If you wish your smile were brighter, or that you could just remove the one or two stains that mar its appearance, then you’re not alone. Teeth whitening is the most frequently-requested cosmetic enhancement, and the only legitimate dental treatment that can be purchased over the counter. The popularity of teeth-whitening speaks volumes about the prevalence of teeth stains, which more people experience than any other dental issue. Before opting for teeth-whitening, however, take our short quiz below to learn more about stains and how to erase them.
About Brighter Teeth
1.) What kind of stains does teeth whitening erase?
a.) Intrinsic
b.) Extrinsic
2.) Teeth stains are usually preventable
a.) True
b.) False
3.) Which whitening option is more effective?
a.) In-office
b.) Take-home
Answers
1.) Extrinsic, or external, teeth stains occur on or just underneath the semi-translucent surface of your teeth, called tooth enamel. Extrinsic stains can occur from years of use, the accumulation of color molecules from your food and beverages, and a host of other common causes. Teeth whitening works by oxidizing and erasing surface stains to brighten your teeth’s color and appearance.
2.) False—you can prolong the pearly-whiteness of your smile by practicing good hygiene and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings every six months. Still, teeth can become dull and lose their luster as you age, and most people will seek whitening treatment at least once in their lifetime.
3.) In-office and take-home teeth whitening use similar products to professionally whiten stained teeth. The main difference lies in convenience, rather than in results. In-office whitening can be accomplished in a single visit, and in just over an hour. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, our take-home kit consists of custom-made whitening trays that allow you to apply the gel evenly from the comfort of your home. Regardless of your preference, our whitening systems can brighten your smile up to 8-10 shades without taking a significant chunk of time out of your schedule.
About Downey Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:
Dr. Hadis Reyhani, Dr. Ben Reyhani, and Dr. Pasha Hakimzadeh, DDS, provide a wealth of combined experience, along with innovative technology and personalized care, to help improve our patients’ dental health and function and help them enjoy smiling again. To schedule a consultation, call Downey Family Cosmetic Dentistry today at (562) 472-2433.
