Teeth Whitening: Is It Effective and Is It Safe?

Teeth Whitening: Is It Effective and Is It Safe?

Dec 02, 2021

Teeth whitening has been around for centuries, going way back to the ancient Egyptians, from using urine to mixed vinegar with crushed pumice to where we are today. Thankfully, you don’t need to fret about the unsavory methods of teeth whitening!

Teeth whitening in Richmond Hill, NY, can brighten your smile within minutes. Also, you have access to other teeth whitening treatments that contain abrasives and bleaches that you might find in your local stores.

However, teeth whitening near you has been somewhat a source of confusion for some people. Others are wondering whether teeth whitening can harm their oral health or if it’s effective. The problem is that most people don’t seek advice from our teeth whitening dentist and head off to do it independently.

So, let’s see whether the claims are valid or not!

Is Teeth Whitening Effective?

People across the world would do anything to get a million-dollar smile. However, getting that smile is dependent on so many factors, including hygiene, genetics, and past dental work. For instance, if you have a tooth crown or a veneer, teeth whitening will not work.

In any case, your teeth will tend to become yellow as you age. Plus, eating habits and other lifestyle choices can cause your teeth to stain.

However, teeth whitening in Richmond Hill, NY, works in two ways. You can either go for the first option that will remove the surface stains or the second option that changes your dentin color.

Whitening Toothpaste

You could be tempted to go this route since you brush your teeth daily. However, whitening toothpaste is only designed to work on superficial stains because it uses abrasives to remove the stains. In other words, they will not change the color of the dentin, which is where most of the tooth discoloration occurs.

Therefore, the visible effect is minimal. So, you can expect your teeth to be one shade lighter, and the effect will last as long as you keep on using the whitening toothpaste.

But always know that when you go down this route, you might pick a whitening toothpaste that has not been approved, and it might cause damage to your enamel.

Professional Teeth Whitening

When you come to our teeth whitening dentist, you will notice that we use bleach-based whiteners. This means that they contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. When the bleaching agents are applied to your teeth, the enamel quickly absorbs them, and then the chemicals break down. This reaction releases oxygen, which brightens the tooth.

Our dentist will use high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide as compared to any other teeth whitening treatment. Also, our dentist may use bleaching agents together with a laser or light to fasten the process. In any case, when it is done by a professional, in this case, our dentist, then your teeth can be three to eight shades whiter. The effects can last for two or three years.

By far, professional teeth whitening is the most effective method.

At-Home Whitening Kits

At-home whitening kits come in the form of gels, trays, and adhesive strips. They still use bleaching agents, but their concentration is lower. They are also effective if you use them as you have been directed.

So, Is It Safe?

Like most things in life, moderation is vital. You can become obsessed with the results that you want to use the kits every other day. When you overdo it, your enamel will wear down, your teeth will become more sensitive, and the dentin will be exposed.

If you decide to look for DIY kits via the internet, don’t be surprised when they backfire. Most times, these products are not tested properly, and therefore, they can be dangerous. Most of the skepticism and the negative feedback come from people who have gone the DIY route.

However, when a qualified dentist whitens your teeth, the procedure will be carried out safely, and the results will be visible within minutes. There are some side effects, such as tooth sensitivity, that can come with teeth whitening. Don’t fret! These side effects never last long; they may vanish within two or three days.

Generally, teeth whitening near you is a safe procedure when performed by a dentist.

We Are Here For You

We want  you to have a beautiful smile. However, get it done the right way, and it will be safe and effective. So, contact us today at Caring Dentistry of Queens to schedule an appointment.

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