A smile is one of the first things we notice about other people. Unfortunately, if your teeth are discolored or stained, you may not feel like smiling much these days. Teeth whitening services offered by your Apple Valley, CA, dentist Dr. Samuel Kim can get rid of stains and help you feel much more self-confident.
How teeth whitening works
Your teeth may look dull or yellow due to:
- Aging: Teeth naturally become duller throughout the years.
- Stains: Foods and beverages that contain dark pigments, such as berries, popsicles, cola, tea, coffee, and wine, can stain your teeth.
- Smoking: Tobacco and nicotine cause unattractive yellow stains on your teeth.
Teeth whitening doesn't just cover up stains and discolorations but actually attacks the source of the stains. Every time you smoke or drink a cup of coffee, stain-causing pigments become trapped in tiny openings in your tooth enamel. As the pigments accumulate, your teeth begin to take on a dull, discolored appearance.
Hydrogen peroxide, the active ingredient in the teeth whitening gel your Apple Valley dentist uses, breaks apart the pigments, eliminating the stains. Although over-the-counter whitening kits also contain hydrogen peroxide, professional whiteners offer stronger formulations for quick whitening. In most cases, your teeth will be much whiter after an hour-long whitening session at the dentist's office. Whitening is very effective for natural tooth enamel but won't change the color of bridges, crowns or other dental work.
Safety is paramount during whitening
Hydrogen peroxide removes stains in your tooth enamel safely and effectively, but it can irritate your sensitive gums and roots if it comes in contact with them. Before your whitening session starts, your dentist will apply a gel to your roots and gums that will protect them from the hydrogen peroxide. He'll also use plastic retractors to gently pull your lips and cheeks away from your teeth during whitening.
At the conclusion of your session, both the hydrogen peroxide and the protective gel will be removed to reveal a whiter smile. You can keep your smile white and bright for two or three years or longer by brushing and flossing regularly, visiting your dentist for regular checkups, and avoiding smoking and darkly pigmented foods.
Are you ready to improve your smile with teeth whitening? Call Apple Valley, CA, dentist Dr. Samuel Kim at (760) 247-6007 to schedule an appointment.