Five Things to Know About Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening was once considered a luxury, yet today, it is one of the most popular procedures requested from North Tampa dentists. While it is a must-have in cosmetic dentistry, there are a few things you should know about teeth whitening. The dentists at North Pointe Dental Associates perform hundreds of teeth whitening treatments each year and have provided a list of five things to know about teeth whitening:

1.Your pearly whites are not actually white.

Adult teeth are usually light gray or yellow, and your teeth’ shade will darken over time. This is perfectly normal because teeth, like your skin, have pores, so the teeth absorb everything you eat, drink, or chew that has color. Smoking, and drinking red wine and coffee will significantly stain your teeth. Though teeth yellowing is a natural part of aging, there are safe teeth whitening treatments to reverse those changes to give you a brighter, whiter smile.

2.There are different types of teeth whitening treatments.

There are two types of teeth whitening treatments. Extrinsic teeth whitening removes external enamel stains on the outer surface of your teeth. This is done with abrasive products, such as whitening toothpaste. On the other hand, intrinsic whitening is a treatment that whitens the  bony tissue beneath the enamel, also known as dentine, instead of the hard enamel.

While removing superficial stains can make your teeth appear whiter temporarily, no over-the-counter abrasive product will whiten the dentine. If you want your pearly whites to be whiter, you will need to visit your dentist. The best North Tampa dentists specialize in teeth whitening and perform teeth whitening procedures on a regular basis.

3.Teeth whitening is safe.

Though whitening the inner part of your teeth may sound a little invasive, there are many myths and urban legends surrounding teeth whitening. It’s important to keep in mind that the treatment is perfectly safe and does not damage your enamel.

Before each procedure, North Pointe Dental Associates will schedule a pre-whitening consultation to check if your teeth and gums are healthy and if any other treatments are necessary before the teeth whitening process begins.

4.Teeth whitening strips can do only so much.

Teeth whitening strips contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, bleaching agents used in professional in-chair procedures. However, they are made of flexible plastic, which means that they can’t reach the entire surface of all teeth, and the results might be uneven. And if you have cavities, teeth whitening strips can cause pain, which is why you should always consult your dentist before whitening your teeth at home.

5.Sensitive teeth after whitening are normal.

More than 60% of Americans have sensitive teeth, so it is perfectly normal to experience some sensitivity after the procedure. Teeth whitening gel will temporarily dehydrate the teeth and reduce nerve insulation, making the teeth more sensitive to temperature changes. This is only temporary, as the tooth sensitivity will disappear after 12 to 36 hours.

If you have any questions about teeth whitening, North Pointe Dental Associates is home to some of the best Tampa dentists and uses the most advanced teeth whitening techniques. To schedule an appointment, call (813) 961-1727.