Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental service that David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry provides in-office or through a take home kit. Results vary, but most patients observe significant lightening that lasts up to a year. Our Pearland teeth whitening patients affirm that a whiter smile improves self confidence and can take years of wear and discoloration away to reveal a brighter smile.
Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching, however, mean two different things. Surface cracks and stains occur on tooth enamel, exposing the yellower dentin below the surface. Discoloration can be the result of the natural aging process, illness, genetics, or dark colored food or drink. Foods and beverages that are both dark colored and acidic – like wine, coffee, and tomato sauce – have even greater staining power.
Teeth whitener can refer to any product used to remove stains from tooth enamel: toothpaste, do it yourself strips, and some mouthwashes are safe and affordable and can improve teeth with continued, regular use. The extent of whitening varies, and it takes dedicated, use to see results.
Whitening products that do not contain bleach can usually make teeth two to four shades lighter. These are a good choice for Houston men and women with sensitive teeth and gums that can react to products containing harsher whitening chemicals. David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry guides pregnant or nursing mothers to pick the non-bleach whitening products.
Teeth bleaching is used to describe a tooth whitening product that contains a form of bleach, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, in varying concentrations. For best results, teeth bleaching should be done in-office by your Texas cosmetic dentist. Bleaching can ordinarily achieve more noticeable results, sometimes up to seven shades lighter. Intrinsic stains on the dentin, as well as surface stains can be effectively lightened under an experienced Pearland dentist’s supervision.
Call the friendly team at David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry to schedule a consultation!
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The following online articles were used as source material for this post:
Linda Dyett, ‘Teeth Whitening: How it Works and What it Costs,’ Consumer Guide to Dentistry, September 12, 2011, http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/teeth-whitening/.htm, accessed on February 6, 2012
‘How to Whiten Teeth,’ What’s Cooking America, http://whatscookingamerica.net/HealthBeauty/TeethWhitening.htm, accessed on February 6, 2012