
Jan
Is it safe to whiten your teeth with over-the-counter products? Sodium chlorite and hydrogen peroxide, found in most OTC teeth-whitening gels and strips, can weaken tooth enamel, irritate gums, and cause tooth sensitivity with extended use. If you have been using commercial whitening products with little success, call Ocala Smiles in Ocala, FL, today to find out how to effectively whiten teeth.
Dr. Robert Evelyn and his team at Ocala Smiles recommend the KöR teeth whitening system, a bleach-free, professional-grade solution for removing stubborn dental enamel stains. Combining take-home and in-office treatments, KöR provides results that can last years with good oral hygiene practices.
Here are some FAQs About Teeth Whitening:
Dental enamel consists of tightly packed crystals that form tiny holes and channels over the exterior of a tooth. The porous nature of enamel is necessary to keep the tooth healthy by allowing minerals to penetrate the enamel. However, this porousness also makes teeth prone to discoloration. Certain foods and beverages contain dark-colored particles called chromogens that get trapped in these holes and channels. Once embedded in porous enamel, chromogens produce stains that are resistant to brushing.
Dr. Evelyn highly recommends the KöR teeth whitening system because it can be tailored to address the severity of enamel staining and won’t harm your teeth or gums. More importantly, the results of whitening treatments provided by dentists whiten your teeth up to six shades whiter than OTC whitening agents. Once the desired shade is reached, you won’t need to continue at-home and in-office treatments.
Professional whitening treatments are highly effective for removing exterior (extrinsic) stains on teeth. No whitening agent can eliminate intrinsic discoloration in a tooth’s inner structure. Intrinsic stains are commonly caused by certain medications, particularly antibiotics, and trauma to the tooth. Dr. Evelyn may recommend porcelain veneers, crowns, or other cosmetic dental appliances to improve the appearance of teeth discolored by intrinsic staining.
The KöR teeth whitening system includes a desensitizing treatment that reduces the risk of a patient experiencing tooth sensitivity. This innovative desensitizing process prevents fluid movement within dental enamel “tubes” by blocking tiny openings in enamel. Fluid moving inside these tubes increases tooth sensitivity, which is associated with OTC and other professional teeth whitening treatments.
Dentists will not provide teeth whitening treatment until periodontitis is fully treated and the patient’s oral health significantly improves. Periodontitis involves deep cleaning of the teeth and gums with scaling and root planing. Dr. Evelyn may also recommend other procedures to repair the damage caused by periodontitis before moving forward with KöR whitening treatment.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Evelyn and his team at Ocala Smiles, please call 352-867-7181. A whiter, brighter smile awaits you at our dental office in Ocala, FL!