Teeth Whitening Q & A
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening refers to the process of bleaching your teeth to break up the concentration of stains and discoloration. The results are whiter, healthier-looking teeth you’ll be proud to show off.
If you’re interested in brightening your smile, professional teeth whitening is the way to go. It’s cost-effective and convenient, taking less than an hour in the office. Professional whitening is preferable to over-the-counter options since professional-grade whitening agents have a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide, making the results more noticeable and long-lasting.
What causes tooth stains and discoloration?
The most common causes of tooth stains and discolorations are from food and beverages, including:
- Coffee
- Dark tea
- Red wine
- Mustard
- Berries
- Tomato sauce
Another common cause of tooth discoloration is the natural wear-and-tear that comes as you age. Over time, the enamel of your teeth wears down, revealing the dentin, which is the yellowish layer beneath.
Also, any tobacco use of any kind, whether that’s chewing or smoking, can lead to stains and discoloration.
How does teeth whitening work?
In-office teeth whitening is a quick, safe procedure. It takes less than an hour and involves no downtime, so you can even make an appointment for a quick touch up to your smile during your lunch break.
The team at BMW Dental uses advanced whitening technology to brighten your smile. With this technology, you can whiten your smile by up to eight shades in just one visit.
The active ingredient in the whitening agent is hydrogen peroxide, and the whitening solution goes to work quickly. You bite into the gel-lined tray as the whitening solution breaks up the concentration of tooth stains. Light-powered technology helps speed up the whitening results.
Another option is using a take-home whitening kit to brighten your smile conveniently at home. In just a few weeks, you can experience similar results to that of in-office whitening. You’ll just follow the schedule outlined by the team at BMW Dental.
How long do teeth whitening results last?
Teeth whitening results should last one to two years, if not longer. The key to maintaining your whitening results is continuing to brush and floss diligently. Also, try to limit your intake of stain-causing foods and drinks.
If your smile needs a whitening touch up, schedule an in-office whitening or a consultation to learn more about take-home whitening kits by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.