Your Teeth are Porous
Your teeth may be hard, but they are also porous. Like your skin, they have pores that will absorb what you put in your mouth. Anything with color, such as coffee, tea, wine, berries, and even smoke will be absorbed and discolor your teeth. These stains cannot be simply brush away. They must be actively removed.
Stains are Not Removed Overnight
Whitening agents will make an improvement, but nothing will go from stained to white overnight. Even though your teeth are porous, it takes time for a whitening agent to safely penetrate deep enough to remove years of stain. Depending on the treatment, the whitening process can take up to several months.
Your Teeth May be Sensitive After Whitening
Many people have sensitive teeth which may be due to thin or weakened enamel, cracks or other damages, or simply part of your genetic makeup. As a result of the whitening process, teeth are dehydrated, and this heightens their sensitivity to hot or cold. Typically, the sensitivity disappears within 2 days of treatment. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth may be recommended by your dentist.
Whitening Does Not Damage Your Teeth
Let’s qualify this statement. Any abuse of your teeth, even if it is just aggressive brushing, can be damaging. However, professional teeth whitening is safe, especially when delivered by a qualified dental professional and all instructions are carefully followed. After whitening, your teeth will naturally re-mineralize and rehydrate.
The Key to Success
Most of the whitening products on the market use similar ingredients to open the pores and remove the stains. The key to the most successful whitening is in the delivery. Custom trays that hold the whitening agent on all facets of the teeth deliver the best results. They guarantee that the whitening agent covers all of the surface area of the teeth and provide a consistent coverage and result.
If you would like to explore a whitening program, we recommend a professional approach. Find your beautiful smile at Smile Designer.