Teeth whitening in Encino, California
What is Tooth Whitening?
It is the process or procedure through which whitening of colored/yellow teeth is achieved. Teeth whitening may be intrinsic or extrinsic. The method (referred to as bleaching) involves a chemical reaction which degrades chromogens (which causes discoloration) on the tooth or within. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is the chemical that is mostly used in whitening agents.
So, what causes teeth yellowing or discoloration?
As you age, the dentin-which is the inner part of your tooth, starts to turn yellow. The outer layer (enamel) does not become yellow. Over time, the enamel part of the tooth wears out due to grinding or acidic foods and drinks exposing the discolored dentin, and that is what makes your teeth appear yellow.
Other causes of teeth yellowing include; exposure to excess fluoride, a dental disorder known as amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) that leads to brown or yellow teeth, genetic make that dictates the color of your teeth right from birth, food/drinks like tea, coffee, and smoking.
For anyone looking for teeth whitening services, Elegant Dental Center is the perfect place to visit. We offer various methods of teeth whitening to make your teeth white and healthy. Some of these methods are explained below.
But before discussing these methods, let’s differentiate between extrinsic and intrinsic teeth whitening. The latter involves whitening of the inner part-the dentin. The dentin soaks in hydrogen peroxide whitening gel/bleach becoming lighter. On the other hand, extrinsic whitening involves removal of staining or discoloration on the outer layer-the enamel.
What are the available teeth whitening options for your teeth?<br />
The following methods are, but a few ways in which teeth whitening in Encino can be achieved:
In-Office Bleaching: A dentist performs the procedure in a dental office. It offers perfect results within minutes if not an hour. The process may be a little expensive, but it is worthy of your money since it produces immediate results, making it an appealing option for teeth whitening in Encino.
Teeth Whitening Toothpastes: These types of toothpaste are specially manufactured and contains mild abrasives that help remove surface stains on your teeth. However, teeth whitening toothpaste are not for “bleaching” your teeth. Some of the teeth whitening agent contain polishing as well as chemicals which removes stains more effectively.
Teeth Whitening Strips: These whitening strips are usually sold over the counter and are affordable, easy to use, and the majority of them produce excellent results. However, they may take some time before desired results are generated depending on how much peroxide they contain as well as its effectiveness.
Teeth Whitening Gels and Trays:
As compared to In-Office bleaching, teeth whitening trays are much more effective but takes longer to get desired outcomes. The clear whitening trays usually are worn for several hours a day or overnight. Depending on how active the hydrogen peroxide in the gel is, it could take from 3 up to weeks to achieve any results. Typically, there are two teeth whitening tray and gel types: The ones you purchase from a dentist and those bought over the counter. The ones from a dentist are faster and more effective because they contain stronger peroxide whitening agent. They are also custom-made for your teeth and therefore fit correctly and comfortably.