The Science Behind Teeth Whitening

By Farshad Moftakhar | Published on December 28, 2011 | 0 Comments

To the average person, an in-office teeth whitening treatment can seem like magic. After all, it is pretty incredible to be able to walk in and see a dentist, and leave just a few hours later with teeth that are six to seven shades whiter. According to Dr. Farshad Moftakhar of Pacific Dental Care-Beverly Hills, teeth whitening has quickly become one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures of all time.

The Beverly Hills dentist goes on to explain that the vast majority of all teeth whitening agents are made from hydrogen peroxide. However, not all whitening materials work in exactly the same way. It is important for people to consult with a dentist in Beverly Hills to choose the whitening agent that will work best for them.

Dr. Moftakhar says it is important to use the whitening treatments that dentists recommend in order to avoid any unintended side effects. For example, a whitening agent that is too strong can actually dissolve the dental enamel and cause tooth sensitivity for some patients. From that perspective, it almost always appears that in-office whitening solutions are the best way to go.

If time is of particular importance, then the Beverly Hills dentist says in-office treatments are going to provide more favorable results. Dr. Moftakhar explains that there are some bleaching agents that can whiten the teeth in less than one hour, just as there are some agents that require weeks of daily applications to create the intended result. Patients with tooth sensitivity issues need to be particularly careful to select the best agent for their situation, since certain agents or bleaching gels can cause additional sensitivity over time.

At Dr. Moftakhar’s office in Beverly Hills, the dentist recommends that patients with otherwise healthy teeth look at an in-office whitening procedure that takes just an hour and a half to complete. In that short amount of time, the dentist can whiten teeth up to six or seven shades. Even better: Dr. Moftakhar says the manufacturer of this gel guarantees that patients will not have sensitivity for any longer than 24 hours, maximum.

After patients undergo bleaching sessions, Dr. Moftakhar recommends avoiding any colored foods, like wine, tea, or chocolate, for at least 24 hours. Failing to follow this advice could lead to a result than is less than desirable. For more information on the science of teeth whitening, and to find out which bleaching agents will work best on your own smile, Dr. Moftakhar recommends contacting his dental office.

*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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