Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure. It’s the most sought-after cosmetic procedure at dental offices with many seeking a natural-looking smile.
What causes tooth discoloration?
Tooth enamel can become dull and discolored due to various factors, including beverages like coffee, wine, and tea, tooth decay, smoking, and certain medications. Over time, enamel wears away, exposing the dentin layer beneath. Dentin, a yellowish tissue, is more likely to show through thinner enamel, making tooth discoloration common in the elderly. Bleaching products are not effective in treating yellow discolorations.
How can I whiten my teeth?
Tooth whitening treatments range from dentist-performed in-office procedures to take-home kits and natural alternatives. Effective tooth whiteners use bleaching chemicals to penetrate enamel, trigger oxidation, and break down staining substances. Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are the main agents used in teeth whiteners.
All-Natural Ways To Whiten Your Teeth
Pearly whites were once seen as an indicator of social status and physical attractiveness by Egyptians and Romans. Home remedies like using vinegar or activated charcoal to scrub teeth have been criticized for eroding enamel. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are natural treatments with some scientific merit. Baking soda toothpaste significantly whitens teeth, while hydrogen peroxide is used to clean up cuts and wounds. However, no studies have shown that using hydrogen peroxide alone will whiten teeth. Long-term exposure to high amounts of hydrogen peroxide can cause sensitive teeth and irritated gums.
OTC Products to Whiten Teeth
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products in the US, including at-home treatments are gaining popularity, but excessive use can wear down tooth enamel.
In-office teeth whitening procedure
At Jarrell Dental Care we use safe methods to whiten your teeth. Our professional teeth whitening system will whiten teeth more quickly and for a longer period of time if you go there for treatment.
A whitening procedure involves inserting a cheek retractor into the mouth to expose the “esthetic zone” teeth, which are visible when smiling. A hardening resin or rubber dam is applied to the gum tissue to prevent discomfort. The teeth are treated with hydrogen peroxide for 15-20 minutes, followed by suctioning or washing off the gel. Some procedures use strong light to speed up the process. The teeth are examined between gel applications to assess the level of whitening. The post-treatment shade shift is measured, with possible results ranging from two to eight shades.
Conclusion
A teeth whitening procedure can help you feel more confident. Prevent future discoloration by staying away from stains, flushing with water, brushing teeth, maintaining good oral hygiene, sipping straws, and brushing after meals and drinks. To improve teeth color, contact Jarrell Dental care for teeth whitening options. Schedule a teeth whitening appointment with skilled dentists in Jarrell.