When your teeth get discolored from coffee, sodas, wine, cigarettes, and other staining foods, a quick teeth whitening procedure can lighten their color to give you a whiter, brighter grin. This dental treatment can boost your confidence, and when done in a dentist’s office, provides safe whitening up to 10 shades. If you’re considering whether this is right for you, here is more information on the process and how it works.

Why Do I Need Teeth Whitening?

As food, beverages, tobacco, and other staining agents enter the mouth, they form a layer over your teeth’s enamel. Brushing your teeth every day and getting dental cleanings can remove some of this layer, but since enamel is porous, it still absorbs a portion of these particles. Only teeth whitening gels that contain 10% to 25% of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide can remove embedded stains.

How Does It Work?

In a procedure that takes around 30 minutes, these gels are applied by dentists to prevent gum irritation and ensure each tooth surface is completely covered with the active bleaching agents. The bleach in the gels then oxidizes the stains, breaking them apart to restore your tooth color. Some procedures also include activating the bleach with light to speed up the process. Once it’s done, dentists typically provide custom whitening trays to patients to allow them to touch up their beautiful new smiles at home.

How Long Do Results Last?

Professional teeth whitening can lighten teeth by up to 10 shades. How much your teeth get lightened depends on the degree of staining, what you consume, and your habits. For example, if you continue smoking cigarettes or drinking wine after getting your teeth bleached, they will likely discolor again. For a permanent solution to whitening, you may want to consider veneers, or thin white shells that go over your teeth to give it a brighter appearance.

If you’re interested in getting a teeth whitening to upgrade your smile, make an appointment with New Horizons Dental LLC in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Their general dentistry clinic provides a range of services for the whole family, including oral cancer screenings, cosmetic dentistry services, and periodontal care to protect your mouth from diseases and keep it fresh. See what they do on their website, or call (715) 424-7810 to make your appointment.