Teeth Bleaching vs. Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a very hot topic to our patients. It seems like there are a lot of people out there who want to do something about their teeth color. Many products on the shelves in the dental care aisle contain the word “whitening” and consumers often get lost in a sea of many products that promise them the world but they’re never really happy with.
As you peruse the oral health products on the market today the word whitening is everywhere! There’s whitening strips, whitening toothpaste and (my favorite) whitening floss (really?). Consumers buy these products in the hopes that their teeth will actually get whiter. Year of smoking, coffee, tea and (heaven forbid) tobacco use has led people to be unhappy with their tooth shade.
Words matter.
There is a big difference between the words teeth whitening and the words teeth bleaching.
The word whitening certainly implies that if you buy that product your teeth will actually get whiter. The reality, however, is that when the word whitening is placed on products like toothpaste all it really means is that the surface stains on the teeth will be removed. Often, in order to do this the toothpaste is very abrasive. Whitening simply means the removal of surface stains. This can be done with a good cleaning by our hygienists and it can also be done with some over the counter products.
The word bleaching, however, refers to changing the inherent shade of a tooth. Bleaching is only accomplished with professional grade bleaching products that you can only get in a dental office.
Here at our dental office in Farmington, CT we offer several teeth bleaching options. These range from bleaching in the office to bleaching at home or even doing a combination of both. What you need depends on what kind of results are realistic for you and also what you're looking to accomplish.
No matter what you’re looking for (surface stain removal or inherent shade change) we can help you! Call Farmington Village Dental today to find out more about our bleaching options.
Are you looking for a dentist in Farmington, CT? We are happily accepting new patients. Please call us at 860-676-2288 to schedule your free consultation today.
