A Detailed Look At Tooth Whitening Procedures

If your teeth are stained, you can have them whitened.The methods used by dental professionals to restore the enamel to its original brightness have made the process simple, convenient, and affordable.Unfortunately, a lot of people - even those who visit their dentists regularly - don't realize how easily they can have the work done.Today, we'll explore some of your tooth whitening options.I'll describe the factors that contribute to discoloration (some will likely surprise you) and explain various approaches that you can take to remove the stains.

Factors That Cause Staining

When we're young, the enamel on our teeth is typically white.

But, the enamel is merely a covering; the dentin that lay beneath the topmost layer has a yellow hue.Through the years, tiny fissures occur in the enamel that become filled with material that causes staining.Meanwhile, the constant chewing, biting, and effects of acids that accumulate in our mouths wear the enamel down, allowing the color of the underlying dentin to become more prominent.

Many of the factors that contribute to discoloration are within our control.For example, coffee, teas, acidic fruits, and tobacco can have a dramatic effect over years of constant consumption or use.Grinding, which can cause increased fissuring throughout the enamel, can also lead to stains.Other factors are outside our control; age and genetic predisposition can both play a role.Some people's teeth have a natural transparency that makes them more susceptible to discoloration.

In-Office Method

The main advantages to this approach is that the entire process can be completed quickly and safely, and the results are usually substantial.

Your dentist will normally apply a peroxide solution (typically in gel form) for approximately 15 minutes.Then, he'll clean the area to check the progress.In most cases, patients will undergo 3 or 4 15-minute sessions before the desired results are achieved.If the stains are persistent, you may need to schedule a return visit in order for your dentist to finish the job.

Take-Home Kits

Another tooth whitening option that many patients find appealing is a professional take-home kit.

These kits should not be confused with store-bought alternatives (which I'll describe below).Instead, they're provided by your dentist who will customize a set of mouth guards for you.The peroxide solution is less potent than the concentration used during an in-office method.But, it can be left on longer, often for hours.

Store-Bought Alternatives

Tooth whitening procedures that are performed either in your dentist's office or with the aid of a take-home kit are considered the most effective approaches for eliminating discoloration.

However, both can potentially cost several hundreds of dollars.For those lacking such resources, store-bought alternatives, such as whitening strips, toothpastes, and low-concentration peroxide solutions, offer a feasible option.They're less effective due to their lack of customized mouth guards and use of lower-concentration bleaching agents, but they're also less expensive.

It's worth noting that some of these alternatives may be inappropriate, given your teeth.For example, strips are considerably less effective when used on crooked teeth.

Tooth Whitening For A Brighter Smile

The important thing to remember is that unattractive stains on your teeth can be removed; there's no need to resolve yourself to coping with them.

Through the use of advanced tooth whitening and bleaching methods, a cosmetic dentist can help eliminate the discoloration, allowing you to enjoy a brighter smile.For those with severe staining and other aesthetic issues, veneers can be placed over your teeth to compensate for crookedness or odd spacing.Ask your dentist about your tooth whitening options.You may be surprised by how easy it is to enjoy a bright, attractive smile.

About the Author

Christine O'Kelly writes professional dentistry articles for the Southfield Family Dental Center, a tooth whitening Detroit specialist.

Invisalign, implants, and bridges are specialties of this dental group in Detroit.Veneers and other cosmetic procedures can also be performed easily.

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