The Science Behind Teeth Whitening: How Does it Work?

September 4, 2023

Teeth whitening is a popular aesthetic procedure that can help brighten your smile by removing stains. At a molecular level, teeth whitening treatments work by using either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as their active ingredient. When these chemicals come into contact with your teeth, they break down into oxygen molecules that penetrate deep into your tooth enamel. These oxygen molecules then react with the pigments that cause tooth discoloration, breaking them down into smaller particles that are less visible to the naked eye. This process essentially bleaches your teeth from the inside out, removing surface stains as well as deeper discoloration. It's worth noting that there are two main types of tooth stains - extrinsic and intrinsic.


Extrinsic stains affect the outer layer of your tooth enamel and can usually be removed with a thorough cleaning or professional teeth whitening treatment. On the other hand, intrinsic stains affect the deeper layers of your teeth and can be more challenging to remove with traditional teeth whitening methods. Furthermore, not all teeth whitening treatments are created equal. Over-the-counter products like whitening strips or gels typically contain lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide than professional-grade treatments. This means they may not be as effective at removing stubborn stains or achieving dramatic results.


In addition, the condition of your tooth enamel can also impact the effectiveness of your teeth whitening treatment. If you have weakened enamel due to age, acid erosion or other factors, you may not see significant improvement from traditional bleaching methods alone. It's also important to note that while most people can safely undergo teeth whitening treatment without any negative side effects, some individuals with specific medical conditions such as gum disease should avoid this type of procedure altogether.


If you're interested in a teeth whitening treatment and want to achieve a brighter, more confident smile, contact a reputable provider like Modern You Medical Aesthetics for a consultation. Their experienced team can assess your individual needs and recommend the best treatment plan for you.


Modern You Medical Aesthetics has earned a reputation for delivering natural-looking enhancements results by leveraging their expertise in personalized treatment plans and the use of advanced, minimally invasive techniques like “The Quad S Technique” by Nurse Naomi.


The experienced medical team at Modern You takes a comprehensive approach to patient care, taking into consideration each patient's unique facial features, skin type, and individual characteristics to create a customized treatment plan that aligns with their aesthetic goals. This approach allows for a nuanced, individualized approach to each patient's care, resulting in natural-looking results that enhance their features without appearing overdone.


Furthermore, Modern You is dedicated to staying at the forefront of the latest advancements in medical aesthetics technology and techniques, utilizing minimally invasive procedures that produce subtle, yet significant improvements without resorting to invasive surgeries. These techniques, such as injectables and laser treatments, are tailored to enhance natural beauty while maintaining the body's underlying structure.


Overall, Modern You Medical Aesthetics' commitment to personalized care, advanced techniques, and natural-looking results has cemented their reputation as a trusted provider of high-quality medical aesthetic treatments.


A person getting eyebrow shaping. A person with dark hair is working on another's eyebrow with pink-gloved hand.
February 18, 2026
Discover the latest in eyebrow enhancement—compare microblading and powder brows for fuller, natural results this year.
Five people in white tops and jeans pose in front of a white wall.
February 10, 2026
Celebrate Family Day with subtle, age-defying treatments that keep you looking your authentic best at every family event.
Person receiving facial injection in a medical setting, with pink-gloved hands holding a syringe.
February 4, 2026
Learn how filler correction at Modern You in Burlington can restore natural beauty and fix previous overdone enhancements.
Two women seated, one in scrubs, holding product boxes, smiling.
January 27, 2026
Bounce back from holiday stress with medical-grade facials and peels. Restore your glow and hydration at Modern You’s Burlington med spa.
Woman receiving facial treatment from a technician wearing gloves. Both are in a white room.
January 21, 2026
CO2 laser or RF microneedling? Modern You breaks down the benefits, downtime, and best uses for each to achieve your skincare goals in 2026.
Woman with silver hair, eyes closed, smiling, hand near chin, wearing jewelry.
January 13, 2026
Compare PRP and dermal fillers for treating under-eye circles. Find the best solution for bright, rested eyes at Modern You in Burlington.
Woman with silver hair, eyes closed, smiling, hand on chin, wearing jewelry.
January 7, 2026
Start your year empowered! Discover how jawline contouring with injectables offers slimming, TMJ relief, and a confidence boost in Burlington.
Woman receiving lip injections; pink gloves, brick wall background.
December 23, 2025
Get the facts on the trending lip flip! Learn how this non-filler injectable gives a natural, fuller pout—perfect for the festive season.
Six women in jeans and white tops toss items in the air, smiling, in a neutral-toned room.
December 17, 2025
Learn why med spa gift cards are trending for Christmas and explore top treatment options for everyone on your list this holiday season!
Woman receiving lip injection, practitioner wearing pink gloves injects with needle.
December 9, 2025
Uncover this year’s hottest med spa trends to refresh your look before 2026 with Modern You Medical Aesthetics' expert team.
More Posts