San Diego, CA residents share a common goal of achieving a bright, white smile. One of them is teeth whitening in San Diego CA which has become a most sought-after remedy for everyone who is looking to feel and look great. However, what does teeth whitening do and what can you expect from the process? This blog post will explore the science of teeth whitening, and help prepare you for what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
Tooth Discoloration is of two types:
- Extrinsic Stains: The most common type is extrinsic, which means that stains simply stay on the enamel of a tooth.
- Intrinsic Stains: Intrinsic stains are deep stains that penetrate the inside of your teeth, the dentin directly beneath the enamel.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Extrinsic stains and, to a lesser extent, intrinsic stains are the main goals of teeth whitening. The most popular techniques for tooth whitening involve the use of bleaching chemicals like carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. This is how the procedure operates:
1. The Bleaching Agent
Most teeth whitening treatments include some type of peroxide. Professional treatments usually contain hydrogen peroxide while over-the-counter products contain carbamide peroxide. These agents break down and dissolve into smaller oxygen molecules, which enter the enamel and dentin.
2. Oxidation Process
When the bleaching agent passes through this mineralized cement, it will enter into a reaction of oxidation inside the tooth. This reaction decomposes chromogenic (stain-forming) compounds. These are essentially pigments that attach themselves to your tooth, and the oxygen molecules from bleaching agents break down these attachments by combining with the pigment, turning your teeth white in the end.
3. Light Activation (Optional)
A light or laser can be used to enhance the effectiveness of bleaching agents in professional whitening treatments. This process is accelerated with the help of a light source, meaning that you see results much faster doing it this way.
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Teeth Whitening Process
Initial Consultation
Those who wish to have teeth whitening in San Diego, CA must visit their dentist. Your dentist will:
- Check the Condition of Your Teeth: By observing your set of teeth, the dentist also can see what type and how extensive your staining is, as well as check the general condition of your teeth and gums.
- Talk about your goals: You will have the opportunity to talk about your target whiteness and any type of fears.
- Recommend a Treatment Plan: Your dentist will advise you on the best whitening procedure based on the assessment, which may involve in-office procedures, take-home trays, or over-the-counter treatments.
In-Office Whitening
In-office professional whitening treatments are the quickest and most visible. Here’s what you can expect:
- Preparation: Indeed, your teeth need to be prepared for the procedure; and this involves the dentist cleaning your teeth and shielding them with a barrier or gel.
- Application: The whitening agent is applied to your teeth, and then it is activated with a special light or laser.
- Time for Bleaching Agent to work: Typically, you will need to wait approximately between 15–30 minutes depending on the product and method used.
- Rinse and Repeat: This process can be repeated multiple times as per the desired tint.
Whitened teeth have a great face value and increase our self-esteem. Knowing what to expect based on the science behind the process can result in a more informed decision, as far as how you want your teeth whitening to proceed. To avoid a major mishap, it is in your best interest to have San Diego dentists care for you whether you go the professional route or the at-home route. After all, a white smile is more than just for show; it’s also how you keep your teeth and gums nice and healthy.