Whiten Teeth in Winter Park

Teeth whitening is desirable for a large portion of our patients. But when discussing the idea of teeth whitening, it's essential to distinguish the two main components of visually "whiter" teeth: 1) surface stain removal and 2) lightening the underlying shade of your teeth.

1. Tooth Polishing: Surface stain removal is typically achieved by polishing your teeth (in addition to standard healthy brushing). Hence, they are free of surface stains and smoother overall – this is what lets your underlying tooth color stand out and shine!

2. Tooth Bleaching: Lightening your actual tooth shade is typically achieved by topical "bleaching" agents (which are not actual household "bleach") by oxidizing the darker molecules within the tooth structure. This process will brighten the underlying tooth color itself!

 A range of over-the-counter products can enable you to perform both tooth polishing and tooth bleaching at home. However, your local dentist has professional-grade methods to help you achieve a brighter smile faster and more effectively. For some, over-the-counter products work fine and are safe when used correctly. However, if you have tried the at-home products with minimal results, it's recommended to see your local dentist for a specific consultation to find more effective whitening treatments for you.

How does tooth whitening work?

• Tooth whitening in Winter Park is a process that aims to remove stains and discoloration from teeth to make them appear brighter and whiter. There are several ways to whiten teeth, but the most common methods involve bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

• When these agents come into contact with the teeth, they penetrate the enamel and break down the stains and discoloration on the surface of the teeth. This process can take a few minutes to an hour, depending on the strength of the whitening agent and the application method.

• In-office tooth whitening procedures often involve using a light or laser to activate the bleaching agent, speeding up the whitening process. At-home whitening products like strips or trays typically have a lower concentration of the bleaching agent, which means they may take longer to achieve the desired results.

• Regarding our whitening treatment options, we offer dental-professional grade in-office applications and at-home treatments. As they are administered under local dentist supervision and for established patients, both are stronger than what is offered over the counter. Additionally, our systems do not require the use of lights or lasers to be effective – we can achieve fast and safe whitening without using these accelerants or added complexity.

• In regards to polishing versus bleaching, we always recommend patients have a recent dental cleaning prior to whitening treatment. Not only will this help the whitening treatment work more evenly, but also so your “true” tooth color is showing without surface stains so you can accurately evaluate how much lighter of a shade you desire. 

It's important to note that tooth whitening can have some side effects, including sensitivity and irritation of the gums. Therefore, it's always best to consult a local dentist before beginning any whitening treatment to ensure it's safe and effective for your situation.

How does whitening toothpaste work?

Whitening toothpaste removes surface stains on the teeth through mild abrasives, such as silica, aluminum oxide, or calcium carbonate. These abrasives help to scrub away stains caused by coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco, for example. This is the primary method of removing surface stains from polishing. 

Some whitening toothpaste may also contain hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent that can help lighten the teeth' color over time. However, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in whitening toothpaste is typically much lower than in professional teeth whitening treatments, so it may take longer to see significant results.

At our office, patients report that they do not see noticeable results with the whitening toothpaste containing hydrogen peroxide. This is likely since the concentrations and contact times are so low. However, we have great results with patients using a whitening toothpaste, which provides mild abrasives to remove surface stains and prevent stain build-up between their dental cleanings. At the end of a standard dental cleaning, our staff polishes your teeth with our dental instruments. You can achieve a similar treatment at home using a good whitening toothpaste and an electric toothbrush. Please ask your local dentist or us if you have questions or want instructions to help make this part of your regimen!

It's important to note that while whitening toothpaste can help to remove surface stains, it won't change the natural color of your teeth or address deeper discoloration. Additionally, overusing whitening toothpaste or using toothpaste with abrasive particles that are too harsh can lead to enamel erosion, making teeth more sensitive and prone to decay. Therefore, it is possible to over-polish your teeth. Regular dental check-ups will help prevent this, as your local dentist or hygienist can catch these symptoms early.

To maintain a bright and healthy smile, practicing good oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing and flossing, and visiting your local dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups are essential.

Does teeth whitening hurt?

Teeth whitening may cause temporary discomfort or sensitivity, but a healthy patient should not feel pain. During whitening, the bleaching agents may penetrate the enamel and reach the sensitive dentin layer, causing some sensitivity or discomfort. Our patients typically report this as ‘zings’ or ‘shocks’ in some areas.

However, this sensitivity is usually temporary and should subside quickly, mostly within a few hours after the whitening treatment. Sometimes, your local dentist may recommend desensitizing gel or toothpaste to help manage the sensitivity. Our office offers desensitizing gel in the form of pre-filled trays, which you can wear 10 minutes before your whitening treatment.

It's important to note that over-the-counter whitening products may not have the same safety or effectiveness as professional teeth whitening treatments. Therefore, it's recommended to consult with a local dentist before beginning any teeth whitening treatment to ensure it's safe and effective for your particular situation. 

Additionally, if you have dental problems such as gum disease or tooth decay, teeth whitening may exacerbate the condition and cause pain or discomfort. In such cases, addressing the underlying dental issues before undergoing teeth whitening treatment is essential. 

Can I whiten my teeth at home?

You can whiten your teeth at home using over-the-counter whitening products such as whitening toothpaste, strips, gels, or trays. These products typically contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which can help lighten your teeth' color over time.

However, it's important to note that at-home teeth whitening may not be as effective as professional teeth whitening treatments. The concentration of bleaching agents in over-the-counter products is usually lower than what is used in your local dentist's office, which means it may take longer to achieve the desired results. Sometimes, you may have unique requirements where a cosmetic dentist would be best to help: veneers or crowns that will not whiten, internally stained teeth due to prior trauma or infection, or misaligned teeth preventing the effective use of OTC products.

It's also essential to follow the instructions carefully and use the products as directed to avoid damaging your teeth or gums. Overusing whitening products can lead to tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or even enamel erosion, making teeth more susceptible to decay.

If you have existing dental problems such as gum disease, cavities, or tooth decay, it's essential to address these issues before undergoing any teeth whitening treatment. It's also recommended to consult with a local dentist before starting any teeth whitening regimen to ensure it's safe and effective for your particular situation. Contact a professional dentist in Winter Park if you have any questions or concerns.

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