A bright, white smile isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also a reflection of good oral health and confidence. Many people want to brighten their smiles, whether for a special event or to boost their everyday appearance. But with so many whitening options available today, the question often arises: Does teeth whitening really work?
In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind teeth whitening, how our take-home whitening kits work, and what you can expect in terms of results.
Why Do Teeth Discolour?
Before we dive into the science behind teeth whitening, it’s important to understand why teeth can lose their natural brightness. The colour of your teeth is influenced by two types of stains:
Extrinsic Stains: These are stains on the outer layer of the tooth (the enamel) caused by things like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, or tobacco use. Poor oral hygiene can also contribute to these surface stains.
Intrinsic Stains: These stains are deeper and occur within the tooth structure (the dentin). Aging, certain medications, excessive fluoride during childhood, or trauma to a tooth can cause intrinsic staining.
How Does Teeth Whitening Really Work?
So, what is the science behind teeth whitening? Does it actually work? Put simply, yes. How it lightens your stains comes down to a chemical reaction caused by a peroxide-based bleach, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Here's how peroxide-based bleaches whiten your teeth:
Penetrates enamel (outermost layer)
The hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide settles into the top surface of your tooth, and soaks into the layer.
Targets and eliminates stains
The peroxide-based bleach reacts with the coloured molecules within your tooth' surface, resulting in the neutralization of the stains. The stains are broken down and are separated from one-another.
Whitens teeth
After stain removal and stain separation, the peroxide-based bleach is able to reduce the intensity of the tooth discolouration, resulting in whiter teeth.
The bottom line: Teeth whitening does work. However, the extent of whitening depends on the concentration of the peroxide-based bleach, as stronger concentrations yield brighter results. It is worth noting that most over-the-counter products do not deliver professional-grade whitening results. This is because the concentration of the peroxide-based bleaches are weaker than what you would find in professional gels, like ours.
How Our Take-Home Whitening Kits Work
At Martin Mylne Dental, we offer customized take-home whitening kits at both our Cleveland and Capalaba surgeries that deliver professional-grade results in the comfort of your home. Here's how they work:
1. Personalized Whitening Trays
Our take-home kits include custom-fitted whitening trays that are specifically designed to fit your teeth. The personalized trays ensure the whitening gel stays in contact with your teeth for a consistent and even result. Unlike over-the-counter options, custom trays reduce the risk of irritation and help prevent the bleach gel from leaking onto your gums.
2. Professional-Grade Whitening Gel
The whitening gel we provide in our take-home kits contains higher concentrations of whitening agents—such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide—than most over-the-counter products. These active ingredients break down stains on the enamel, making your teeth appear noticeably whiter. Since the gel is professional-grade, you can achieve results faster and more effectively than with at-home whitening strips or toothpaste.
3. Flexible Treatment Schedule
One of the benefits of our take-home whitening kits is flexibility. You can whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home and fit the treatment into your schedule. Depending on your preferences, the recommended usage is typically around 30 minutes to an hour per session. Most patients see noticeable improvements within a few days to a week of consistent use.
We proudly serve patients in Capalaba and Cleveland, offering local, easily accessible whitening services. Call us today to learn more about our whitening services.
Comentarios