Teeth whitening, also known as tooth bleaching, is a form of cosmetic dentistry. The procedure involves lightening the color of the teeth. This is done by bleaching or cleaning the tooth enamel.
There are many reasons that our enamel changes color. A natural process that effects tooth staining is aging. Our teeth darken as we age because of wear and tear, the accumulation of stains and changes in the structure of a tooth. Our first set of teeth is usually whiter than our adult set. Genetics can play a roll in whether our teeth are translucent or not. When enamel is thin and translucent, it appears darker and may not yield the desired results after whitening.
Staining of the enamel is not just a result of nature and genetics. Eating and smoking or drug habits can contribute to discoloration. Excessive consumption of red wine, coffee, soda, tea, oranges, carrots and other colored beverages or foods can cause staining. Foods that contain a lot of acid can lead to enamel erosion. Nicotine will leave brown deposits on the enamel. Those deposits soak into the tooth and cause discoloration.
There are two primary types of tooth stains: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are on the surface. They are usually cause by dark-colored food and tobacco, beverages and the general wearing down of structure. When an extrinsic stain is superficial it is considered minor and can be removed through basic dental cleaning. There are some extrinsic stains that require more bleaching. When extrinsic stains are not handled, they can become ingrained. Intrinsic stains collect on the inside of a tooth. They are usually a result of aging, trauma or the exposure or ingestion of minerals or chemicals.
Before undergoing this procedure, individuals should determine their desired shade. The FDA limits the term bleaching to teeth that have been lightened more than the natural color. Whitening is used to describe the process of restoring enamel to a natural shade by removing debris. Whitening results will vary. Consulting a dentist about a color that is natural and fitting for you is an important step in the process. Shade guides, available at dental offices, display a range of tooth colors. Those who bleach their enamel may see a greater change in shades than those who whiten.
There are different options to lightening enamel color. Individuals can have the procedure done at a dentist office. An in-office whitening session involves applying peroxide gel to the teeth in intervals of approximately 15 to 20 minutes for an hour. This procedure can accomplish significant changes in a short period of time. There are also whitening kits. Some dentists provide professional take-home kits that produce long-term results. These kits use a low-concentration gel made from peroxide. The gel is added with bleaching trays. The formula should stay on for about an hour, sometimes a longer time is needed, but the level of peroxide in the gel should be noted before leaving the chemical on for a long period of time. There are over-the-counter kits that can be bought at many stores. These kits usually include a gel with a low concentration of peroxide. The gel can be applied by using trays, strips or applicators. Baking soda alone or when paired with lemon juice or strawberries can help whiten your smile. It can be used to make toothpaste.
There are some risks involved with this procedure. When bleach is used to lighten the color it can also increase sensitivity to touch and temperature. Patients may experience shooting pains in their mouth as well. Gum irritation can develop for people who use peroxide gels. Irritation can last for up to a week. Bleaching will not change the color of restorations such as bonding, dental crowns or veneers.
Individuals should be aware of a few things before undergoing this type of procedure. Some results of whitening may not be evident for weeks are the procedure. If you are having your enamel bleached and want to avoid mix-matched teeth, make sure that any bonding, veneers or restorations are replaced at a minimum of two weeks after the whitening procedure. This is important to ensure they are bonded, match the other teeth and function. A yellow root from recessed gums can surface at the gum line. That color can be difficult to remove. A woman who is pregnant or nursing should avoid chemical whitening.
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