Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental service that Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry provides in-office or through a take home kit. Results vary, but most patients observe significant lightening that lasts up to a year. Our Alexandria teeth whitening patients affirm that a whiter smile boosts self confidence and can take years of wear and discoloration away to reveal a brighter smile.
Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching, however, mean two different things. Surface cracks and stains ensue on tooth enamel, exposing the yellower dentin below the surface. Discoloration can be the result of the natural aging process, illness, genetics, or dark colored food or drink. Foods and beverages that are both dark colored and acidic – like wine, coffee, and tomato sauce – have even greater staining power.
Teeth whitener can refer to any product used to remove stains from tooth enamel: toothpaste, do it yourself strips, and some mouthwashes are safe and affordable and can enhance teeth with continued, regular use. The extent of whitening varies, and it takes dedicated, use to see results.
Whitening products that do not contain bleach can usually make teeth two to four shades lighter. These are a good choice for Mt. Vernon men and women with sensitive teeth and gums that can react to products containing harsher whitening chemicals. Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry counsels pregnant or nursing mothers to select the non-bleach whitening products.
Teeth bleaching is used to describe a tooth whitening product that contains a form of bleach, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, in varying concentrations. For best results, teeth bleaching should be done in-office by your Virginia cosmetic dentist. Bleaching can often achieve more noticeable results, sometimes up to seven shades lighter. Intrinsic stains on the dentin, as well as surface stains can be effectively lightened under an experienced Alexandria dentist’s supervision.
Call the continuing education team at Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry to schedule a consultation!
Family Dentistry
The following online articles were used as source material for this post:
Linda Dyett, ‘Teeth Whitening: How it Works and What it Costs,’ Consumer Guide to Dentistry, September 12, 2011, http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/teeth-whitening/.htm, accessed on February 6, 2012
‘How to Whiten Teeth,’ What’s Cooking America, http://whatscookingamerica.net/HealthBeauty/TeethWhitening.htm, accessed on February 6, 2012
Contact Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry:
703-360-5881
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
8101 Hinson Farm Rd Ste 114
Alexandria, Virginia
22306
