Have You Considered Teeth Whitening as a Christmas Gift?

Have You Considered Teeth Whitening as a Christmas Gift?
Posted on 11/07/2022

Do you need help with teeth whitening in Lincoln NE? When snow is falling, you want your teeth to be white enough to match. Christmas is the perfect time to gift teeth whitening to your friends, family, and loved ones.

Teeth Whitening Procedures

Consumer demand has been growing for white and more attractive smiles. Dental bleach has grown as an esthetic procedure as a consequence, but it is important to understand the underlying science.

Tooth discoloration comes in two varieties: extrinsic and intrinsic. Both describe any type of tooth discoloration or change in a tooth's color. However, the cause of the change differs.

Extrinsic stains commonly result from accumulated colored compounds on the enamel. Typically, this is associated with environmental factors and individual behaviors, such as tobacco use. Additionally, exposure to metal salts, like iron or copper, can trigger these issues. Drinking highly pigmented beverages can also darken the teeth.

According to the American Dental Association, extrinsic stains often respond well to mechanical interventions. In other words, you can brush your teeth with whitening toothpaste to remove some stains.

Intrinsic stains occur on the tooth's interior, affecting the enamel or dentin. Enamel or dentin discoloration occurs because of systemic causes, genetic disorders, or local factors.

Finally, aging is another common factor implicated in intrinsic discoloration etiology. As age increases, the enamel becomes more translucent and thins, exposing the yellower dentin beneath.

Check out our blog to learn more about West Gate Dental in Lincoln NE!

Professionally Administered Whiteners

Reducing intrinsic stains depends on a chemical reaction, changing a tooth's color. The two most common ingredients used in bleaching are carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. These are utilized at different concentrations depending on the product or regimen.

The bleaching process is generally believed to occur when reactive oxygen molecules react with chromophores in the enamel and dentin. This process can be influenced by pH, temperature, and light.

Usually, the extent of whitening attained by bleaching depends on the intrinsic stain type. Stains caused by fluorosis or tetracycline tend to be more responsive than white stains.

Before undergoing this elective procedure, patients generally need to see a dentist. A clinical exam will be performed using radiographs and other diagnostic tests.

Contact Us
Whiter smiles begin with a simple conversation. This may include questions about the cause of discoloration and allergies. If you are interested in getting a whiter smile, contact us to schedule a consultation about teeth whitening in Lincoln NE, today!