When we meet somebody new, one of the very first things we tend to notice is their smile. A smile can say a lot about a person without them having to utter a single word, and — whether we always realize it or not — we tend to make some pretty quick initial judgments about people based on their smile. Our smiles can also have an effect on our self-esteem, which is why practicing great dental care is important — so you can have a smile you can feel good about showing off.
But what happens when you have a smile you’re not so proud of? Depending on what we eat, our smiles can sometimes grow discolored and stained. Thankfully, there are cosmetic dentistry procedures available that can help restore your teeth to a pearly-white smile you can feel great about, one of which is teeth whitening. But how does teeth whitening actually work?
How It Works
First, it’s important to understand your teeth stain in two different ways: extrinsically and intrinsically. Extrinsic stains exist on the tooth’s surface, while intrinsic stains exist within tiny microcracks in your enamel, and in the dentin layer beneath your enamel. While some tooth whitening toothpastes or mouthwashes can help remove some of the extrinsic staining, intrinsic staining requires a stronger technique, which is where teeth whitening agents become necessary.
Teeth whitening agents are a bleaching chemical that is able to penetrate your tooth enamel so that, not only are the extrinsic surface stains removed but so are the intrinsic stains, too. This is achieved by the bleaching agents setting off an oxidation reaction that breaks apart the staining substances, leaving you with a whiter, brighter looking smile.
At Maplewood Dental Associates, your teeth whitening procedure is closely supervised by your St. Paul area dentist, to ensure safe, effective teeth whitening. First, a mold is taken of your teeth, and from there two thin and flexible customized mouth trays (top and bottom) are created just for you. You then fill the two trays with the bleaching gel provided to you by our dental clinic and simply leave the trays in for roughly one hour.
The Benefits of Teeth Whitening from Your Maplewood, MN Dentist
There are many benefits to whitening your teeth with the help of your Maplewood, MN area dentistry. Many over-the-counter whitening methods aren’t as effective and commonly lead to tooth sensitivity. With an experienced dentist supervising your teeth whitening treatment, you are less likely to experience as much tooth sensitivity and your Maplewood dentist can monitor your treatment so that no damage is caused to your teeth or gums.
Visit Your St. Paul & Maplewood, MN Area Dental Clinic Today
If you’d like to know more about teeth whitening or other cosmetic dentistry procedures, the experienced and knowledgeable team at Maplewood Dental Associates can help. Our dental clinic prides itself on offering an array of services and treatments and is the premier choice for dental care in the St. Paul and Maplewood, MN area. If you’re ready to change your smile for the better, contact us today to request an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!