Does At-Home Teeth Whitening Work?

Does At-Home Teeth Whitening Work?

Your smile is your first impression when meeting someone new. So if your teeth are a little duller than they once were, it’s easy to feel self-conscious. This is why many people have turned to over-the-counter teeth whiteners to brighten their smile. While this may seem like a quick fix, is it really worth it? Before trying to whiten your teeth at home, it’s important to understand what exactly is causing your teeth to dull, and how teeth whitening treatments work.

Why Teeth Change Color

Teeth discoloration can be split up into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic is caused by aging and is the natural coloring of your teeth. As we age, the enamel in our teeth becomes transparent, while the dentin darkens.

Extrinsic discoloration is a surface stain caused by external factors. Our teeth absorb colored liquids and foods such as coffee, red wine, or berries, staining our teeth. Tobacco can also discolor teeth.

How At-Home Treatments Work

There are four major types of at-home teeth whiteners. These are:

  • Whitening Toothpastes
  • Strips and Gels
  • Rinses
  • Trays

Most of these use peroxide as the key ingredient to brighten smiles. This bleaching agent is used to lift away stains and whiten teeth. While this is great for whitening your teeth, it can cause tooth sensitivity. Also, peroxide only removes surface stains and does nothing for deep stains caused by a lack of enamel.

How Effective Are At-Home Treatments?

In order for any type of teeth whitener to work, your teeth need to be in fairly good condition. If you are not taking care of your teeth and visiting your dentist for regular visits, then at-home teeth whiteners will not do much for you. Furthermore, if you have any cavities or decay in your mouth and try using a whitener, it can cause immense pain.

If your teeth are in good condition, then at-home treatments can be effective. While they are not generally as powerful as in-office teeth whiteners, most patients will notice a difference.

Brighten Your Smile

If you are considering whitening your smile, be sure the visit Daxon Dentistry first! We will help you choose the right whitening method and make sure your teeth are healthy enough for peroxide use. Call Daxon Dentistry today and get on your way to a brighter smile!

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