You wake up and are feeling great! You just know that this is going to be your day. You are 100% ready for that class presentation, feeling super confident about that job interview, and looking forward to that dinner date. And then... the mirror gives you a shock. You're brushing and brushing, but just can't seem to change that yellowish color on your teeth! What can you do? Maybe it's time to look into professional teeth whitening.
The History of Teeth Whitening
Humans have actually been interested in teeth whitening for thousands of years. In the 20th century, peroxide and other substances were discovered for their value in whitening teeth.
Sometime in the 1980's, bleaching became a popular method of teeth whitening. Nowadays we are even able to use laser technology to help make smiles whiter and brighter. Why do we need to whiten our teeth?
Basically, the white outer shell of our teeth, called enamel, covers up the softer, yellowish inner part of our teeth, called dentin. As part of the aging process, and due to years and years of chewing, brushing and other such activities, our coat of enamel tends to gradually get thinner and thinner.
As our enamel wears off, it gradually reveals the softer dentin underneath. And thus we have discoloration of the teeth.
What are the Options?
There are several ways to whiten your teeth. Of course, one way that some people choose is treating themselves at home, using an over the counter product, or some other "do it yourself" whitening agent. Oftentimes, though, self treatment can be ineffective; and even if eventually successful, it can often take several weeks, or even several months to complete.
An alternative to at home treatment preferred by many is professional teeth whitening. In this method, dentists will use a specialized, concentrated whitening solution to begin a chemical reaction for the desired results. The whitening solution used may vary from office to office, but the basic principles remain the same.
More often than not, patients will notice that their teeth become considerably whiter after just one session at the dental office. Even if multiple sessions are scheduled, results will typically appear much faster than from at home treatments, which generally use weaker solutions.
Sometimes dentists will prescribe a regimen of soaking the teeth in peroxide for set amounts of time on a daily or weekly basis; however, this is meant to supplement the professional teeth whitening performed at the office, not supplant it.
In today's modern age, some patients also opt to undergo laser teeth whitening. In this procedure, the dentist actually uses a laser to speed up the chemical reaction between the compound and the teeth, so that whitening occurs even faster than with traditional methods.
Speed is a huge benefit from this technique; some patients only have to stay 15 or 20 minutes at the dental office for their whitening session! Even though there is typically no pain associated with this procedure, if you have sensitive teeth and are interested in this option, be sure to ask your dentist about the pros and cons.
Professional and Caring Teeth Whitening
When it comes to professional teeth whitening, Dr. Bill Linger is not only a skilled practitioner with years of experience under his belt, but he is also a dentist who genuinely cares about his patients. In fact, scores of past patients can testify to his personal care, professionalism, and thoughtfulness.
If you are looking for a whiter, brighter smile, and a dentist who has the knowledge and desire to help you succeed, then please reach out to Dr. Linger's office for more information. Don't let the mirror throw you for a loop; instead, wake up each day ready to show off your smile to the whole world! Contact us today.
