Teeth Whitening in Buffalo, NY

Amherst Dentist Providing Affordable Teeth Whitening Services in WNY

Try as we might, there is only so much that we can do to preserve the whiteness of our teeth. Enamel is the hard, whitish, translucent substance that coats our teeth and prevents decay, but as we age, it naturally wears away.

As enamel disappears, the yellow dentin inside the teeth becomes more visible, making the teeth appear more golden than ivory. Diet can also play a role in discoloration; beverages such as beer, coffee, red wine, soda pop, and tea contain substances such as acids, chromogens, and tannins, all of which adhere to and corrode enamel.

Tobacco use, whether through smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco, exposes the teeth to nicotine and tar, two major culprits in dental stains. Certain medications, such as antihistamines, chemotherapy, and tetracyclines, can discolor teeth, and even blunt trauma can result in dentin thickening, creating a yellowish appearance.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic process. Unless there is a thinning of enamel, which attention from a dental health care professional should help to counteract, teeth do not have to be blindingly white in order to be healthy.

There is, nevertheless, an appeal to white teeth, and safe treatments have been developed to encourage tooth whitening.

The process of teeth whitening is accomplished by applying a bleaching agent, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and urea), to the tooth surface. The bleaching agent breaks down stains, making them easier to remove and exposing the naturally white enamel beneath.

Using a whitening toothpaste is the cheapest way to whiten teeth. It should be noted, though, that these types of toothpaste can be effective at removing stains but do not change tooth color. Over-the-counter bleaching products, available at any pharmacy, come in gel or strip form and are temporarily placed over the teeth. The quickest and most effective whitening method, chairside bleaching, can be accomplished only in a dentist’s office. After applying an insulating substance to your gums, your dentist will administer a concentrated bleaching solution to your teeth.

It may not be possible for an individual to whiten every discolored tooth, whitening can be ineffective on teeth with tawny or gray hues. Sometimes a simple dental cleaning can remove stains and calculus (tartar) that have discolored your teeth, but other patients may benefit only from veneers rather than whitening.

Crowns, fillings, veneers, and other dental implants are not affected by teeth whitening products, but it is important to know whether whitening would compromise their integrity and stability in the mouth. Temporary sensitivity to cold, heat, and pressure is a common side effect of teeth whitening, as the bleaching agent can penetrate the enamel and irritate the dental nerves.

For all these reasons, before you begin to pursue a whiter smile, consult with your dentist to determine whether whitening would be the right choice for your teeth.

If you have questions about teeth whitening or would like to schedule a regular check-up, please contact our Buffalo dental office and schedule an appointment today.