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The Science Behind Teeth Whitening

The Science Behind Teeth Whitening

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Learn about the science of teeth whitening works and how each person's journey to white teeth is unique. We offer a range of products and can educate you on how to use our products to get the best possible results.

IN THIS ARTICLE

    The Science Behind Teeth Whitening

    If you want to whiten your teeth, it's important to understand the science behind it. Teeth whitening, or teeth bleaching, is the act of removing stains from teeth to make them look whiter. This can be done by physically removing stains or by using a chemical reaction to lighten the tooth color.

    Teeth can become yellow or discolored for various reasons. Tooth stains can be caused by a variety of factors, including colored foods and beverages, medication, fluoride, tobacco, aging, or trauma to the tooth. Depending on the severity of the stain and its type, some people may not benefit greatly from teeth whitening. However, everyone will benefit to some degree from whitening, so it's important to consult with your dentist prior to use to ensure you have realistic expectations.

    How Teeth Whitening Works

    People whiten their teeth for several reasons. Teeth stains develop over time and can make someone's smile less attractive. Teeth whitening products can help improve the look of teeth. Some people use whitening products before an event for a quick fix. Others use them for a longer period of time to produce brighter teeth. People who have quit smoking may also use whitening products to brighten their smile. No matter what the reason is for wanting to whiten teeth, there is a product that can help achieve that goal. Sometimes feeling good is about looking good.

    How Teeth Stains Happen

    There are three layers to a tooth; the outermost layer enamel, the middle layer dentin, and the innermost layer called the nerve chamber. Below the enamel is the dentin layer, which is the layer that gives your tooth its color. It is here that your teeth get stained. The enamel layer is porous, so staining particles from coffee, tobacco, wine, tea, etc. can seep through these pores called dentinal tubules and to penetrate the dentin, and that’s where the stains accumulate. The more of these particles that get through, the more stained your teeth become.

    Anatomy Of A Tooth

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    ENAMEL

    Tooth enamel is the hard, protective, outer layer. It is transparent and does not retain any stains in it. Enamel seems like a solid surface. but it contains numerous microtubules from the surface to the dentin. Stains find their way through these tiny tubes and deposit within the dentin layer.

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    DENTIN

    You can easily remove stains that accumulate on the surface of tooth enamel through mechanical action such as brushing and polishing. Even though enamel seems like a solid surface, it contains numerous microtubules from the surface to the dentin.

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    NERVE CHAMBER

    The nerve chamber is where the pulp of the tooth is. It’s the innermost part of the tooth’s anatomy and contains the connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels that keep the tooth “alive” and can make it sensitive to hot, cold, cavities, and even teeth whitening.

    How Teeth Stains Are Removed

    The best way to bleach or whiten your teeth is with oxygen radicals. These radicals are electrically charged and ready to bond with, or oxidize, substances like stains. The most effective teeth whitening substance available today is carbamide peroxide because it breaks down into water molecules and free oxygen radicals.

    As soon as our Lumos Smile whitening gel comes into contact with the surface of the teeth, it starts to break down. The oxygen radicals travel through the pores (dentinal tubules) in the enamel until they reach the dentin layer and oxidize any stains they contact. The higher the concentration of our gel, the more free radicals and bleaching power. The higher the peroxide content, the greater the potential for tooth sensitivity. Lumos Smile teeth whitening gel formulations achieve the delicate balance between effectiveness and tooth sensitivity.

    Lumos teeth whitening gel uses carbamide peroxide as the main ingredient. When it comes into contact with your teeth, it breaks down into water, oxygen, and free radicals, which lift stains from teeth to make them whiter.

    Proven Method + Ingredients

    We tend to trust what we put in and on our bodies without much thought, but when it comes to current teeth whitening products, we rely on blind faith. Too often, companies use scientifically proven ineffective formulations and promise unachievable results. Our product is different--we're proud of it. There are no gimmicks, and only the best forms of products are used.

    Never tested on animals, never made with harmful chemicals, our gel is lightly flavored with natural peppermint oil and contains xylitol to help protect your pearly whites.

    • Carbamide Peroxide (1)

      Carbamide Peroxide

      The active ingredient that makes teeth whiter and brighter.

    • mint

      Peppermint Oil

      Makes the gel taste minty fresh.

    • xylitol

      Xylitol

      Repels cavity-causing bacteria and is naturally sweet.

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      Potassium Nitrate

      The active ingredient that nourishes and rehydrates your teeth.

    The Key To Lasting + Professional Results

    We know that the promise of whiter teeth is a powerful one. So we tried some top-rated whitening products to see if they're worth the hype. We combined these results with our own research and created the best product based on clinical research.

    This is why the key to success when whitening your teeth at home is the delivery device. Custom fit teeth whitening trays ensure that every angle of every tooth receives even and constant coverage of whitening gel.

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    Contours Each Aspect Of Your Smile

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    Contours Each Aspect Of Your Smile

    Benefits Of Custom Fit Teeth Whitening Trays

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    Kate Hernandez, BS, RDH

    Kate is a licensed dental hygienist who works in cosmetic dentistry and co-founded Lumos Smile, believing that good oral health leads to improved overall wellbeing.

    Questions?

    Email us at [email protected] or schedule time to speak with a Lumos team member.

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