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Brightening Smiles with Confidence
Everyone desires a beautiful smile. While some people are naturally blessed with a stunning grin, others may find theirs lacking due to various factors. Drinking coffee, red wine, smoking, certain medications, poor dental hygiene, aging, and certain diseases can all contribute to a less-than-white smile. Fortunately, in today's technological age, restoring your bright smile is possible through teeth whitening at Cocalico Dental in Denver, PA.
Statistics reveal just how much Americans value teeth whitening, with many spending at least $2 billion annually on cosmetic dentistry to maintain their radiant smiles.
Difference Between Whitening Toothpaste and Bleaching
Teeth whitening and bleaching are often used interchangeably in cosmetic dentistry to describe the process of brightening teeth. This procedure can be performed in two main ways: bleaching and using non-bleaching products.
While the terms are similar, the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifies that "bleaching" refers to products that contain bleaching agents. In contrast, products that remove food stains without bleaching agents are classified as "whitening."
The key difference is that teeth bleaching products contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which can lighten teeth beyond their natural shade, effectively removing deep stains and enhancing brightness. At Cocalico Dental in Denver, PA, we can help you choose the right option for your smile!
How Teeth Whitening Works
Many people opt for over-the-counter products to whiten their teeth at home, often due to budget constraints or insurance coverage. However, this practice is strongly discouraged, as teeth whitening is a delicate procedure that should be performed by a professional. Professional teeth cleaning typically takes less than two hours at the dentist’s office.
During the procedure, a tooth whitening gel containing 20-45% hydrogen peroxide is applied. A special heating lamp is directed at the teeth in 20-minute intervals, with the gel being reapplied between these intervals. Your dentist may also use a laser to enhance the whitening effect.
To protect your lips, tongue, and gums from the gel, a protective barrier is applied, ensuring that the gel only contacts your teeth. For optimal results, your dentist will provide custom whitening trays for follow-up treatments at home, ensuring effective application of the bleaching solution.
On average, custom-made whitening trays cost between $300 and $400, while a complete teeth cleaning treatment can be around $500. With good dental insurance, you can avoid the risks associated with DIY teeth whitening and prioritize your dental health at Cocalico Dental in Denver, PA.
Whitening Toothpaste Versus Bleaching
There’s a common misconception that tooth whitening toothpaste is the same as bleaching products. As mentioned earlier, bleaching products contain peroxide and other active ingredients, and their application differs from that of whitening toothpaste.
Tooth whitening toothpaste typically contains ingredients like aluminum oxide, baking soda, calcium carbonate, and silica. These are effective yet milder stain-removing abrasives that do not include peroxide.
While whitening toothpaste contains additional effective chemicals for polishing, it can only lighten your teeth by a few shades compared to professional teeth whitening at Cocalico Dental in Denver, PA. Therefore, it’s best suited for individuals with mildly discolored teeth.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening has become an increasingly popular cosmetic dental procedure, allowing individuals to achieve a brighter and more radiant smile. While over-the-counter whitening products are widely available, the benefits of professional teeth whitening far outweigh any potential drawbacks. This comprehensive guide explores the numerous advantages of choosing professional teeth whitening, emphasizing its transformative effects on both appearance and confidence.
One of the main advantages of professional teeth whitening is its ability to deliver more dramatic and longer-lasting results compared to over-the-counter options. The professional-grade bleaching agents used in dental offices are stronger and more effective, enabling them to penetrate deep into the tooth enamel and eliminate stubborn stains that may have accumulated over the years.
Another key benefit is the customization that professional whitening offers. Dentists can tailor the treatment to each patient’s unique needs and goals, taking into account factors such as the degree of discoloration, tooth sensitivity, and overall oral health to create a personalized whitening plan.
Moreover, professional teeth whitening is a supervised procedure carried out by trained dental professionals, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Dentists are prepared to handle any potential complications that may arise during the process, providing patients with peace of mind. At Cocalico Dental in Denver, PA, we are committed to helping you achieve your ideal smile!