Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening is using a bleaching agent to make the teeth whiter. It can be done at home or the dentist’s office. Continue reading to learn more.
Daily consumption of foods and drinks such as coffee and tea stains teeth over time. Brushing and flossing are excellent habits, but they can’t remove the discoloration to restore the original color. If your teeth are stained, making you self-conscious, consider teeth whitening in Bayport, NY.
What Causes Teeth Discoloration?
There are several causes of tooth discoloration. Here are some of the reasons:
- Foods and drinks such as wine, apples, and potatoes, the teeth come into contact with these colored foods and beverages, and the enamel gets stained.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco. The nicotine combines with oxygen and turns yellow, causing discoloration on the teeth.
- Poor dental hygiene. Improper brushing and flossing fail to clean stains left by foods and drinks.
- Medications. Some antibiotics and antihistamines trigger discoloration in children below eight years.
- Dental material such as amalgam fillings stains teeth by causing a gray-black color on the teeth.
- Age. The dentin (give the teeth its color) changes color and stains with age.
What Teeth Whitening Options Available?
Teeth whitening in Bayport depends on the type of stain. Discoloration may be intrinsic or extrinsic. An extrinsic tooth stain affects the enamel (the hard outer covering of the tooth). In contrast, an intrinsic stain discolors the dentin (the sensitive layer below the enamel). There are three main methods to bleach your teeth, and they are:
- In-office whitening.
Our dentist applies a bleaching agent (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) on the teeth. We expose the bleach to light or heat or a combination of the two to intensify the process. It takes 30 to 60 minutes to whiten your teeth, and the process is repeated several times to get the targeted results.
- At-home teeth whitening
Our dentist in Bayport, NY, will guide you to whiten your teeth at home. The bleaching agent used is milder than the one used at the dentist’s office. You will wear custom-fit trays for a maximum of one hour per session. Repeat the process as advised and stop when your teeth become whiter.
Alternatively, you may use whitening strips and gel. These cosmetic whitening products are easily available but are not as effective.
- Tooth whitening toothpaste
The whitening toothpaste doesn’t contain hydrogen peroxide and targets to remove stains on the enamel. The toothpaste uses chemicals or polishing agents to aid in scrubbing discoloration from the teeth.
Who is Eligible for Teeth Whitening?
Almost anyone qualifies for teeth bleaching with a few exceptions like:
- Patients with periodontal diseases, e.g., gum disease
- Those with sensitive teeth and allergies
- People with tooth-colored fillings, crowns, or bonding in the front teeth. The breach can change the color of the restorations.
- Pregnant and lactating women
Teeth whitening in Bayport, NY, produces fantastic results if you have yellow teeth. Brown or gray teeth may not whiten well when bleached. The dentist may recommend other dental treatments such as veneers or crowns.
How Long Does the Whitening Results Last?
Your oral hygiene, eating, and drinking habits will determine the duration of the bleaching effects. After the whitening treatment, your teeth are at risk of staining from wine and other substances even after a month. If you avoid such foods and brush after every meal, the results may last for one year or longer.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe for Kids?
Teeth whitening in Bayport isn’t recommended for kids. Remember, most bleaching agents contain hydrogen peroxide, and children may be sensitive to it. To prevent tooth staining in children, encourage your child to brush at least twice daily, and avoid consumption of tooth staining substances.
What Are the Side Effects?
Teeth whitening is safe, though you may experience some side effects:
- Tooth sensitivity. It occurs in the initial stages of the treatment and diminishes with time.
- Irritation of the soft tissues, especially the gums, occurs when the gums come into contact with the bleaching agent or an ill-fitting mouthpiece tray.
These two side effects are temporary and resolve after one to three days of stopping or completing the whitening therapy.
Schedule an Appointment
It’s useful to discuss bleaching methods with our dental team before you try one. Our dentist in Bayport, NY, will recommend a whitening therapy that suits your needs. Visit Bayport Dental Care today for more information.