Cosmetic Dentistry for Colorado Springs: Your FAQs on Teeth Whitening Answered! PART 2

This four-part article series provides a comprehensive overview of in-office teeth whitening as a fantastic cosmetic solution to stained and discolored teeth.

Welcome to the second installment of this four-part FAQ guide to teeth whitening: a wonderful cosmetic dentistry treatment for Colorado Springs residents whose teeth have become slightly stained, discolored and dulled over the years. Previously, in Part 1, we established that teeth whitening is suitable for patients who are essentially in good oral health and who wish to eliminate the appearance of surface staining, as opposed to the deep discoloration caused by decay and a neglect for oral hygiene.

Let’s continue exploring the capabilities, methods and benefits of this treatment…

Question: There seem to be a lot of over-the-counter teeth whitening products on the market. How do these compare with the kind of professional treatment you’d receive from a cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs?

Answer: “The answer is quite simple. Cosmetic dentists are trained medical professionals and so, we are legally allowed to use teeth whitening kits with a greater concentration of the active whitening agent, which is typically the bleach hydrogen peroxide. This agent is a very strong alkaline, which can do the same kind of damage to your body as a strong acid. And so, the prescription of professional teeth whitening products by a qualified dentist is legally necessary.

“The benefits of undergoing a supervised professional treatment is that a greater concentration of bleaching agent delivers more immediate results and a far more effective treatment. The beautiful outcomes simply cannot be compared to that of over-the-counter products, which can take weeks and months to show and even then aren’t all that impressive.”

Question: Who might benefit from over-the-counter treatments in that case? Surely they must work to an extent?

Answer: “Oh yes, they do work,” say teeth whitening experts in Colorado Springs. “These over-the-counter products can lighten the shade of your enamel, but we often encourage the patients who have just had their teeth professionally whitened to invest in them as a part of their maintenance program. Whitening toothpastes, flosses and mouthwashes are excellent for preserving the outcomes of professional treatment, especially if you love your coffee, tea and red wine. However, if you’re after fast, highly effective treatment, a cosmetic dentist is the way to go.”

Question: How does teeth whitening actually work?

Answer: “The kits we use contain the bleach hydrogen peroxide, which actually lightens the shade of your dental enamel,” explain cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs. “Through doing this, it eliminates the appearance of staining and discoloration. The action is somewhat similar to adding regular bleach to your white laundry.

“What we have to warn patients about is the fact that this bleach doesn’t work on inorganic compounds, such as porcelain and ceramic. These materials are used to restore teeth, so if you’ve had porcelain veneers, ceramic crowns, bridges or fillings done, you must understand that the whitening treatment won’t have any effect on these surfaces. You might want to consider having your teeth whitened before having restorative work done, so that your new teeth match the beautiful white color of your healthy teeth.”

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To read the answers to more of your frequently asked questions about professional teeth whitening treatments, stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series (coming next week).