Teeth Whitening Teeth whitening treatment is done by use of a teeth whitener to clean the teeth and restore the enamel's unstained appearance. It is a quick, affordable treatment that rejuvenates the glow of your smile. By definition of the FDA, any product that is used to clean the teeth is considered a whitener. In cosmetic dentistry, whitening refers to the treatment of whitening products containing non-chlorine bleach like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Teeth whitening is usually a recurring treatment and is not permanent. To preserve the effects of the treatment, it's best that the patient is disciplined with their oral hygiene habits. Let Schnierow Dental Care be your trusted teeth whitening provider. We will provide routine monitoring and maintenance during your dental exams. How Teeth Get DiscoloredTeeth discoloration on the outside of the tooth is known as extrinsic staining. These stains are usually minor and can be easily removed with regular oral hygiene. Intrinsic stains can develop in the dentin layer. The discoloration can occur from force trauma, exposure to minerals during the tooth's development, and fluoride ingestion. Enamel protects teeth from repeated chewing, grinding, trauma, and bacteria. Dentin, the tooth's second layer, is yellow in color. Some people can have a greenish-gray dentin. Through repeated chewing, millions of microscopic cracks occur in our enamel. These cracks on a micro level, fill up with stains and debris. Over time the teeth will develop a dull appearance. As you age the dentin becomes more visible through the teeth enamel. Dentists have thought intrinsic stains are too resistant to bleaching treatments. Whitening with an at-home whitening kit for a month to a year can yield significant results. Genetics can affect people's tooth color and response to teeth whitening. Smoking, certain drugs, or chemicals can also greatly affect tooth color. Habitual consumption of darkly colored foods can stain the teeth over time, so it is important to maintain good oral hygiene between meals. Home Whitening Treatments AvailableHydrogen peroxide is commonly used in dental office treatments. It is fast-acting with concentrations ranging from nine to 40 percent. Carbamide peroxide is more common for at-home teeth whitening. It is slower acting and not as effective as hydrogen peroxide. Whichever you choose, your teeth may need multiple treatments to reach the desired shade of whiteness. Whitening Treatments Do Have Some Side EffectsOver half of patients who receive peroxide treatments report some level of gum irritation. This can last up to several days until the peroxide levels have subsided. Higher concentration bleaching can cause a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity, individuals with gum recession are at higher risk of increased sensitivity. Restorations such as bonding or crowns are not affected by bleach and therefore maintain their color while the surrounding teeth are whitened. If you are considering a whitening treatment to brighten your smile, consult one of our dentists at . They can go over your past medical history, current oral health, and lifestyle habits to recommend the best plan for treatment and maintaining its results. Call us at (424) 383-5005 to schedule a consultation, or for more information. |
 Hawthorne, CA13450 Hawthorne Blvd. Hawthorne, CA 90250-5806 |
