No one wants to look in the mirror and see a dull, yellow smile. Unfortunately, stains on teeth are hard to avoid. Every time you sip a glass
of wine, enjoy a cup of coffee or even eat a handful of healthy blueberries, dark pigments from those foods and beverages become lodged in your tooth enamel. Fortunately, tooth whitening offers a simple, safe way to get rid of your dental stains. Burlington and Jericho, VT, dentists Drs. Paul Dunkling and Greg Penney of Dunkling and Penney Dentistry explain how whitening can brighten your smile.
Teeth whitening gets rid of tooth-darkening pigments
No matter how well or often you brush your teeth, you can't rid of the dark pigments foods and beverages leave behind. Pigments seep deep into microscopic pores in your tooth enamel and can't be reached by your toothbrush bristles. Although it's not possible to brush away those stain-causing pigments, they can be eliminated by applying a hydrogen peroxide whitening gel. The gel breaks apart the pigments, removing the stains.
It's all about the hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide strength varies depending on whether you take advantage of professional whitening treatment or use over-the-counter products. Professional formulations dentists use are much stronger than those used in the products you'll find online or at a Burlington or Jericho drugstore. If you choose professional whitening, you enjoy these benefits:
- Quick Results: Your teeth will be much whiter after just one professional whitening session, although occasionally a second session may be needed. Drugstore products can take weeks or months to lighten your teeth.
- A Brighter Smile: After a one-hour professional whitening treatment, you can expect your teeth to lighten by three to eight shades.
- A Safer Experience: Tooth sensitivity can be a problem after whitening, particularly if your teeth or gums accidentally come in contact with the hydrogen peroxide gel. When you opt for an in-office whitening treatment, your gums will be protected by a rubber shield or a layer of protective gel. Your cheeks and lips will also be held away from your teeth with comfortable plastic retractors.
- Two Options: At-home whitening kits are also available from the dentist's office. The kits contain a supply of whitening gel and custom-made whitening trays.
Lighten your smile with teeth whitening! Call Burlington and Jericho, VT, dentists Drs. Paul Dunkling and Greg Penney of Dunkling and Penney Dentistry at (802) 863-3479 for the Burlington office and (802) 899-3973 for the Jericho office.