Teeth Whitening Our smiles are one of the first things that others notice about us. To ensure you always make a brilliant first impression, Riverstone Dental Group offers professional teeth whitening. Extrinsic and Intrinsic StainsIt seems unfair, but teeth can and do become stained even when you are doing everything right. Even diligently following the guidelines issued by the American Dental Association (ADA) when it comes to brushing and flossing can result in stains. This is because stains are not created equally. There are two types of stains. The first type, extrinsic stains, are easily taken care of by following the ADA's guidelines. Extrinsic stains sit atop your enamel, making them easy to remove on your own. Then there is the second type of stains. These are intrinsic stains, and no amount of brushing or whitening toothpaste can remove them, unless you are using a method that also strips away the protective enamel of your teeth, which we strongly recommend against. This is because intrinsic stains actually extend beneath the enamel. Once stains have gotten that far, only a professional whitening treatment can remove them without also removing the enamel. How Teeth Become Permanently StainedSo how do intrinsic stains happen, and is there a way to avoid them to help keep your teeth whiter? While teeth will usually end up with mild discoloration no matter what, simply as a consequence of using them every day, there are a few things you can do to mitigate discoloration. One of the biggest is watching what you eat. Coffee is one of the number one causes of discoloration for many people. Red wine, tea, soda, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and colored fruits and vegetables can all contribute too. Smoking or chewing tobacco will also cause many problems. Your Whitening TreatmentThere are a number of different ways that professional whitening can be done. Depending on the method chosen, some whitening treatments can be only a single, 20-minute session. Others can be up to an hour long and require multiple visits. Generally, the slower and more gradual the whitening, the safer and more effective it will be at giving you a brighter, whiter smile. One of the most popular methods of whitening currently uses a bleaching product painted onto the teeth and then activated via a light. How Safe is Whitening?We know that there are some concerns about teeth whitening, so we want to address them directly. When done professionally, teeth whitening is extremely safe and has minimal to no impact on the enamel. Professional whitening is so safe that very few patients even experience sensitivity. This degree of safety cannot be guaranteed when it comes to home kits. Charcoal removes stains because the abrasive elements remove enamel too; this may be effective, but is dangerous. Other kits can cause sensitivity if not applied very carefully, and may even burn or bleach your gums. Do You Want a Whiter Smile?If you want a brilliant smile that will dazzle anyone you meet, then you want professional teeth whitening from Riverstone Dental Group. To schedule your appointment with us today, just call (925) 414-9250. |
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