How Teeth Whitening Methods Work
What does it take to have a beautiful smile? Aside from teeth that are straight and properly aligned, the other key defining element is usually the whiteness and brightness of the teeth. The thing is, between aging and staining substances, teeth don’t tend to stay very white on their own. That’s where whitening treatments come into play. But how do they work?
Abrasion
If you’ve ever gone shopping for toothpaste, you’ve probably seen toothpaste that claims to have whitening properties. Such toothpaste uses mild abrasives to scrub away surface stains. Unlike other teeth whitening methods, this toothpaste isn’t designed to change the color of the actual teeth. People who use whitening toothpaste aren’t likely to see drastic results simply from the use of toothpaste alone.
Chemical Breakdown
The teeth whitening methods that lead to the most impressive results use chemicals called peroxides. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the most common. They work by chemically breaking down the molecules that bond stains to the teeth. This removes them, bleaching the teeth and brightening the smile.
Choosing a Whitening Method
Whitening methods fall into two main categories: DIY whitening and professional whitening. DIY whitening methods tend to have a lower concentration of peroxides. This means that you may have to spend more time and effort on DIY whitening, but you run a lower risk of damaging your teeth from overexposure to peroxides. Some DIY products may have a much higher concentration of peroxides, but using them could lead to over-whitening your teeth. This weakens your enamel and makes you more susceptible to tooth decay.
Professional whitening methods tend to yield more impressive results more quickly. This is because of the higher concentration of peroxides in professional whitening products. It’s safer to have your teeth whitened professionally with stronger products because Dr. Maccaro is familiar with the condition of your teeth and knows how to use them safely.
Teeth whitening works very similarly to how cleaning anything else does. Stains are removed through abrasion or are chemically broken down. The results you see will depend on the whitening method you choose and the stains you’re trying to remove. Remember, you can always talk to Dr. Maccaro about what options are likely to work best for you.
Seeing is believing. Click here to see the Maccaro Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry Smile Gallery for proof of just how much of a difference the right dental and orthodontic care can make!
