The Science of Teeth Whitening

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With summer right around the corner, there’s no time like the present to snag the season’s hottest accessory: a whiter smile. At Bethea Family Dentistry, our teeth whitening services can deliver a smile you’ll love to show off. To help you understand how our services can brighten your teeth by several shades, today we want to talk about the science of teeth whitening.

Why Do Teeth Get Stained?

Before we explain how we whiten teeth, let’s talk about how teeth get stained in the first place. Even though your tooth enamel is the hardest surface in your body, it’s very porous. This means that coffee, red wine, and other substances can work their way into those tiny holes to stain teeth. Tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, and certain foods can also leave surface stains on your teeth. And the problem gets worse as you age because tooth enamel thins over time.

The Science of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening services use bleaching agents to remove stains. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the most commonly used bleaching agents. As the tooth absorbs the bleaching agent, the peroxide breaks stains down into smaller, less noticeable pieces. The bleaching agent also generally brightens the appearance of your teeth.

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Store-Bought Whitening Products

Whether you opt for our custom teeth whitening trays or one-visit whitening, you can rest assured you’re getting the most bang for your buck. We use professional-grade bleaching agents that are more concentrated than store-bought offerings. Therefore, our services deliver both more noticeable and longer-lasting results. Plus, if you opt for our one-visit teeth whitening our team will be with you each step of the way to monitor your comfort and ensure you get the results you want.

Professional Teeth Whitening in Columbia, SC

Bethea Family Dentistry offers cosmetic dentistry services to bring out the best in your smile. To ask our team any questions about teeth whitening or to schedule your next appointment, call us today!

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