White teeth are a symbol of beauty, health, and youth. People have been trying to whiten their teeth for centuries, but many rely on ineffective or even harmful methods. Today, dentists, drugstores, and online markets offer a wide range of products with significantly fewer side effects. However, careless use of bleaching agents can still lead to blemishes or permanent damage to teeth and gums. Not every bleaching procedure is suitable for every mouth.
For a whiter, brighter smile, visit New Dimension Dentistry in Midtown East, Manhattan. Teeth whitening expert Doris Giraldo, DDS, offers safe teeth whitening options to help you achieve your ideal smile without risk. After just one visit, Dr. Giraldo and our staff use cutting-edge technology to give you a smile to be proud of.
Everyone has a genetically determined natural tooth color, and very few people are born with a bright white smile. Often the teeth appear a little darker or have a yellow tinge because you can see the yellowish dentin through the almost transparent enamel. The thinner the enamel, the more dentin can be seen, and the yellower the teeth appear. However, this isn’t considered a discoloration but a natural tooth color.
Dentists distinguish between two types of tooth discoloration: intrinsic and extrinsic. With intrinsic discoloration, the tooth's inner layer is affected, and with extrinsic discoloration, the enamel on the outside is affected. Different bleaching methods are used depending on which part of the teeth is darkened.
Extrinsic tooth discoloration is mainly caused by dental plaque that settles in the tooth enamel. These arise primarily from consuming certain foods and drinks and using certain medications. Especially known for their discoloring effect are:
Intrinsic stains develop deeper in the tooth as the dentin changes. This happens both in the aging process and as a result of dental disease.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, store-bought teeth whitening products can be harmful, and they either won’t work well, or the results aren’t long-lasting. A study in 2019 found that peroxide in over-the-counter whiteners can harm the tooth’s dentin layer, causing pain and sensitivity.
Over-the-counter products have less peroxide than professional whitening treatments, so the results won’t be as stunning as professional treatment. Drugstore remedies only brighten a few shades. When you get professional teeth whitening, you can choose how bright your teeth should be. Dr. Giraldo uses medical-grade whitening to get better, brighter, and faster results.
Professional teeth whitening treatment is best for almost anyone who wants a smile six to twelve shades lighter. The procedure is safe and effective for people with sensitive teeth or gums.
If you aren’t interested in having your teeth whitened in our office, Dr. Giraldo will give you a take-home whitening kit so that you can relax at home while you brighten up your smile.
Call New Dimension Dentistry to explore your teeth whitening options, or send us a secure message using our online form.
