Teeth Whitening 101

You’ve seen it: whether you’re watching TV, flipping through a magazine, surfing the web, or passing a billboard on the highway, there’s no avoiding it: the alluring, bright-white, of a gleaming smile, and no matter what the advertisement is about, your eye is drawn to that seemingly perfect, white smile. It seems nearly every smile that appears in an advertisement is a luminous, almost unattainable, white. Recently the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry released the results of a random survey asking: “If you could change one thing to improve your smile, what it would be?” The overwhelming response: whiter teeth! In a related survey posed to dentists, “What is the most popular cosmetic procedure at your practice?” The winner? Teeth whitening.

It seems the bright white smile is what “everyone” is seeking, but just because your teeth don’t have that Hollywood-bright-white-glow, don’t fret, it doesn’t mean they’re unhealthy. It’s proven that brushing and flossing keep your teeth healthy and clean but doesn’t always give patients that desirable level of whiteness. Our teeth gradually change color over time from food and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine because their color pigments (chromogens) attach to the white, outer part of the tooth (enamel). Additionally, as we age, enamel gets thinner and dentin (the part of the tooth directly under the enamel that is yellowish in color) shows through. Also, some medications can cause your teeth to darken. Antihistamines, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure medications are known culprits.

No matter what the reason, if you’re looking to whiten your teeth it’s best to consult a dentist.

Teeth whitening isn’t for everyone, for example: persons with discoloration due to medication or injury. Additionally, teeth can not be whitened beyond a certain point no matter how many times you whiten them. The truth is, bleaching products do not really whiten teeth. They work by eliminating stains on the surface of the enamel.

A dentist will advise which whitening option is best for you. Secondly, a dentist is equipped to assist with discomforts that may arise after treatment, such as tooth sensitivity. Other benefits to using your dentists include the use of advanced products that whiten the teeth and provide immediate results.

If you’re looking for teeth whitening services in Newburyport, MA look no further than Dentistry of Newburyport!

Call us today 978-465-8492 and schedule a free consultation to discover the best way to whiten your teeth!