There are plenty of products and treatments that can enhance the color and appearance of your teeth. Everyone loves to look at a nice smile, especially when there are whiter teeth involved. There are plenty of people who are happy with the overall appearance of their teeth and with good daily oral hygiene and regular cleanings. However, in other cases, it is possible that the color of your teeth could be lacking in luster due to poor aesthetics or because a tooth may have darkened after a root canal or dental trauma. If, for whatever reason, you want whiter teeth, you should know all the options currently available through your cosmetic dentist in Neenah, WI.
Types of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can be:
- Internal tooth whitening (in devitalized teeth only)
- External tooth bleaching (the most common)
Also, depending on where treatment is obtained we can distinguish between:
- Whitening in the dental clinic
- Whitening at home
- Mixed whitening (in clinic and at home)
External Teeth Whitening
Whitening currently relies almost exclusively on the use of whitening products with different concentrations of carbamide peroxide. These products, when activated (usually with heat or a special light), releases hydrogen peroxide filtered through reaching the enamel and dentin. Dentin is the internal tissue defining tooth color and, by the effect of hydrogen peroxide, undergoes oxidation. This results in bleaching dental tissue. The degree of whitening varies from one patient to another and depends on the particular color of each set of teeth.
What should you ask your dentist?
In general, all whitening techniques work. However, the dentist can tell what whitening method is best suited for you. Whitening products do not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellowish teeth will likely whiten better than brown or gray tones. Bleaching will not be uniform if your front teeth have had some rebuilding or composite work done. Note that whitening products do not affect the color of these materials and thus stand out more if you subject your teeth to the whitening process.
In cases of dental hypersensitivity, your cosmetic dentist in Neenah, WI will treat you clinically by controlling which parts of the dentin need to be treated and isolating and protecting areas that don’t. If you have any other questions or concerns dealing with teeth whitening, contact your local dentist today.
