Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular forms of cosmetic dentistry to date. At this rate, the global teeth whitening market is expected to reach $7.4 billion by 2024, according to the marketing research and consulting organization Hexa Research. With this in mind, it’s important that you have a thorough understanding of which products provide the most effective results. For example, when you visit a dentist for teeth whitening services, you’re getting far more bang for your buck.
To learn how the process works and which professional products you may want to consider, keep reading!
Understanding the Anatomy of Teeth
Before we can go into the products that may best suit your needs, you need to understand what makes up your teeth and why teeth start to appear darker. Teeth are made up of several layers, the outermost covering is enamel. Underneath that enamel is a section known as dentin.
Tooth enamel is naturally porous, but this can be increased by it’s exposure to plaque acids on a regular basis. Because of this texture, stains from richly pigmentated foods and beverages can easily permeate through the many layers of enamel and the dentin. If enamel is lost the darker dentin will be more visible. Dentin contains many nerve endings, which is why those with eroded enamel are more likely to experience sensitivity.
Some of the causes and locations of tooth discoloration include:
- Food and drink – surface stains
- Tobacco – surface stains
- Age – thinning enamel
- Trauma – internal stains
- Medications – internal and surface stains
If you’ve tried using over-the-counter whitening products to remove stains from teeth with little success, it’s likely because these stains are located inside the deeper layers of teeth. Store-bought solutions generally only address stains on the outer layers of teeth, making them ineffective at removing deep or internal sources of stains.
How Teeth Whitening Works
When you choose professional whitening solutions, you’re more likely to get results that you’ll never find with store-bought versions. This is because the concentrations of either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide don’t come close to the strengths you’ll get from a licensed dentist.
After the whitening solution comes into contact with your teeth, it safely permeates through the outer layer and seeps into the inner enamel and dentin layers. The gel begins breaking down discolored molecules . This is what gives your teeth a naturally white appearance.
Take-Home Whitening Benefits Compared to In-Office Solutions
When you visit the dentist, you’ll likely be able to choose between two unique methods for whitening: in-office whitening or take-home kits.
In-office whitening takes about one hour-long appointment to complete for maximum results. However, many people can benefit from the take-home kits thanks to their portability and effectiveness. While daily application is needed (approx. 30 minutes to 2 hours a day over two weeks) to achieve the same results as in-office solutions, this may be ideal for those who find scheduling in-office appointments difficult. It’s also ideal for those who are constantly traveling for work.
Additionally, take-home kits typically require impressions since they use custom-made trays. If you’d prefer to avoid this, the dentist can also provide professional-grade whitening strips. These strips are similar to store-bought solutions, except they use higher percentages of whitening solution. This ensures that they provide optimal convenience without sacrificing Whitening results.
Ready to achieve your whiter smile? Schedule an appointment with a dentist and get started today!
About Cochell Family Dentistry
Drs. Christel and Travis Cochell offer in-office whitening treatment, take-home kits and whitening strips for patients that want to whiten teeth. By choosing professional solutions, you’re guaranteed to get not just a superior whitening treatment, but a professional second-opinion on the option that best addresses your needs. To learn more about their practice, you can contact them through their website.