If you’re one of the 32% of Americans who is concerned about the appearance of your teeth, we’re going to have your queries answered! Approximately 74% of Americans believe that their less-than-perfect smile serves as a challenge for job seekers. And a shocking 99.7% believe that a beautiful smile is vital in a social setting. Teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry actively work together to significantly improve the way you look and feel.
Teeth whitening treatment continues to serve as a major challenge for many office goers. But have you ever wondered what the difference between teeth whitening and teeth bleaching is?
Teeth whitening treatment restores the natural color of your teeth by carefully removing stains from your tooth’s surface. You will not only smile more confidently, but you’ll also keep your oral health in check. Along with stain removal, you will also benefit from stronger and healthier teeth.
Teeth bleaching on the other hand, is a treatment that involves more than restoring your tooth’s natural color. In this procedure, active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are used as bleaching agents.
Here are 5 basic questions associated with teeth whitening and teeth bleaching:
- Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?
Almost anyone with permanent teeth can qualify for teeth whitening. But it is important to understand that each case is unique and the results may differ. Teeth whitening is the least aggressive treatment to get your teeth shining all over again.
If your dietary habits involve the occasional consumption of tea, coffee, and tobacco, this treatment is meant for you. And over time, your teeth would have developed yellow/brown stains. Since these stains are stranded on the surface of your teeth, they’re the easiest to remove.
However, heavy smokers, tea, and coffee addicts may not find this procedure as effective. If you fall into this category, you may want to discontinue your habits to benefit from a teeth whitening treatment.
- How long is the treatment?
Your treatment time depends on the amount of discoloration of your teeth. And it may vary anywhere from 30-90 minutes to make your teeth brighter. Depending on your situation, you may require as little as one or up to ten visits.
- How safe is teeth whitening?
Certain bleaching products are available at dentists’ offices. Professionally applied bleaching products have received the ADA Seal of Acceptance and it states that the product has met ADA guidelines for safety and effectiveness. At present, only dentist-approved in-home products contain 10% carbamide peroxide, while in-office products contain 35% hydrogen peroxide with an ADA Seal of Acceptance.
- Are whitening products more effective on teeth with stains of certain colors?
Teeth that are yellow respond well to a teeth whitening treatment, while brownish-colored teeth don’t. Additionally, purple-stained or teeth with a grayish hue may not at all respond to this treatment.
The reason is that blue-gray stains that are caused by tetracycline take up to 6 months of in-office treatments for visible teeth lightening results.
Patients with dark stains may be better candidates for other lightening options such as veneers, bonding, and crowns. The degree and nature of stain play a major factor in determining the success of the treatment.
- How safe is teeth whitening?
While teeth whitening is a quick and easy way to make your teeth appear brighter, your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in this procedure. This is especially true if you already have sensitive teeth.
Looking for professional teeth whitening in Goodyear,AZ? We can help! At our clinic, we won’t let you settle for less than perfect teeth whitening. We believe that your teeth deserve utmost care since your teeth are vital to your overall health and well-being. Give us a call today to know more about teeth whitening.