What to Expect from a Professional Teeth Whitening Dentist 

Many people say that the first thing they notice about another person is their smile. A brilliantly white smile makes a good first impression, whether you’re trying to meet new people and make friends, go for a job interview, or prepare for a special event such as a wedding. For safe, effective teeth whitening, Dr. Nhu Le is here to get you all taken care of. 

Understanding Teeth and Dental Enamel

Understanding how teeth whitening works helps to better understand teeth and dental enamel. Teeth aren’t bones because they don’t contain bone marrow, which is living tissue. Instead, teeth are similar to mineral deposits, much like those found in caves. 

Tooth enamel is one of the world’s hardest materials, quite similar in hardness to natural crystal. However, enamel is also a porous material, which means it can absorb stains. The characteristics that allow teeth to become stained also make it easy to make teeth whiter with professional teeth whitening. 

How Teeth Become Discolored

Teeth naturally yellow with time and aging, but some common things also cause teeth to become discolored. 

• Smoking and other tobacco use.
• Decay.
• Accidents and injuries.
• Foods and beverages such as dark berries, tomatoes, red wine, coffee, and food dyes.

Skip Over-the-Counter Whitening Products

There are many reasons not to use over-the-counter teeth whitening products, but the main one is that they’re not as effective. Federal law mandates that these products can’t contain more than .01% hydrogen peroxide. However, professional prescription-strength whitening gel used by a dentist can contain up to 6% hydrogen peroxide.

Most importantly, when a dentist whitens your teeth, you can be assured that the procedure is safe and effective. Professional teeth whitening results also last longer. 

Options for Whiter Teeth

For instant results, in-office teeth whitening treatments are your best option. If you’re preparing for a big event, you can have your teeth whitened in just one visit to your dentist. For more gradual whitening, some dentists offer custom-fitted trays you can use with prescription gel to whiten your teeth at home. 

Delivery Matters

Store-bought teeth whitening products give inconsistent results. The process your dentist uses to whiten your teeth is superior and offers the brightest, whitest smile.

Timing Also Matters

If you use at-home professional teeth whitening solutions, using the trays at night is best. If you whiten your teeth in the daytime, the pores open, making you more susceptible to getting even more stains. 

Safe and Effective Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is safe and effective. Alternatively, over-the-counter DIY solutions have nothing in place to protect your gums, so they can become irritated.

A Teeth Whitening Dentist in Sioux City, Iowa 

You can have a beautiful, bright smile when you visit Dr. Nhu Le and the Sioux City Family Dentistry team in Sioux City, Iowa. Using the latest dental technology, we are here to help you have a smile you can be proud of. Request an appointment online or call us today at (712) 639-6665.

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