Baby teeth are whiter than the adult teeth that replace them. A simple solution to a brighter smile is teeth whitening. Bleaching is the process of using an oxidizing agent to lighten the color of teeth.

There are many options to choose from, but one of the best options is going into the dental office for whitening. A Milpitas dentist will offer you “in office” bleaching, which will be provided by a professional. “In office” bleaching, when available, is the best option for patients. “Do it yourself” bleaching kits are available for purchase at any supermarket and have gained popularity because it can be done at home, but the quality and durability will not measure up to what is provided by the dentist.

For “do it yourself” bleaching, purchase over the counter bleacher, or buy any of the gels, chewing gums, rinses, or toothpastes listed by the ADA (American Dental Association) as safe whiteners. The over the counter bleaches and gels will come with a guard used for gel application, or strips that cover the front teeth in the mouth. While these products work for whitening the outer layer of the tooth mineral, sometimes the stain is deeper, and the help of a dentist is needed.

At Milpitas Dental, internal bleaching is offered, but only on devitalized teeth, or teeth that have had a root canal. Unlike the external bleaching agents like gel, which brighten from the outside in, internal bleaching starts at the inside and goes out. During the process of the root canal, drilling and removing the pulp or nerves, the dentist will fill the hole with a peroxide that will brighten the dentin of the tooth from the inside. The peroxide is sealed in the tooth, and gives the patient a brighter and healthier looking white smile.