In a world where cosmetic procedures are becoming increasingly popular, Teeth Whitening in Brickell at HQ Dontics is in high demand. Whether you’ve previously tried whitening at home or at a dental office, or you’re considering it for the first time, it’s important to know the essentials. The active ingredient in all teeth whitening agents used in the U.S., whether over-the-counter or at a dental office, is either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. At HQ Dontics, we ensure safe, effective teeth whitening to help you achieve a brighter smile.
This active ingredient dehydrates your enamel by opening the tiny little pores within and extracting the stains and yellow pigments. Since the “pores” of your enamel are dilated, hydrogen peroxide reaches the pulp or nerve of your teeth, creating that sensitive feeling, which eventually within a few days will cease as your tooth pores close.
HQ Dontics offers the best Teeth Whitening in Brickell
Light-activated whitening procedures accelerate the rate at which the hydrogen peroxide penetrates the enamel and that’s the reason why procedures like Zoom might make your teeth feel more sensitive. Sensitivity also depends on the quality of the bleaching material, technique used, and individual response. Higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide usually lead to higher sensitivity. Over-the-counter products contain 3-10% hydrogen peroxide while office whitening products contain 15-40% hydrogen peroxide. Whitening results may also vary depending on enamel thickness, type of stains, age, concentration of active agent, treatment time, and frequency.
What is Teeth whitening?
As for the post-treatment procedure, dark pigment liquids or foods should be avoided for the first 72 hours. For example, coffee, tea, blueberries, beets, and smoking cigarettes or cigars. A good way to prevent tooth sensitivity is to use toothpaste for sensitive teeth such as Sensodyne, chew sugar-free gum to increase salivary flow, and stop using teeth whitening products. Fluoride-containing products might lessen sensitivity as well.
Not everyone qualifies for teeth whitening. Those with multiple restorations in the front teeth will not be good candidates as bonding, crowns, and veneers do not change color. Also, bleaching agents might affect such restorations by creating roughness, crack development, marginal breakdown, and decreasing the bond strength. Some nonvital teeth might need internal bleaching, such as those with endodontic treatment. Patients with present cavities are not qualified to get whitening either as hydrogen peroxide will penetrate the cavity creating an intense sensitive feeling. Bleaching is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women and teenagers under age 16 as the pulp of the tooth is enlarged causing it to become sensitive.
If you are looking to use natural whitening methods such as baking soda or activated charcoal, you should be aware that these products have not gone through extensive research to determine how harmful they could be. They might lighten your teeth if used properly in one or two shades, but both baking soda and charcoal are too abrasive to the enamel and will create micro scratches if scrubbed as toothpaste. As a result, you will end up with a rough uneven surface more prone to accumulate stains and plaque.
Always consult with your dentist to see what options suit you best. Whitening alternatives such as bonding, veneers or crowns might be a better option if numerous restorations are present already or if your enamel is too thin and won’t change color.
Smile on!
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