Virginia Beach Cosmetic Dentist Teeth Bleaching and Teeth Whitening Questions

What is the difference between bleaching and teeth whitening?

Whitening and bleaching are cosmetic dental procedures that are designed to lighten the teen and to remove stains from their surface. With age, the mineral structure of the teeth transforms and the enamel acquires darker shading.

The enamel on teeth becomes more transparent with the passage of time. Millions of microscopic cracks are created on the enamel surface every time you chew your food.

Other factors that affect the coloring of teeth include bacterial pigmentation, dietary habits, antibiotic medications and nicotine use, to name just a few. Plus, a thin coating forms on the surface of teeth enamel each day. This coating and the pores of the enamel easily absorb stains.

Bleaching is very different than whitening. Bleaching is a procedure used only when there is a possibility to lighten the teeth beyond their natural coloring. The type of bleach used contains products such as carbide and hydrogen peroxide. This is not everyday household bleach. It is very safe with used properly.

Whitening, on the other hand, is a process that removes stains and restores the natural color of the teeth. Any product that produces a cleansing effect is considered as a whitener.

There are many teeth whitening methods, including bleaching gels, pens and strips; laser bleaching; and natural bleaching among others. There are three main options, however, that are most commonly used. These are an in-office whitening procedure done by a qualified dentist, a professionally dispensed take-home whitening kit, and over-the-counter whitening kits available in stores.

The in-office whitening procedure performed by a dentist is, obviously, administered in the dentist office. This procedure is a bleaching method using a professional-grace peroxide gel. The gel is applied directly to the teeth while protecting the gums and is repeated several times in 15-20 minute intervals.

The second option is a professionally dispensed teeth whitening kit. These kits are only available through a dentist and contain a low-concentration peroxide gel which you apply yourself. The gel must remain on the teeth for at least an hour. Bleaching trays are usually provided to aid in the application of the gel.

The third option is the over-the-counter teeth whitening kits that you can pick up at a local retail store. These kits are the easiest and most convenient option, but also the least effective. The concentration of peroxide gel is much lower than the first two alternatives and cannot produce the same whitening effects.

It is important to talk with your dentist to see which option is best for your specific situation. For more information about teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry options, visit http://bestvirginiabeachcosmeticdentist.com

Tim Wright is the owner of BestVirginiaBeachCosmeticDentist.com. For more information and questions to your cosmetic dentistry questions, visit http://bestvirginiabeachcosmeticdentist.com

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