Are your teeth lacking some of the sparkle they used to have? Over time your teeth can change, appear stained or yellow, and not as white. Fortunately, there are cosmetic dental treatments available, which can bring that white back to your smile. Although they are effective, these treatments are not permanent and must be repeated to maintain the brighter color.
The most common reasons that teeth become yellow or stained are:
- Your teeth can absorb pigment just like a sponge, so coffee, tea, and red wine are some of the major offenders. The deep color pigments attach themselves to the white, outer portion of your tooth enamel.
- Using tobacco can create stubborn stains. The tar and nicotine chemicals in tobacco can contribute to the darkening or yellowing of teeth.
- As we grow older, the hard surface of your tooth begins to wear down with age. The soft area underneath called dentin, which is a natural yellow color, begins to show through.
- Some medications can cause tooth darkening and are a side effect of some antihistamines and high blood pressure medications. Children who were given antibiotics like tetracycline when their teeth were forming may have discolored adult teeth later in life.
- Not taking good care of your teeth may also lead to their unsightly condition.
Before you decide to take the whitening process into your own hands, it’s always a wise idea to first visit your dentist for an exam. Discuss with the dentist the various treatment options available to you. Using a whitening treatment will not always work in every situation, and your dental professional can advise you of the best teeth whitening methods. With the proper instruction, the whitening process will not damage your teeth.
Tooth whitening is a relatively simple process. Whitening products contain tooth bleaches, which will break the stains on your teeth into smaller pieces, and make the color less concentrated.
The most common options are:
Whitening toothpaste: All toothpaste help remove surface stains with mild abrasives that scrub teeth. Whitening toothpaste has additional polishing agents, which provide stain removal. Unlike the bleaching process, toothpaste cannot change the color of the teeth, because it is only removing surface stains.
Over-the-counter bleaching products: Many options at your grocery or drug store such as toothpaste, trays, or strips whiten by bleaching your teeth. Because you are not under a dentist’s supervision, the bleach in these products is not as strong as the ones the dentist uses. Over-the-counter options generally are not as effective as the ones you receive from your dentist.
Dentist provided trays: The treatment includes a custom-made tray, which you take home. The trays are filled with the bleaching agent, and you use them in your home at a slower pace. You are still under the guidance of the dentist with this process. Out-of-office bleaching can take a few days to a few weeks.
Tooth whitening is considered safe to use. However, some people may experience tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity usually is not long lasting and will often disappear once the treatment is completed. Overuse of whiteners can damage the tooth enamel and gums, so be sure to follow directions and talk to your dentist. Visit our office today for a consultation to see if teeth whitening is the right treatment for you.