How Teeth Whitening Works and How Much It Costs

One of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures is teeth whitening, which offers a quick, non-invasive, and reasonably priced approach to improving a smile. Every budget, time limit, and temperament can be satisfied by whitening (or bleaching) procedures, which both men and women universally value. Solutions abound, whether they come in the shape of professionally performed one-hour whitening sessions at a dental clinic, cosmetic salon, or home-use bleaching kits bought at your neighborhood drugstore.

 

Almost everyone who chooses a teeth whitening solution notices a moderate to a significant increase in the brightness and whiteness of their smile. However, it is not a permanent remedy to discoloration and requires maintenance or "touch-ups" to provide a long-lasting effect.

 

This article explains everything about teeth whitening, including the process of tooth discoloration, what causes staining, the numerous treatment techniques available, and the risks and expenses involved.

 

What Is the Difference Between Bleaching and Whitening?

The FDA allows the term "bleaching" to be used only when teeth can be whitened beyond their natural color. This only applies to goods containing bleach, commonly hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

 

The term "whitening," on the other hand, refers to the process of restoring the surface color of a tooth by eliminating dirt and debris. So, technically, any product used to clean the teeth (such as toothpaste) is considered a whitener. But, of course, whitening sounds more appealing than bleaching, so it is more commonly used – even when describing goods containing bleach.

 

When time is of the essence, the bleach of choice for in-office whitening is potent and fast-acting hydrogen peroxide. When bleaching teeth, hydrogen peroxide concentrations range from 9% to 40%.

 

In contrast, the preferred bleach for at-home teeth whitening is the slower-acting carbamide peroxide, which degrades into hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide is around one-third the strength of hydrogen peroxide. This indicates that a 15% carbamide peroxide solution is similar to a 5% hydrogen peroxide solution.

 

Examining the Enamel of the Teeth

Because of our porcelain-like enamel surface, most start with shining white teeth. Tooth enamel, which is made up of small crystalline rods, is meant to protect teeth from the impacts of chewing, gnashing, trauma, and acid assaults generated by sugar. However, enamel deteriorates over time, becoming more translucent and allowing the yellow color of dentin — the tooth's core structure — to show through.

 

Dentin remains intact during ordinary chewing, whereas millions of microcracks form in the enamel. These fissures and the spaces between the crystalline enamel rods accumulate stains and debris over time. As a result, the teeth become dull and uninspiring over time.

 

Teeth whitening eliminates stains and debris from the enamel, leaving the fissures open and exposed. Some fissures are immediately remineralized by saliva, while others are filled with organic waste.

 

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Age: Tooth color and age have a clear association. Teeth darken over time due to wear and tear and stain collection. Whitening will most likely produce immediate and dramatic outcomes in teenagers. When teeth develop a yellow tinge in their twenties, whitening may require a little more work. By the 1940s, the yellow had given way to brown, and additional maintenance may be required. By fifty, the teeth have absorbed a slew of persistent stains that can be difficult (but not impossible) to remove.

 

Eating habits: Consumption of red wine, coffee, tea, cola, carrots, oranges, and other highly colored beverages and foods produces significant discoloration over time. Furthermore, acidic meals like citrus fruits and vinegar lead to enamel erosion. As a result, the surface becomes more transparent, revealing more of the yellow-colored dentin.

 

At River District Smiles, we offer a teeth whitening service that can help you achieve the smile of your dreams! We use the latest teeth whitening technology to help you achieve brighter, whiter teeth in just one visit. Call us today to schedule a consultation!

Resources:

https://fonolive.com/b/us/rock-hill-sc/hospital/18149004/river-district-smiles-dentistry

https://www.freeclinics.com/det/sc_29730_river-district-smile-dentistry

https://www.gleauty.com/US/Rock-Hill/103122454466295/River-District-Smiles-Dentistry

https://www.globaldyrectory.com/listing/river-district-smiles-dentistry-2/

https://healthprovidersdata.com/hipaa/codes/NPI-1164628491-dr-matthew-l-hubis-dmd