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Teeth whitening is one of the most common procedures performed by cosmetic dentists today. Over the years it's common for many people to lose the white, shiny color in their teeth, developing into a dingy yellow tint to their teeth. The teeth whitening procedure can be very effective in lightening the color of your teeth by several shades, and results in whiter, brighter teeth for many. There are several options for whitening your teeth, including professionally dispensed trays for at-home whitening. For those who opt for this cosmetic treatment, they will see moderate to substantial improvement in the brightness and whiteness of their smile. Professional whitening trays dispensed by your cosmetic dentist in Fenton is considered to be the most effective and safest method for whitening your teeth by several shades. Done properly, tooth whitening can last as long as five years. What Causes Stains? Your diet can play one of the biggest roles in the coloring of your teeth. Studies have shown that certain types of food can contribute to staining more than others, making it important to pay close attention to the foods that you eat. Red wine, coffee, tea, soft drinks, oranges and some acidic foods like citrus fruits or vinegar can contribute to the discoloration of your teeth. Discolorations of your teeth fall into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration. Extrinsic discoloration occurs in the outer layer of your tooth (enamel). These stains can range from white streaks to yellow tints or brown spots. Intrinsic discoloration occurs in the inner structure of the tooth (dentin) and appears to have a yellow or grey tint. In addition, smoking plays a large role in staining of your teeth. The nicotine in cigarettes has been shown to leave brown deposits which are gradually absorbed by your teeth, causing intrinsic stains. Grinding your teeth can also add cracks to your teeth, which can ultimately cause darkening to the teeth. Some other causes of stains include: • Aging
• Trauma
• Medications
• Disease
• Poor dental hygiene Professionally Dispensed Whitening Trays When used as directed, dentist-dispensed whitening trays and strips can even be extremely successful. In the long run, they can sometimes be more successful than in-office whitening. Even though you can get over-the-counter whiteners without a dentist's recommendation, if you over-use them or use them incorrectly, they can harm your tooth enamel and irritate your gum tissue. Over-bleaching can also produce an undesirable bluish hue, chalky whiteness, or uneven results. Supervision by your dentist can help prevent these problems. With whitening trays, your dentist will create a mold of your teeth in order to fabricate mouth trays that properly fit your teeth. You will take the trays and bleaching agent home to begin the whitening process. After a couple weeks you will visit your dentist for a brief visit or two to allow your dentist to ensure that you are properly performing the home treatments, in addition to inspecting your gums for irritation.
Teeth whitening results are subjective, varying considerably from person to person. Before beginning your whitening process, consult your cosmetic dentist in Fenton for a realistic idea of the results you are likely to achieve and how long it should take to achieve them. Professional whitening performed by your dentist in Fenton has been proven to be the most effective and safest method for whitening your teeth.
Sean Hartmen writes for general and Fenton dentist, Dr. Thomas Kemlage. Nominated in January 2011 in the St. Louis Magazine as Top Dentist in area, as voted by his peers, Dr. Kemlage offers services in teeth whitening, crowns, bridges and cerec in Fenton.
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