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The Science Behind Teeth Whitening: Exploring Methods and Effectiveness in Hermitage, PA

April 16, 2024
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When you watch a movie or see celebrities on social media, they all seem to have perfectly white teeth. The truth is that many of them use cosmetic dentistry to keep their smiles looking camera-ready. Fortunately, teeth whitening and other cosmetic treatments are more readily available than ever before. So, what’s the science behind teeth whitening that makes it so effective? Please keep reading to learn more about it.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Several factors contribute to tooth discoloration, making professional whitening treatments extremely popular. Here’s what can cause your teeth to look stained or discolored:

Certain foods and drinks—Dark-colored foods and beverages like red wine, tea, coffee, coffee, berries, tomatoes, and soy sauce can stain your teeth.

Tobacco—If you smoke or chew tobacco, it can affect your tooth color.

Improper oral hygiene—Not brushing and flossing correctly or often enough can cause stains to build up on the plaque in your mouth.

Certain medications—Some antibiotics, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications can stain your teeth.

Age—As you age, your tooth enamel thins, revealing the yellow dentin layer.

The Science behind Opalescence GO

The dental team at Thomas Family Dentistry uses a combination of Opalescence GO customized take-home kits and pre-filled teeth whitening trays to create cosmetic treatment plans and provide superior results to over-the-counter whitening products.

The creator of Opalescence GO, Dr. Fischer, understood the need for a sticky substance so the whitening gel would adhere to someone’s teeth, allowing the active ingredients to provide optimum results.

The whitening gels used with Opalescence GO contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.

Here’s how peroxide works to whiten your teeth:

  1. When applied to your teeth, the peroxide gel breaks down into water, oxygen, and reactive oxygen molecules.
  2. Once broken down, the reactive oxygen molecules oxidize the discolored molecules, causing your teeth to be stained.
  3. As a result, your teeth will appear lighter and brighter.

Need More Information about Teeth Whitening in Hermitage, PA?

We will happily assist you if you would like to schedule a cosmetic consultation with our expert dental team! At Thomas Family Dentistry, our goal is to help you achieve optimal oral health and a whiter, brighter smile. To reach our dental office, call (724) 347-2722.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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