In the constantly changing world of cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening procedures remain one of the most commonly performed procedures for restoring a person’s smile. A popular treatment for men and women of every age, whitening treatments are available to satisfy the individual needs of each patient. Whether you choose one-hour bleaching sessions in-office from Pinnacle Peak Family Dentistry, or use home-bleaching kits provided by Dr. Sara, there are a variety of teeth whitening solutions available.
What Causes Tooth Staining?
The dentin, which is the darker tissue of your teeth, can become exposed as the outer layer of enamel is worn away by the effects of aging or things like caffeine and tobacco. Tooth discoloration can be caused by:
- Age
- Eating habits
- Translucency and thinness
- Smoking habits
- Trauma
- Chemicals
There are two categories of staining as it relates to the teeth: extrinsic staining and intrinsic staining. Extrinsic stains appear on the surface of your teeth as a result of exposure to dark-colored beverages, foods and tobacco, and routine wear and tear. Superficial extrinsic stains are minor and can be removed with brushing and dental cleanings, while persistent extrinsic stains can penetrate into the dentin and become ingrained if they are not dealt with early and properly. Intrinsic stains form on the interior of teeth and are the result of trauma, aging, exposure to minerals during tooth formation and excessive ingestion of fluoride.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
If you are looking for significant color change in a short period of time, in-office teeth whitening from our North Scottsdale office can provide significant improvements. In-office whitening involves the carefully controlled use of relatively high-concentrated peroxide gel that is applied to the teeth by Dr. Sara after the gums have been protected with a protective coating.
This is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures available today. Unlike home-use whitening systems, in-office whitening takes place under carefully monitored conditions which allow for the safe, controlled, pain-free use of a relatively high concentration of bleaching gel, giving way to results that are immediately noticeable.
Take-Home Whitening Kits
Take-home whitening kits can produce stunning results in the long run. They incorporate an easy-to-use lower concentration peroxide gel that remains on the teeth for an hour or less. The lower the peroxide percentage, the longer it may safely remain on the teeth. The gel is applied to your teeth using custom-made bleaching trays that resemble mouth guards.
Whether you whiten your smile in-office or with take-home whitening kits, it is important to contact Dr. Sara in North Scottsdale to determine the best solution to restoring your smile. Professional whitening performed by Dr. Sara at Pinnacle Peak Family Dentistry is considered the most effective and safest method for your smile.
