When it
comes to achieving whiter teeth, you have probably heard that professional
whitening
outperforms over-the-counter whitening every time. But, what exactly
makes
professional teeth whitening
products so much more effective than the kind you can buy at your local
pharmacy? This quick, simple guide will help you understand the science behind
professional whitening services and why they are the better choice.
Understanding the Composition of Teeth
Before you
can fully understand how
professional whitening services work, you first need
to understand the composition of the visible portion of your teeth. If you were
to pull out a microscope and use it to look at one of your teeth, you would see
that your enamel (the hard, outermost layer of teeth) is made of crystal-like
structures called rods. These rods are packed so tightly together that they
appear to be very smooth to the naked eye. However, there are tiny cracks and
crevices between them. Stains can seep into these tiny cracks and cause
noticeable discolorations of the teeth.
Professional Whitening Chemicals
Professional
whitening products (like those used in
cosmetic
dentistry) contain chemicals that break up stains in tooth enamel. These
chemicals are carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide
actually converts to hydrogen peroxide inside your mouth, so hydrogen peroxide
is the main active ingredient that breaks down the stain compounds on your
teeth. The end result is an instantly whiter smile. A cosmetic dentist can help
you achieve the precise shade you want within a few hours or days with
professional teeth whitening.
Over-the Counter Treatments
Unlike
professional whitening products, over-the-counter
teeth whitening products
contain very low concentrations of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. They may
also contain other ingredients to help reduce tooth sensitivity and improve the
flavor. These less-potent products are not as predictable as professional
products and can take weeks or even months to whiten your teeth to your
preferences.
Schedule Your Appointment
Ready to
find out if you are a good candidate for professional
teeth whitening
services? Call Complete Health Dentistry in Amherst, NY today and
schedule your consultation with Dr. James Lesinski.
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