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how does teeth whitening work

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

The demand for whiter teeth has never been greater. With a rise in the number of teeth whitening products on the market, it’s become a bit of a mindfield. With products ranging from charcoal mouthwashes to LED lights, knowing what works and what doesn’t can be confusing to say the least. These at-home products have a range of (limited) effectiveness and don’t compare to a treatment carried out by a dentist. So, in today’s post we’re going to run through exactly how teeth whitening works. This post will also cover a few common questions we get asked by our patients regarding whitening…
 

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Peroxides are the main chemical ingredients used in teeth whitening. At-home kits typically contain from 3-20% peroxide whilst those used by dental professionals range from 15-43%. Because of this, at-home kits tend to require more applications over a longer period of time and are generally less effective.

Teeth whitening is an oxidation reaction. The oxygen molecules from the bleaching agent bond with the discolored molecules latched to the tooth and cause them to break away. This then exposes the natural color of the tooth without those pesky yellowish stains. 
Teeth whitening at a dental practice also often involves heat, light, or a combination of the two, to speed up the whitening process.
 

Is it bad to whiten your teeth?

No! When carried out by a dental professional using professional grade products, it is not bad to whiten your teeth. However, it is common to experience some sensitivity following whitening. This is treatable with the correct oral care and targeted products. 
 

How quickly does teeth whitening work?

The speed of treatment depends on a variety of different things;

  • The severity of the stains 
  • The style of treatment chosen
  • The strength of the peroxide used
  • The colour change desired

Typically, treatment times range from 1 appointment to several, with at-home trays to use too. As well as our longer treatments, here at The Courtyard Clinic we also offer 1 hour power whitening. This is because we understand that not everyone has the time for multiple long appointments and many of our patients would rather see results quickly.
 

Does teeth whitening work on yellow teeth?

Yes, yellow teeth can be whitened! The treatment just takes a longer period of time. It is common for teeth to whiten by 2-7 shades. So, yes, even yellow teeth can be turned white. 
 
Prevention is better than cure and it’s important to note that smoking, drinking black coffee and poor dental hygiene can all result in increased yellowing of the teeth. Regularly attending dental and hygienist appointments, drinking plenty of water and stopping smoking are just a few ways to brighten your smile. 
 

If you’re interested in having your teeth professionally whitened, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01932 582 949…

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