Teeth whitening is a popular dental procedure in the Monkton area. After all, who doesn’t want a whiter smile? At Hereford Dental Health, we offer advanced teeth whitening treatments that provide safe and effective results.
If you are considering tooth whitening, here are some things to keep in mind.
Tooth Whitening: Key Findings
- Whitening treatments can be effective on both extrinsic and intrinsic staining
- Only natural teeth can be whitened; in most cases, tooth-colored restorations will not bleach
- Whitening treatments include in-office bleaching procedures, dentist-supplied products for use at home, and over-the-counter (OTC) whiteners
- Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues
- Temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation are the most common adverse effects. (American Dental Association)
Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS provides teeth whitening in-office or through a take-home kit. Results vary, but most patients observe significant lightening that lasts up to a year.
What’s the difference between tooth whitening and tooth bleaching?
Though these terms are used interchangeably, they aren’t identical. Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching describe the active whitening agent.
Teeth whitener can refer to any product used to remove stains from tooth enamel: toothpaste, DIY strips, and some mouthwashes are safe and affordable and can improve teeth with continued, regular use. The degree of whitening varies, and it takes scheduled use to see results.
Whitening products that do not contain bleach can typically make teeth two to four shades lighter. These are a good choice for people with sensitive teeth or gums. Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS counsels pregnant or nursing mothers to elect the non-bleach whitening products.
Bleaching can whiten deeper staining
The term “bleaching” is used to describe a tooth-whitening product that contains a form of bleach, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. For best results, teeth bleaching should be carried out in the office by a professional.
Teeth bleaching can usually achieve more noticeable results, sometimes up to seven shades lighter. Intrinsic stains on the dentin, as well as surface stains, can be capably lightened under an experienced dentist’s care.
You can replace old silver fillings!
Perhaps you have old amalgam fillings that detract from your smile. We offer white fillings. If you replace old siver fillings with tooth-colored restorations, it will appear as if you have a cavity-free smile. Talk about an anti-aging treatment!
Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS in Monkton provides comprehensive general and cosmetic dental services. Call us today to schedule an exam, tooth whitening consultation, or professional dental cleaning.
Contact Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS:
410-357-0099
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
16928 York Rd
Monkton, Maryland
21111
