Teeth Whitening: How It Actually Works

  • Home
  • /
  • Blog
  • /
  • Teeth Whitening: How It Actually Works
professional teeth whitening treatment at our dental clinic

It’s unreasonable to say that most of us have looked in the mirror once or twice and wished for whiter, brighter teeth. And, thanks to the widespread accessibility of cosmetic dentistry, whether delivered through a professional dentist in North Naples or through DIY means, enhancing your smile has never been easier.
Are you interested in receiving teeth whitening or learning more about the process? If so, get in touch with our local dental practice today!

What is Teeth Whitening?

As is made crystal clear by its name, teeth whitening is a dental treatment to illuminate your smile. Special bleaching chemicals are used to achieve this; hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the most frequently employed substances since they’re both extremely effective at removing stains beneath the enamel and dentin on the surface of your teeth.

But what causes discoloration to occur? Many things, including but certainly not limited to the following:

  • Genetics.
  • Aging.
  • Smoking. Tobacco and nicotine are notorious for staining your teeth, especially if you use them for an extended period.
  • Consuming certain foods and drinks such as strawberries, tomato sauce, curry, coffee, red wine, soda, and beer.
  • Serious tooth decay.
  • Infection.
  • Taking specific medications.

If you have any questions or concerns about receiving teeth whitening in North Naples, feel free to contact your dentist.

The Process of Professional Teeth Whitening

When you’re interested in whitening your teeth, your dentist will readily recommend coming in to have this treatment done professionally. Why? For a few different reasons: it’s done in a clean and controlled environment, safe and effective, and lasts longer than at-home methods.
Before you can undergo this process, you’ll be expected to come in for a dental examination. Your dentist will closely study your teeth and gums to determine the current state of your oral health. You’ll be informed if you are an ideal candidate for this treatment or if another alternative would be more appropriate for your case.

If your dentist decides to go with teeth whitening, your mouth will be fully cleaned so plaque, tartar, and bacteria do not interfere with the bleaching agent. Depending on the shade of white you wish to acquire, the bleach will be applied to your teeth, left to sit under a blue UV light that activates the whitening, wiped off, and then reapplied a specific number of times until those results are achieved.

Let your dentist know if you require further care to remain comfortable.

At-Home Dental Whitening Treatment

Many perks come with professional teeth whitening, but all those perks come at a cost – sometimes, that cost can be rather high. So, if you’re still looking to improve the aesthetic of your smile but through more affordable means, here are some tricks that you may want to explore:

Oil pulling with sesame or coconut oil.

  • Brushing with baking soda and toothpaste.
  • Whitening strips, trays, toothpaste, and mouthwash.
  • Eating less sugar.
  • Eating more fruits and veggies. Good examples include apples, carrots, yogurt, cheese, and celery.
  • Brush and floss your teeth after each meal.
  • Visit the dentist for a cleaning and checkup every six months!

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to edit the look of your smile. Your preferences matter, but always listen to what your dentist advises too.

Visit Our Dental Clinic for Teeth Whitening!

Are you eager to obtain the smile of your dreams? Here at Torrens Dental, we provide Zoom teeth whitening in North Naples. Our capable staff is excited to welcome you to our dental clinic and aid you on your journey. To get started, call, email us, or drop by in person to schedule an appointment that works best with your daily schedule!