7 Vital Things You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening in Bronxville, NY
About 32% of the adult population is concerned about the look of their smiles. Some people even go to the lengths of masking their teeth in the photos they post. One of the main reasons why many people are not proud of their smiles is tooth discoloration. Thankfully, teeth whitening exist.
In this blog, we will discuss teeth whitening in detail to help you make an informed decision. But before we get to that, why do our teeth discolor?
Why Do Our Teeth Discolor?
Typically, there are two major causes of teeth discoloration. The first cause is food staining. The food we take stains our teeth, and if you fail to maintain proper oral hygiene, it will lead to teeth discoloration. It is worth noting that some foods are more staining than others. For example, coffee, red wine, and alcohol stains teeth more. You are also at higher risk of teeth discoloration if you are a smoker.
The other cause of teeth discoloration is enamel thinning. Typically, our teeth’ surface has two major types, the enamel, which is the outermost part of a tooth, and the dentin, which is beneath the enamel.
The enamel is white, while the dentin is yellow. The enamel thins as we get old, and it can also be eaten away by acids, exposing the dentin. Once the dentin is exposed, your teeth will appear discolored since it is yellow.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is the use of whitening chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to whiten a person’s teeth. Teeth whitening solutions are available for purchase, but we recommend our patients to choose in-office whitening.
In-office whitening is fast, safe, and effective. Typically, it takes around 45 minutes to whiten teeth in a dental office. The dentist uses safe amounts of whitening products to avoid increasing your teeth’ sensitivity or damaging the enamel. Talk to us if you are looking for teeth whitening near you in Bronxville.
Teeth Cleaning Is Not Whitening
Many people confuse these two procedures, but they are not the same. Teeth cleaning is a preventive measure to prevent cavities, gum disease, and staining, while whitening is a cosmetic procedure to fix discoloration.
However, your dentist may have to clean your teeth first before whitening them. That’s probably why some people think cleaning is whitening. Please note that you will still need to visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and exams. That way, you will maintain an electric smile and avoid infections.
Teeth Whitening is Pain-Free
Some people fear whitening, thinking that it is a painful procedure, but it is not. In fact, no dental procedure is painful. Since the introduction of sedation, you don’t need to fear the dentist because all procedures are painless. Furthermore, you won’t even need sedation during a whitening procedure.
However, you might experience a few discomforts after the procedure. For example, you might experience increased sensitivity for the first few days. The sensitivity should not last long, though. It should be gone within a few days. If you experience irritations or pain, contact your dentist. That’s not a common side effect of teeth whitening.
Teeth Whitening Is Not For Children
Your child can discolor her teeth because of poor oral hygiene, medications, or fluoridated water. However, you should wait until she is an adult to try whitening. Teeth whitening is a procedure only meant for adults. If your child is embarrassed by her smile, talk to her pediatric dentist, and she will advise you accordingly. Don’t try whitening solutions on your kid, though.
In-Office Whitening Does Not Damage the Enamel
Some people fear whitening their teeth because they have been convinced that chemicals used by dentists damage the enamel. Some sites even provide proof of how unsafe the procedure is.
That’s not the case, though. The whitening procedure is safe, and you only need to find yourself an experienced dentist. We are here for you if you are looking for teeth whitening services in Bronxville, NY.
You Can’t Whiten Restorations.
It is worth noting that if you miss a few teeth and want to replace them with implants or bridges, you cannot whiten the restorations. Therefore, first, whiten your teeth and then match the restoration with your teeth’ new color.
Bronxville Dentistry
Talk to us if you are looking for an experienced dentist for teeth whitening. We provide cosmetic dental procedures of the highest quality at pocket-friendly prices. Book an appointment today, and let us enhance your smile.