You can do your best to keep your smile bright and healthy, but over time, your teeth may still lose some of their youthful brilliance and develop stains or discoloration. Because teeth stains occur so frequently, teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental improvements, and can usually be accomplished in little time. During your visit, your dentist will thoroughly inspect your teeth to make sure that they’re healthy, and to make sure that teeth whitening will work to improve their appearance.
The Nature of Teeth Stains
For the most part, teeth stains are simple. They usually develop on the outer surfaces of your teeth (known as tooth enamel) and do not pose a threat to the health and integrity of your teeth. Teeth whitening works by chemically breaking up and removing the stains that accumulate on enamel, then brightening the tooth structure underneath the enamel by oxidizing it. However, if your teeth stains develop within the tooth structure itself, underneath the enamel, then teeth whitening may not work, and your dentist may recommend a better solution, like bonding or porcelain veneers.
Two Kinds of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening itself is a simple procedure that involves applying bleaching gel onto the surfaces of your teeth. Yet we make it even more convenient by offering two systems designed to fit your busy schedule. In-office teeth whitening can be completed during a single visit, usually in little over an hour, while take-home teeth whitening can be applied at your convenience from the comfort of your own home.
