Teeth Whitening.
What color is your teeth.
Yellow, gray, brown? Our natural teeth color is pure white but
how many of us
still have that look? I bet not many.
Many factors are responsible
for our teeth darkening. Tobacco, certain foods we eat and
drink continually
discolor out teeth. Hot liquids such as coffee and tea increases the
temperature
of our teeth causing the tooth surface to “open”.This allows stains to more
easily penetrate to the tooth enamel (hard outer surface of tooth).
What can you do to reduce
teeth darkening
 Stay away from hot drinks
Regular
bushing and flossing will help reduce stains
Professional polishing will ensure teeth stays white for a
longer time
professional teeth whitening, bonding and veneers for
heavily stained
teeth
Most people are content with
the color of their teeth but if your teeth is discolored and
want to restore the
pearly white color, then you should consider teeth whitening. Unlike
whitening
toothpastes, which only remove surface stains to reveal underlying whiteness
of
teeth, bleaching actually makes teeth whiter. However, talk to your dentist to
determine
if this is the best procedure for restoring your teeth color.
The most common teeth
bleaching agents are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide.
Note: Teeth whitening may not
correct all types of discolorations. Yellow teeth will
bleach well while brown
will bleach less. Gray teeth, which may result from certain
antibiotics may not
bleach at all. People who have stains form smoking, red wine or
coffee can get
very good results. Teeth whitening will not improve your smile if you’ve
had
bonding or tooth colored filling in your front teeth since the color of these materials
will remain the same after bleaching. In these case, check out other
options like porcelain
veneers or dental bonding.
How it’s done
There are two different ways
to get whiter teeth: dental (in-office) whitening, and using
a home bleaching
kit available through a dentist.
In-Office teeth whitening
A dentist applies a whitening
gel, containing a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide,
to your teeth, which
is then activated by a special blue high intensity light or laser,
causing the
gel to release the oxygen molecules. The laser merely activates the bleaching
gel, it doesn’t actually penetrate the teeth.
The result depends on the
shade of your teeth before bleaching.
Home teeth bleaching
While in-office teeth
bleaching is the safest route to go, home teeth bleaching can be
also safe, and
effective, if done properly and under the supervision of a dentist.
Tray teeth whitening
technique involves the use of a plastic tray that is filled with
bleaching gel
and then fitted over your teeth. By keeping the bleaching gel in contact
with
your teeth, for the prescribed period of time, your teeth will get whiter.
Please
consult a dentist if you are using teeth bleaching products.
Side effects of teeth
bleaching
Increased tooth sensitivity
and gum irritation are the most common side effects of teeth
bleaching. Some
people experience extreme pain. Your dentist will advise you on the
appropriate
steps to take if your teeth become sensitive during the bleaching process.
Results: Although the
results of teeth whitening can vary from person to person, most
people are very
satisfied with their results. If teeth whitening is not working out for you
or
if your have teeth that are badly shaped or crooked, veneers may be the option.
Tip:
When selecting a whitener or any dental product, be sure to look for the ADA
Seal of
Acceptance-Your assurance that they have met American Dental
Association’s standards
of safety and effectiveness.
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