If your teeth have become dull and yellow over the years, teeth whitening can give you back your bright, white smile. Whitening is one of the many dental services and treatments Dr. Richard Lachenmayr provides at his Alpha, NJ, dental office.
How teeth whitening works
Stains form when pigments from foods seep into tiny pores in your tooth enamel when you eat or drink. Over time, the accumulation of the pigments makes your teeth look a little yellow or beige. Brushing your teeth is an excellent way to remove plaque, a sticky film that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Unfortunately, good oral hygiene won't help you avoid stains. Your toothbrush bristles are much too large to reach into the openings where the pigments lurk.
Teeth whitening improves the color of your teeth by targeting the pigments that cause stains. Your dentist applies a whitening gel that contains hydrogen peroxide, a natural stain remover, to your teeth. The gel seeps into your pores, breaking up and removing dark pigments.
Is whitening in the Alpha dental office more effective than using store-bought whitening kits?
Over-the-counter whitening products don't always lighten your teeth as much as you had hoped. User error can also be a problem. If you don't apply strips precisely, or your trays don't fit correctly, your teeth may not be uniformly white or you may irritate your gums and roots.
After a one-hour professional whitening session, you can expect your teeth to be up to eight shades lighter. Whitening results are achieved without compromising safety. Before your session begins, your gums and roots will be coated with a protective gel and plastic retractors will hold your cheeks and gums away from your lips. These steps prevent irritation and help reduce sensitivity.
How can I keep my teeth whiter after my treatment?
These steps will help you avoid new stains on your teeth:
- Avoiding or limiting coffee, tea, cola, wine, berries, and other darkly pigmented foods and beverages
- Using a straw when you do drink dark beverages
- Touching up your whitening results with at-home whitening kits provided by your dentist
Revitalize your smile with teeth whitening! Call your dentist in Alpha, NJ, Dr. Richard Lachenmayr, at (908) 454-8400 to schedule your appointment.
