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Teeth Whitening |
Discolored teeth can be a huge cause for self-consciousness. You might find yourself not wanting to smile very often around your friends. You might be sorting through photographs of yourself and deleting ones where you find yourself flashing a less than perfect toothy grin. Stop forcing your lips shut. Teeth whitening can give you the bright white smile you've always wanted.
What causes discoloration?There are several things that can cause hard to remove stains on your teeth. Beverages such as coffee, tea and red wine are big offenders, containing dark pigments that attach to your enamel. Other culprits are:
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Tobacco products: They contain tar and nicotine, both of which are staining agents. |
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Age: As you get older, enamel naturally wears down, allowing the darker, yellowish dentin to show through. |
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Medication: Certain medications, such as antihistamines and blood pressure medications, can stain teeth. Tetracycline and doxycycline can cause deep stains to the developing teeth of young children. Even if a woman takes one of these medications during pregnancy, her childs permanent teeth are likely to be affected. |
At Home WhiteningIf you suffer from minor staining, there are some options for whitening your teeth at home. The first is a whitening toothpaste. These toothpastes contain abrasives to clean surface stains.
Another easy at home option is whitening strips. These strips contain low levels of bleach that can help remove more set stains. While these options can be helpful, but if you have deeper, more difficult stains, professional treatment is necessary
Professional OptionsFor more difficult to remove stains, there are professional whitening options. One is an in office whitening. This method is easily completed in one visit. First, a gel is applied to the gums or a shield is placed over them in order to protect them. A bleaching agent - hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide - is placed on your teeth. A light or laser is often used in order to enhance the whitening action of the bleach.
Another option provided in the dental office is one you can take home. First, impressions are taken of your teeth. These impressions are used to create your own, custom fit, trays. When you receive your trays you are also given a gel containing the bleaching agent, allowing you to whiten your teeth at home. It can take over a week for this method to give you the desired results.
Is teeth whitening safe?Research has proven whitening to be both safe and effective. Sensitivity may occur in some patients, but special toothpastes made for sensitivity can be used to combat it. Also, whitening agents should only be used for the prescribed amount of time.
Teeth whitening is a great way to get a whiter, brighter smile and give you a boost of confidence. Don't let discolorations send you into hiding. For getting rid of those more difficult stains, Bruce Burton, DMD General Dentistry can help. We provide you with the highest quality care in a safe and comfortable environment. Call today to schedule an appointment to discuss which teeth whitening option is best for you.
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