Tooth Whitening Morrisville

Tooth whitening in Morrisville NC is any process that will make teeth appear whiter. There are two ways in which this can be accomplished. A material can bleach the tooth, meaning it changes the natural tooth color. Bleaching products contain peroxides that eliminate both surface and deep stains.  Whitening products that are non-bleaching, by contrast, contain ingredients that remove surface stains only.

Morrisville NC teeth whitening products can be applied by dentists in a Morrisville, NC dental office, given by Morrisville NC dentists for home use or purchased over-the counter. Whitening products can be classified into two groups:

• Peroxide-containing bleaching agents

Carbamide peroxide, used in many bleaching products, breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea, with hydrogen peroxide being the active bleaching ingredient. A product with 10% carbamide peroxide produces approximately 3.5 % hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide oxidizes stains, making the teeth whiter.  Both professional and at-home products, such as bleaching trays and white strips, utilize peroxide-containing bleaching products.

• Whitening toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes contain polishing or chemical agents that remove surface stains and help prevent new stains from forming. Many brands of whitening toothpastes are available over-the-counter and are an excellent follow-up to in- office or at-home Morrisville NC teeth whitening procedures.

At-Home Whitening Trays

Our dentist for tooth whitening Morrisville offers believe that the at-home whitening process provides the most successful outcome in the long run.  One reason is because of ongoing use. In addition, because small amounts of bleach remain within tooth structure for 36 hours, each time a new dose of bleach is applied to a tooth retaining the previous day’s peroxide, its effect is greater.  Whitening trays are convenient, portable and reasonably priced.

Once the decision is made that tooth whitening is an appropriate course of treatment, our dentists in Morrisville, NC will make impressions of your teeth. Custom -fitted trays made of a flexible plastic material are then constructed to intimately fit your teeth.  Along with these trays, our dentists in Morrisville, NC will dispense whitening gel and a storage case as part of your kit. Instructions are given on how to fill the trays with the correct amount of gel and a schedule is recommended to achieve the best results. Generally, wearing the trays for one hour a day for two to three weeks yields a desired outcome.

Advantages of At-Home Whitening Trays

• Our dentists in Morrisville, NC can dispense whitening gels with a much higher concentration of peroxide than available over-the counter, leading to more rapid results.
• Trays help ensure that the hydrogen peroxide stays in contact with the teeth, for maximum whitening in Morrisville NC.
• Trays help prevent saliva from coming into contact with the bleaching agent (which could dilute its strength.)
• Trays minimize the amount of bleaching agent that can leak out and irritate gums.

Side Effects of At-Home Whitening Trays

There are only two commonly seen side effects of tooth whitening with peroxide products:

• Tooth sensitivity

Usually occurring early on in the Morrisville NC teeth whitening process, it can often be prevented by brushing with a sensitive type toothpaste for two weeks prior to the whitening procedure.

• Gum irritation.

This may be caused by an ill-fitting tray, allowing the active beaching ingredient to spill out onto the gums. A proper fitting tray and using the correct amount of whitening gel will reduce the likelihood of gingival tissues becoming irritated.

Both tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are typically temporary and disappear once treatment is halted. Interested in this treatment? Want to learn more? Schedule a consultation with Alliance Dentistry for the best in teeth whitening Morrisville NC has to offer!

As your Morrisville tooth whitening dentist from Alliance Dentistry may explain, there are many different types of approaches to teeth whitening that are available on the market, some are over-the-counter and others are provided in a dental office. If you have ever tried whitening strips or teeth whitening toothpaste, you may have noticed not as much change as you would like. If you have ever done professional teeth whitening in-office, then you know this is the best way to see the most effective results quickly. All in all, whitening should be handled by a professional.

Stains on the teeth develop when colored molecules get stuck to the plaque, surface, and tartar of the teeth. Through dental cleanings, plaque and tartar can be removed,  but stains may still appear in the layers underneath called the dentin. The bleaching solution that is applied to the teeth mixes with oxygen in the air and carbon in the dentin, essentially breaking apart the molecules that get stuck to and stain the teeth. There are a few different solutions that are used to whiten teeth, such as carbamide peroxide with potassium nitrate fluoride, carbamide peroxide, and hydrogen peroxide. 

The results from teeth whitening will vary for each person, depending on what types of staining that they have. Generally, teeth whitening will work best on yellowish to brown stains compared to stains that have more of a gray tinge. Many teeth whitening procedures performed in dental offices just take one hour or so. Someone can relax and watch TV, or listen to music while a dentist works on their teeth in a comfortable and stress-free environment. A Morrisville tooth whitening dentist will do their best to help every person feel at ease so that it’s a positive experience for them.

If you use at home whitening trays, they should only be utilized every few months or at most a few times a week until your desired outcome is seen. Using whitening trays can help with a more gradual transition of teeth whitening and help maintain the shade that you want after a whitening session in-office. Keep in mind that the results for each person are going to vary, and your dentist can give you a recommendation for what’s going to be best for you. Some people experience discomfort and painful sensitivity when using at-home teeth whitening products, so consider speaking with your dentist about what whitening tools you want to use beforehand just to confirm they are safe for use. 

Teeth whitening procedures work best when your teeth are free of tartar and plaque. By staying up-to-date with your dental cleanings, it’s not only important for your health but also helps keep your teeth sparkly and white. If you are due for a cleaning, then you can schedule this in addition to your teeth whitening on the very same day. But a cleaning should be done before teeth whitening is provided. For more information and possibly book a teeth whitening appointment, contact a Morrisville tooth whitening dentist from Alliance Dentistry today!

Can teeth whitening damage my teeth?

Morrisville teeth whitening is a safe and effective treatment when done under the supervision of a dental professional. The active ingredients in teeth whitening products, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, work by breaking down stains on the surface of the teeth. While it is possible to experience temporary sensitivity during or after treatment, there is no evidence that teeth whitening causes long-term damage to the teeth. Regardless, teeth whitening treatments should not be done excessively or too frequently as it may lead to over-bleaching, which can cause tooth sensitivity and irritation of the gums. Dentists typically recommend waiting at least six months to a year before undergoing another teeth whitening treatment to allow the teeth and gums to recover. You should also practice good oral hygiene and avoid consuming staining substances, such as coffee and tobacco, to maintain the results of the teeth whitening treatment. By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy a brighter, more confident smile.

Can over-the-counter whitening products be just as effective as professional treatments?

While over-the-counter whitening products can help remove surface stains, they are not as effective as professional treatments. Professional Morrisville teeth whitening treatments use stronger concentrations of whitening agents and custom-fitted trays to ensure even and thorough coverage. Additionally, a dental professional can assess your oral health and recommend the most appropriate whitening treatment for your needs. If you are looking for more dramatic results or have stubborn stains, professional teeth whitening may be the better option. However, if you have minor staining and just want to freshen up your smile, over-the-counter products may be a good choice. Be careful with over-the-counter products, because overusing them can lead to sensitivity and damage to the teeth, so you should follow the instructions carefully and consult with a dental professional if you have any concerns.

Can whitening toothpaste effectively whiten my teeth?

This is a fact, to a certain extent. Whitening toothpaste contains abrasive particles and chemicals that can help remove surface stains from teeth. However, they are not as effective as professional teeth whitening treatments and cannot change the natural color of teeth. Furthermore, overuse of whitening toothpaste can damage the enamel of teeth and cause sensitivity.

Can teeth whitening work on all types of stains?

Unfortunately, this is not exactly the case. Morrisville teeth whitening treatments are most effective on surface stains caused by food, beverages, and tobacco. However, certain types of stains, such as those caused by medications or trauma, may not respond to whitening treatments. In such cases, a dental professional may recommend alternative cosmetic treatments, such as dental bonding or veneers. You should consult with a dental professional to determine the underlying cause of your stains and whether teeth whitening is a suitable option for you.

Is teeth whitening really only for people with yellow teeth?

Of course not! Teeth whitening can help improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, stained, or yellowed. However, it can also help brighten teeth that are naturally darker in color. A dentist can assess the color and condition of your teeth and recommend the most appropriate whitening treatment for your needs. Teeth whitening can be a great option for anyone who wants to enhance the brightness of their smile, regardless of the initial shade of their teeth.