your specific needs and can be used to address severe staining or discoloration.

Are the effects of teeth whitening permanent?

All good things come to an end, and so does the effect of teeth whitening treatments. While professional teeth whitening treatments can provide long-lasting results, it’s important to keep in mind that your teeth will naturally stain over time due to factors like food and drink consumption and aging. However, you can maintain your teeth whitening effect for a long time by practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding pigmented foods and drinks, and scheduling regular touch-up treatments if needed.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the duration of the results can vary according to the type of treatment you chose. For example, professional in-office whitening treatments can provide more dramatic and longer-lasting results compared to at-home whitening kits.

Want to show off a brighter smile? We are here to help.

Teeth whitening treatments are one of the easiest and most effective ways to enhance your smile. At Austin Dental, we’ve been helping our patients achieve brighter smiles for years, and we can help you too.

If you want to learn more about teeth whitening or are interested in getting started right away, request an appointment or call us at (512) 835-1924 to schedule a visit at any of our West Parmer Lane or Westlake locations. Our team will be happy to answer all your questions and help you achieve a stunning smile!