As most people already know, the over-the-counter teeth whitening kits fail at producing satisfactory results. This is due to one main issue: insufficient bleaching power. Oftentimes, a drugstore bleaching solution is made from a weaken hydrogen peroxide formula, which leads to barely-there results.
To teach his patients what makes professional-grade teeth whitening successful, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, reveals which ingredients make a whitening gel potent.
What Goes into a Teeth Whitening Solution?
- Carbamide peroxide. Found in almost every professional teeth whitening solution, carbamide peroxide is derived from hydrogen peroxide and urea—a water-based solution. When used to whiten teeth, carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide to brighten your smile. Oftentimes, professional-grade whiteners contain a carbamide peroxide concentrations of roughly 35%.
- Hydrated silica. This whitening ingredient derives from silicon dioxide and serves as an abrasive, of sorts, to remove stains from your teeth. Additionally, when mixed with calcium carbonate, hydrated silica can effectively remove plaque, too.
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). According to your Livonia dentist, to prevent more dental stains from setting in, polyvinylpyrrolidone is added to bleaching solutions. However, PVP is found more often in whitening toothpastes that in whitening formulas.
- Potassium nitrate. Since teeth can become rather sensitive post-teeth whitening, bleaching formulas add potassium nitrate to decrease the possibility for sensitivities. Potassium nitrate is able to penetrate the tooth and protect the nerves from experiencing uncomfortable sensitivity. This is also the key ingredient used for desensitizing toothpastes like Sensodyne.
- Sodium monofluorophosphate. Also known as fluoride, this ingredient isn’t directly involved with a bleaching solution. Yet, that the end of a whitening procedure, Dr. Stewart provides his patients with a fluoride treatment to help restrengthen the enamel and cut-down on dental sensitivity.
For Teeth Bleaching Services, Visit Your Livonia Dentist
If your teeth could use more vibrancy, ask Dr. Stewart about completing a teeth whitening treatment. A simple one-hour procedure can brighten your teeth up-to 10 shades and significantly improve the appearance of your smile. To schedule an appointment with our Livonia dental practice at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.