• 27 Mar 14

    What is Tooth Whitening?

    Teeth whitening is one of the most popular elective cosmetic dentistry procedures available. The treatment is low-risk and extremely effective; in just one treatment regimen, professional tooth whitening can leave patients with teeth up to eight shades whiter. Because whitening offers such dramatic results, you may be surprised to learn that dentist-provided teeth whitening is really quite simple, using basic chemistry to quickly and effectively break down dental stains.

    Understanding Dental Stains

    Before you can understand how stain removal works, you should know a little bit about dental stains themselves. Over time, food, beverages, prescription drugs, cigarette smoke, and other materials accumulate on the surface of your teeth, leading to the formation of plaque. In turn, plaque attracts bacteria and proteins that eventually form a thin film over your teeth. Because teeth are porous, some of these materials will find their way into the inner structure of the tooth, even if you brush daily and receive regular dental cleanings. Although these stains do not pose a risk of decay or dental damage, they can significantly impact the appearance of your smile. Dentist-provided whitening treatments target these deep-seated stains and can have a huge impact on your overall appearance and self-confidence.