Teeth Whitening at John N. Kim, D.D.S., P.A.​
Whitening procedures have effectively restored the smile of people with
stained, dull, or discolored teeth.
The darker tissue of your teeth, the dentin, can become exposed as the
outer layer of enamel is worn away by the effects of aging or things
like caffeine and tobacco.
Food particles are naturally attracted to a tooth's enamel by a certain
protein. Products like coffee and tea, berries and soy sauce are
notorious for staining teeth. Over time, teeth actually become more
absorbent and vulnerable to staining from food and other substances.
One type of stain—caused by traumatic injuries, medications and
fluorosis—actually begins inside the tooth; brushing and flossing
don’t help. Another type of stain—one that can be more easily
attacked by brushing, flossing and rinsing—is caused by external
factors such as foods.
Why Teeth Whitening?
More and more people today are choosing tooth-whitening procedures to
reverse the effects of aging and abuse from food and tobacco stains.
Some commercially available "whitening toothpastes" can be somewhat
effective at removing stains and making teeth a few shades brighter.
However, many of these products have abrasive substances that can
actually wear away your tooth's enamel.
Whitening agents actually change the color of your teeth, but only are
effective on certain types of stains. For example, bleaching agents have
a difficult time removing brownish or grayish stains. These products
also are not as effective on pitted or badly discolored teeth, or on
restorations such as crowns, bridges, bonding and tooth-colored fillings
(porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be more appropriate in this
case).
Professional whitening performed by our office is considered to be the
most effective and safest method; done properly, tooth whitening can
last as long as five years. Over-the-counter whitening systems are
somewhat effective as long as they are monitored and directions followed
closely.
For more information on Teeth Whitening in the Laurel, MD area call John N. Kim, D.D.S., P.A. at 301-604-8117 today!