Have you ever thought about getting your teeth whitened but wanted the teeth whitening process explained? This blog will help answer any questions you might have to ensure you understand the procedure.

How it Works

The teeth whitening process is relatively straightforward. The whitening product will contain one of two tooth bleaches, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The bleaching chemical gets down into the tooth enamel and sets off a chemical reaction, called an oxidation reaction, that breaks the tooth stains down into smaller pieces. This reaction makes your teeth brighter and the stain color less concentrated. Our in-office teeth whitening is different from whitening strips and whitening toothpaste. Strips and toothpaste only remove surface stains while our treatment goes past the surface and breaks down the stains that strips and toothbrushes can’t reach.

Things to Consider

You’ll find that the process only works for certain teeth. Brown and gray teeth respond differently to whitening than yellowing teeth do. Yellow teeth will bleach well, brown teeth may only respond slightly, and gray teeth will not bleach at all. Also, if your teeth become discolored from medicine or tooth injury, whitening treatments won’t work. This is why it’s essential to talk to Dr. Carmichael before deciding to whiten your teeth. Temporary tooth sensitivity can sometimes occur as a side effect of teeth whitening. This results from the overuse of teeth whiteners or deteriorated enamel. You can treat the mild irritation by using tooth sensitive toothpaste before and after your treatment.

In Conclusion

Our safe whitening treatment can give you the stunning smile you’ve always dreamed of! Next time you’re in the office, ask Dr. Carmichael about the available options. Our in-office teeth bleaching can brighten your teeth in as little as one hour! We also offer take-home kits that will whiten your teeth over multiple days. We hope we explained the process sufficiently, and we look forward to seeing you! To schedule an appointment with Dr. Carmichael, or if you have any questions, please contact us today.