What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a popular dental tool that seems almost magical. Teeth whitening seems to be able to turn back the clock, undo stains, create a brighter smile, raise confidence and more. Since brushing and flossing do not seem to improve the overall shade of teeth, whitening solutions are becoming more and more popular. Yet, store-bought solutions do not seem to have a strong effect. Fortunately, we can provide a professional whitening service that works wonders on a smile.

More than just a trend

The infatuation with teeth whitening has led to the growth of an extremely lucrative industry across the nation. From cosmetic dentist solutions to over-the-counter toothpaste, teeth whitening continues to grow as a solution many people invest in for a better smile. While some of our patients come in for teeth whitening solutions, others prefer a do-it-yourself regime. In either eventuality, we strive to keep our patients educated.

First, it is important to understand the process of how teeth whitening works. The peroxide-based solution we use to whiten teeth dissolves into the tooth, where it releases free radicals. These free radicals work to make the tooth more translucent. The more translucent a tooth, the whiter it looks. However, food and other substances work to stain the tooth by covering up the translucency. We are constantly reminding our patients that what one eats and the amount of oral hygiene play a pivotal role in how long the teeth whitening remains effective.

Most people are aware that they need to take care of their teeth and will not do things like smoking. On the other hand, many people do not realize that normally healthy foods, such as raspberries, can actually cause discoloration in teeth. We can help patients take preventative measures and keep brighter teeth.

Preventing teeth from fading

There are many ways common habits can spoil the effects of teeth whitening. All foods have a pH level. The lower the pH level, the more acidic the substance and the more likely it is to adversely affect one's teeth. The problem is that the teeth will constantly be in contact with the harmful kinds of substances since we all need to eat. An easy way to help prevent this is to brush 30 minutes or so after eating. By doing so, any excessive bacterial acid can be washed away before it influences the enamel.

This can be particularly challenging for people who like to snack regularly. Snacking is one of the most damaging habits people have when it comes to darkening the shade of their teeth. Regardless of the type of snack, all food contains natural or added coloring, which works to color the teeth. Few people think it is necessary to brush their teeth, or at least rinse, after a snack, and this is what causes discoloration.

For more information, give us a call to schedule an appointment and decide if teeth whitening is right for you.

Teeth Whitening

At Oak Tree Dental, we provide teeth whitening solutions for patients throughout the McLean Virginia area. We deliver dramatic results, and your teeth can become up to eight shades whiter in one treatment.

Oak Tree Dental

At Oak Tree Dental in McLean, we work to customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule where possible. Our professional staff aims to create a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. We will identify any dental issues you are struggling with and work with you to find the solution that works best for you.

Our staff seeks to create a comforting environment at the office to ease patients into the procedure. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of quality oral health. At Oak Tree Dental, your dental health is our prime concern.