Teeth whitening is a dental procedure that has become very popular in the last decade. It seems like everyone wants to have a whiter smile. This doesn’t come as a surprise since we are constantly bombarded with images of beautiful bright smiles on T.V and social media. Therefore, this has become our ideal beauty standard. There are many options to achieve this and not all of them are approved by dentists. In this article, you will learn how teeth whitening in Edina can help you achieve the beautiful white smile you desire in the safest way possible.
Why do teeth change color? Is it preventable?
Teeth change color for many different reasons. The most common one is they become stained from different foods and beverages. Coffee, red wine, tomato sauce, among other foods and beverages can stain your teeth by attaching pigments to your enamel, which is the external layer of your teeth. Other reasons why your teeth can change color are smoking, dental trauma, some medications and growing older. While you can prevent staining from foods, beverages, and smoking, other causes of tooth stains and discoloration, such as your enamel wearing off as you become older are less in your control.
How does teeth whitening work?
Thankfully, your teeth can be whitened by a dentist in Edina through a very simple procedure. During this procedure, your dentist near you will apply a whitening solution to your teeth. This solution has a specific concentration of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, which are the chemicals responsible for removing the stains from your teeth. These interact with your enamel, by introducing oxygen to the discolored molecules. This results in the stains becoming less evident and your smile becoming a couple of shades lighter. Sometimes, dentists use other technologies such as UV light for even better results.
Side effects
There are two main side effects of teeth whitening procedures. The first one occurs when the whitening solution becomes in contact with your gums. However, dentists use a protective gel over your gums to prevent this from happening. Another fairly common side effect is tooth sensitivity. This occurs because the whitening solution opens up the pores in your teeth and makes the nerves more exposed. However, this sensitivity dissipates after a couple of days and it’s nothing to worry about. Finally, abusing this procedure can result in permanent damage to your enamel. This is why it is important to only undergo teeth whitening at a dental clinic in Edina, that is performed by trained professionals.
Is teeth whitening for everyone?
If you are considering teeth whitening near you, you should first find out if it is the best option for you. This procedure only works on natural teeth. Therefore, it won’t affect the color of your veneers, crowns or fillings. Also, if the reason for your tooth discoloration is dental trauma, then you won’t see any results from this procedure. This is why it is important to always consult with a dentist in Edina before undergoing any procedure, including teeth whitening near you.
There are different ways to whiten your teeth
In-office teeth whitening is not the only way you can address your stained teeth. Many options on the market could be helpful. However, none are as effective as the procedures you can undergo in a dental office. Probably the most popular option is over-the-counter teeth whitening products. These also involve a hydrogen peroxide solution but at a much lower concentration than the ones used by dentists. Therefore, the results obtained from these products are much more subtle. If you desire a more drastic change, an in-office procedure will work best.