The most popular cosmetic dental procedure in the world is teeth whitening. The procedure begins with a thorough professional cleaning to ensure all plaque and tartar is removed from the teeth. If plaque and tartar are not removed first, the whitening gel will not reach the tooth. The stains you see on your teeth are in the tooth enamel. The whitening agent, usually a gel containing hydrogen peroxide, bleaches out the stain and returns the natural coloring of the teeth.
Barrera Advanced Dentistry uses Opalescence™ and Zoom! for teeth whitening, two of the leading teeth whitening products. Opalescence is available as a whitening treatment in the office as well as a take-home kit. They also offer whitening toothpaste with or without sensitivity relief.
Advantages of Whitening Teeth
Perhaps the most popular reason for whitening your teeth is that it can make you look younger. Removing the stains from your teeth is a fast way to improve your appearance and look more vibrant and healthy. The discoloration that staining causes happens so slowly that you may not be aware of how dark your teeth have become. Whiter teeth can boost your self-confidence.
In-Office vs. OTC Products
There are a variety of over-the-counter teeth whitening products available at most stores where you can purchase oral hygiene products. Some of these products are very inexpensive, so why bother with the cost of having your teeth whitened in the dental office?
Many OTC products will whiten your teeth sufficiently without problems. However, there are some that will not do a very good job and may actually cause damage to your teeth or gums. When you have your teeth whitened in the dental office, you know you are getting a treatment that is safe as well as effective. Many patients will have the initial whitening treatment in the office and then use recommended products for at-home treatment.
A Deeper Whitening
There are superficial stains in the enamel of the tooth, which is the outer layer. The dentin, which is the layer underneath the enamel, is darker and may show through thin enamel. Opalescence uses ingredients in the gel that seeps through the enamel to oxidize stained molecules in the dentin layer. Another advantage of this system is that it contains potassium nitrate and fluoride. Together, these ingredients help to minimize sensitivity and strengthen the teeth.
The Zoom! whitening treatment uses a special UV light to activate the whitening agents in the gel. Before treatment begins, your lips, gums and eyes are covered to keep them protected. The gel is then applied to the teeth and the UV light is used to start the process. Three layers of whitening gel are applied, one at a time for 15 minutes each until your optimum tooth color is reached.
You will appreciate the difference made by whitening your teeth. Contact Barrera Advanced Dentistry today to schedule an appointment for your first teeth whitening treatment.