Demystifying the World of Whitening Products
The term “whitening” is used in about every package you can pick up at the grocery store for toothpaste, mouth rinses, and gels. This term seems to be used extremely liberally. In a recent study done by MSNBC, the citizens of the US spend over 1.4 billion dollars on over the counter tooth whitening products every year. Is this money wasted or does it work? The answer is essentially, sometimes. A quick explanation of tooth staining can provide some clarity on the issue.
In a simplified view, teeth can present with two major variations of stains. These are extrinsic and intrinsic stains. Extrinsic usually present on the external portion of the teeth. Caused by foods and drinks, tobacco, and other environmental factors these are the more simple types of stains. This is when an over the counter product can produce results. This is why the term “whitening” is so ubiquitously used.
Intrinsic stains are a bit more complicated. They either develop in childhood before the teeth show in the mouth or once the teeth have erupted. These stains often live in the micro-cracks in the enamel and the dentin (the layer directly below the enamel) and can be caused from things like trauma, dental procedures, antibiotics, or excessive fluoride ingestion. These stains are not uncommon and often are unaffected by a product that can be purchased at the local drug store.
Why Should You Visit the Dentist to Whiten Your Teeth?
There are many reasons that the dentist is your best resource for teeth whitening. First, the dentist can create a custom whitening tray specific for your teeth. This allows you to apply the gel or product in an even fashion. Over the counter products do not have this system and as a result the product cannot be applied and retained evenly. This can lead to uneven results. Second, the teeth are extremely complex and color, translucency, and values are difficult to determine. Your dentist uses a shade guide to mark a starting point and progress in a careful calculated manner in order to obtain the exact results that are desired.
Single Visit Tooth Whitening
Opalescence Boost is a terrific system where patients can obtain whiter teeth in one hour. The forty percent hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel is applied evenly by your dentist. No bright and hot light is required because Opalescence Boost utilizes chemical activation The American Dental Association in 2008 gave Opalescence Boost the highest grades in every area studied compared to other in office single visit whitening systems. This is an excellent and proven system for teeth to become brighter and whiter in one single visit.
Is Opalescence Boost for Everyone?
While for most patients this can be the ideal procedure, some patients may benefit from a take home system. Patients with hypersensitivity may benefit more from a system that delivers the bleaching agent at a lower dose over a longer period. Your dentist can determine if a take home system may be better for you. Some stains like those produced from pre eruption antibiotic use or excessive fluoride ingestion can be a bit more stubborn and more difficult to remove.
Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry is a general and cosmetic dentist located in Ponte Vedra Florida. PVCD features caring, trained and skilled doctors who will work hand-in-hand with you to create a treatment plan that protects and restores your teeth and bite to their ultimate health and beauty, and a staff ready to address your every need. If you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment feel free to call Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry at (904)285-7711 or contact us online.