Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can significantly enhance the appearance of your smile.

But have you ever wondered how this process actually works? Let’s explore the science behind teeth whitening and how it can help you achieve a brighter, more confident smile.

Understanding Tooth Discolouration

To understand how teeth whitening works, it’s important to first understand what causes teeth to become discoloured in the first place. There are two main types of tooth discolouration: extrinsic and intrinsic.

  1. Extrinsic Discolouration: This occurs when the outer layer of your teeth, known as the enamel, becomes stained. This can happen due to various factors, including consuming dark-coloured foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine, as well as smoking or using tobacco products.
  2. Intrinsic Discolouration: This occurs when the inner structure of the tooth, known as the dentin, becomes discoloured or darkened. This type of discolouration can be caused by factors such as ageing, certain medications, or trauma to the tooth.

The Whitening Process

Teeth whitening works by using bleaching agents to break down the stains on the enamel and dentin, restoring the natural whiteness of your teeth. The most common bleaching agent used in teeth whitening procedures is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

When these bleaching agents are applied to your teeth, they penetrate the enamel and dentin, where they react with the molecules that cause discolouration. This reaction breaks down the stains into smaller, less visible particles, which makes your teeth appear whiter.

Types of Teeth Whitening

There are two main methods of teeth whitening: in-office and at-home treatments.

  1. In-office Whitening: These treatments are performed by a dental professional and typically involve the use of a higher concentration of bleaching agent for faster results. These treatments usually take about an hour to complete and can lighten your teeth by several shades.
  2. At-home Whitening: These treatments involve the use of custom-made trays that are filled with a lower concentration of bleaching agent. These trays are worn for a specified amount of time each day, usually for a few weeks, to gradually whiten the teeth.

Maintaining Your Results

To maintain the results of your teeth whitening treatment, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding foods and beverages that can stain your teeth. Additionally, regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help keep your smile bright and healthy.

Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to enhance the appearance of your smile by removing stains and discolouration from your teeth. By understanding the science behind teeth whitening, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for you and achieve the bright, confident smile you’ve always wanted. If you have stained or discoloured teeth, please get in touch with the friendly dental team at van der Walt Dental as we can whiten your teeth up to multiple shades whiter.