One of the top requests we receive from our patients is for teeth whitening or teeth bleaching. Both promise brighter smiles, so which one is the right choice for you?
Let’s break down the differences between teeth whitening and teeth bleaching.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening restores the natural color of your teeth. Teeth whitening treatment removes surface stains. The stains, also called extrinsic stains, build up over time. Teeth whitening removes stains caused by foods and drinks like coffee, red wine, mustard, and berries that sit on the surface of your teeth causing dullness and discoloration.
Extrinsic stains are the easiest to remove. The next time you come in for a check-up and professional cleaning, our hygienist uses polishing tools and pastes to get rid of extrinsic stains.
You can also gently remove surface stains and whiten teeth with over-the-counter products. Not all over-the-counter whitening products are good for your oral health. Some whitening toothpastes are so abrasive they erode tooth enamel. Some whitening gels and strips can burn your gum tissue increasing your risk for infection, even tooth loss.
Please ask us about the best methods for teeth whitening as part of your home care routine.
This brings us to teeth bleaching.
What is Teeth Bleaching?
Teeth bleaching makes your teeth whiter and brighter than their natural shade. That’s because bleaching targets the stains and dullness underneath tooth enamel. These “intrinsic” stains can be caused by aging, overexposure to fluoride, certain medications and diseases, and dental trauma.
Intrinsic teeth discoloration requires an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to whiten the teeth. These substances penetrate the enamel to lighten the internal color of your teeth.
This level of whitening and brightening can only be achieved in a dentist’s office. Professional smile whitening solutions such as in-office whitening or professional grade whitening kits lift stains without damaging tooth enamel.
In-office whitening brightens your teeth up to 10 shades in an hour-long visit. Take-home professional grade kits provided by your dentist provide more gradual effects. Over the course of one to two weeks, take-home kits teeth result in teeth up to eight shades lighter.
Who can get teeth whitened and bleached?
Teeth whitening and bleaching are a popular way to achieve a younger, healthier-looking smile. Whether you’re looking to improve your appearance, boost your confidence or put the finishing touch on newly straightened teeth, teeth whitening and bleaching provide outstanding results.
Almost anyone can opt for teeth whitening or bleaching. However, these treatments only work on natural teeth. Whitening will not work on veneers, inlays, onlays, or other tooth-colored restorations, according to the ADA and dental experts.
Additionally, patients with gum disease, tooth decay, or major tooth sensitivity may not be the right candidate for teeth whitening or bleaching.
Finally, the ADA also advises against teeth whitening for children and teens to protect developing enamel and tooth pulp.
If you are ready to brighten your smile, Dr. Frahm will create a customized plan to help you achieve a beautiful result. Call us at (831)-372-8011 or schedule your visit today.
