How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Do you want to make the best impression at an upcoming party?
Do you just want to feel better about the appearance of your smile? If you’re looking for a hassle-free and safe way to whiten your smile.
You already know that whitening works, but do you know how? Stains on teeth can be classified in one of two ways: extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic stains appear on the surface of your teeth. Intrinsic stains live between the microcracks in your enamel and deep within your dentin (the layer of your tooth underneath your enamel).
Whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses may be able to remove some of the extrinsic stains on your teeth. But only teeth whitening agents can remove the stubborn extrinsic stains and the unsightly intrinsic stains that cause your teeth to look discolored.
Opalescence gels contain an active whitening ingredient that penetrates your enamel to get to discolored molecules. Oxygen molecules from the whitening agents react with the discolored molecules in your teeth, breaking the bonds that hold them together. The oxygen molecules spread, whitening the entire tooth. As a result, you are left with a brighter, whiter smile.

Tooth Bleaching Explained

Dental bleaching, also known as tooth whitening, is a common procedure in cosmetic dentistry. According to the FDA, whitening restores natural tooth color and bleaching whitens beyond the natural color. There are many methods available, such as brushing, bleaching strips, bleaching pen, bleaching gel, and laser bleaching. Teeth whitening has become the most requested procedure in cosmetic dentistry today. More than 100 million Americans whiten their teeth one way or another; spending an estimated $15 billion in 2010.
Bleaching methods use carbamide peroxide which reacts with water to form hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide has about a third of the strength of hydrogen peroxide. This means that a 15% solution of carbamide peroxide is the rough equivalent of a 5% solution of hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide oxidizing agent penetrates the porosities in the rod-like crystal structure of enamel and breaks down stain deposits in the dentin. Power bleaching uses light to accelerate the process of bleaching in a dental office. Another bleaching agent is 6-phthalimido peroxy hexanoic acid (PAP).
Tooth bleaching is not a modern invention. Ancient Romans, for example, used urine and goat milk in an attempt to make and keep their teeth whiter.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Our methods of professional teeth whitening are among the most successful and lauded home teeth whitening and in office teeth whitening in Naples. Island Coast Dentistry provides a safe, effectual, convenient, and cost-effective way to whiten your teeth and give you the flawless smile you were meant to have.
Your smile creates an immediate, subconscious, visual impact on people you meet. A brighter smile gives the impression of youth, vitality, radiant health, happiness, and warmth. Teeth whitening remains one of the most economical ways to enhance your smile.

Popularity of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening’s popularity is steadily increasing, and it is quickly becoming the most popular form of cosmetic dentistry on the market. Teeth whitening is gaining such momentum because there are so many benefits associated with this procedure. The most preferred method of whitening among patients is in-office whitening.
This method of whitening is performed in the office by our dentist. Most patients prefer in office teeth whitening because of the speed. In office teeth whitening is usually finished within one session, and in some cases it can even take less than an hour to complete. Many patients also choose in office teeth whitening because they have easy access to expert advice regarding the procedure and they are being monitored safely by a professional.

Take Home Teeth Whitening

As an alternative to in office teeth whitening, we also provide take home teeth whitening. In this case, the patient is given a series of trays, mouth pieces, and teeth whitening gel that they themselves can apply to their teeth whenever they choose, at their own convenience, and in the comfort of their own homes.
Opalescence take-home whitening gel is perfect for people who want a lot of options. With four different concentrations and three flavors, you can wear Opalescence for as little as 30 minutes per day—or even overnight! Dispensed only by a licensed dental professional, Opalescence take-home whitening gel allows you to get professional whitening results at your convenience in a safe, effective, and customized way!

• Opalescence tooth whitening gel contains PF (potassium nitrate and fluoride). Potassium nitrate has been shown to help reduce sensitivity. Fluoride has been shown to help reduce caries and strengthen enamel. Together, they help to improve the overall health of the teeth.1-5
• Formulated to prevent dehydration and shade relapse
• Four concentrations for treatment flexibility
• Three flavors: Mint, Melon, and Regular
• Day or night wear

For a consultation with Dr. Skupny about Cosmetic Dentistry procedures call Island Coast Dentistry at (239) 261-5566 today!

Do you want to know the secret to a whiter smile? The biggest contributors to teeth discoloration come in the form of intensely colored foods and drinks.
The same dyes found in nature and used in processed foods changes the coloring of the enamel on your teeth by exposing your teeth to dyes.

Whiten Your Smile

The best way to whiten your smile is with good daily oral hygiene routines. Twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and professional teeth whitening procedures can help you maintain a bright smile.
But you can make the effects of teeth bleaching whitening treatments last longer by carefully monitoring your food choices and behaviors. Here are 10 everyday foods and habits that can discolor your teeth.

3 Bad Habits that Stain Your Teeth

Many preventable and avoidable bad habits can cause discoloration to your teeth. Do your best to eliminate exposure to these unhealthy products.

1. Smoking
2. Chewing tobacco
3. Neglecting oral hygiene

Beverages and Foods that Stain Teeth

If a food or beverage stains a white tablecloth, it could potentially stain your teeth. The presence of pigments called chromogens is responsible. Foods containing tannins enhance the stain-producing abilities of chromogens, and foods with high acid content contribute by weakening enamel and making it more vulnerable.

1. Red Wine

Red wine contains acid, chromogens, and tannins, and it is notorious for staining teeth. White wine, although it is not a colored liquid, also promotes staining.

2. Sugary Treats

Hard candies, popsicles, and gum often contain strong pigments that cause stains.

3. Sports Drinks

Acidic sports drinks soften tooth enamel, and promote staining caused by other foods.

4. Sauces

Deeply colored sauces such as tomato-based sauces, soy sauce, and curry sauce have tooth-staining potential.

5. Fruit

Brightly colored berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries easily stain teeth.

6. Soda, Cola and Pop

Cola drinks contain acid and chromogens. Light-colored carbonated drinks also promote stains because of their acidity.

7. Black Tea

Black tea is rich in tannins, and it is considered to cause staining even more aggressively than coffee. Herbal, green, and white teas are less likely to stain teeth.

4 Tips for Avoiding Teeth Stains

Many stain-causing foods offer great health benefits, so you don’t want to avoid them entirely. Moderation is key to limiting tooth discoloration due to foods and beverages. Here are a few tips to help you protect your teeth while enjoying healthy foods that can leave stains.

• Swallow the food or liquid as quickly as possible; don’t let it linger inside your mouth.
• Drink through a straw to minimize contact with tooth-staining beverages.
• Swish your mouth with water after consuming foods that stain teeth.
• Chew sugarless gum after eating or drinking.

Improve Your Smile in Naples

Dr. Jeffrey Skupny uses a variety of dental services and techniques to provide the very best results for your individual circumstances.
His artistic abilities and experience with cosmetic dentistry along with his use of the finest materials and products combine to create a healthy, natural looking, spectacular smile.
Contact our dental office in Collier County area today to learn more about the dental options available to you.
Isn’t it time to look younger and feel better? If you don’t like your smile, come see Dr. Jeffrey Skupny, conveniently located in Collier County, Florida.