Teeth Whitening 101: Everything You Should Know

Teeth Whitening 101: Everything You Should Know

September 1, 2021

Recently, cosmetic dentistry has become quite popular. More and more people appreciate the many benefits that come with these procedures. Unfortunately, there are still tons of people who still do not believe in them.

One of the most common cosmetic dental procedures is dental whitening. The procedure involves the use of carefully selected whitening chemicals to remove tough stains on a patient’s teeth.

Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding the procedure that makes some people fear giving it a try. In this blog, we will discuss whitening in detail to help you make an informed decision. We are here for you if you are looking for a teeth bleaching dentist in Plano, TX.

What Causes Teeth Discoloration?

Before we discuss more about whitening, it is important to understand why your teeth may have changed color over the years. Typically, discoloration is associated with poor oral hygiene. While this is mostly true, not all discoloration is caused by poor oral hygiene.

Teeth discoloration can also be caused by old age. As we age, the enamel (the outer part of a tooth which is white) wears down, exposing the dentist, which is yellow. The wearing down can be accelerated by eating and drinking acidic drinks such as soda and alcohol.

Discoloration caused by dentist exposure cannot be treated with whitening chemicals. Don’t panic, though. Your dentist will recommend a perfect procedure to deal with your problem.

On the other hand, if the discoloration is caused by food stains, it can be easily fixed with chemical whitening. The dentist uses the right amount of chemicals to make your teeth sparkly, and the procedure does not take more than an hour in the clinic.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

One of the most common myths surrounding this cosmetic procedure is that it weakens the enamel and makes one’s teeth weak. However, that’s not the case. This procedure is safe, and you have nothing to worry about. Yes, there will be a slight increase of sensitivity immediately after the procedure, but it will not take long before things are back to normal.

Furthermore, there have been numerous studies, and none shows that in-office whitening can affect your enamel. You will only endanger your enamel if you overuse the whitening chemicals.

Fortunately, there is no chance of overusing the chemicals if you are bleaching your teeth under the guidance of the dentist. That’s why it is important to talk to your dentist before deciding to bleach your teeth. We are here for you if you are looking for a dentist near you in Plano, TX.

Can I Whiten My Teeth at Home?

Yes, you can whiten your teeth at home. However, it is worth noting that the process takes longer. It might take more than a month before you start seeing any significant changes in your teeth’ color. That’s not all; if you are not careful with these chemicals, you might end up damaging your enamel.

That said, here are a few procedures considered safe for at-home whitening:

  • Oil pulling: This is simply swishing your mouth with sesame or coconut oil for a minute or two after brushing your teeth.
  • Brushing your teeth with baking soda
  • Mixing hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to make a paste. Just make sure not to use too much hydrogen peroxide since you could make your teeth extra sensitive.
  • Whitening toothpaste
  • Using whitening gels and trays
  • Taking more papayas and pineapples as they have been proved to contain whitening elements.

Can I Whiten My Dental Crown?

Unfortunately, teeth restorations such as crowns, fillings, veneers, and implants do not respond to the whitening chemicals. But that should not worry you because they rarely get stained. Therefore, if you plan to get a bridge, crown, or implant, whiten your teeth first before getting it. That way, the restoration will be matched with the “new” color of your teeth.

The Cost of In-Office Whitening

Some people fear in-office whitening because they have been convinced that it is super expensive. That’s not the case, though. Teeth whitening is quite affordable, and even the average person can afford it. For a rule of thumb, expect to pay between $300 and $850, depending on the location, extent of your discoloration, dentist‘s experience, and the method used.

Arte Dental (Plano)

Talk to us if you are looking for teeth whitening in Plano, TX, and let us help you. We can also help you with other dental procedures including, dental exams, dental sealants, root canals, and more. Book an appointment now, to improve the appearance of your smile.

©2025 Arte Dental | Privacy Policy | Web Design, Digital Marketing & SEO By Adit

Call Now Book Now
Click to listen highlighted text!