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Are you unsatisfied with the appearance of your teeth? If you are one of many individuals with stained teeth, you can now whiten your teeth easier than ever before. Your smile is one of the first features that people notice about you. When you want to make a good first impression, a white, healthy-looking smile can make all of the difference. Opalescence whitening is ideal for anyone who wants immediate results with the guidance of their dentist. Stained, yellowed teeth can add years to a person's appearance. Luckily, if you are looking to simply whiten your smile, you're in luck, as teeth whitening is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic treatments requested by patients today. Tooth whitening from a dental professional is one of the quickest and most cost-effective cosmetic dental procedures available to improve the look of your teeth. A Look at Tooth Discoloration Tooth discoloration falls under two different categories: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic discoloration occurs in the outer layer of the tooth, called the enamel, and the stains can range from white streaks to yellow tints or even brown spots and pits. Intrinsic discoloration occurs in the inner structure of the tooth, called the dentin, in which the dentin darkens or displays a yellow tint to the tooth. Some of the causes of tooth discoloration include, but are not limited to: • Certain foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, soda, wines, potatoes, cherries and blueberries.
• Tobacco use
• Poor dental hygiene such as inadequate brushing and flossing
• Diseases affecting enamel and dentin
• Medications
• Aging
• Trauma, such as a fall or any other injury that might damage the nerves or chips/cracks the teeth Whiten with Opalescence Opalescence treats and eliminates discoloration caused by medications, tooth trauma and other conditions. Available from your dentist, Opalescence is a 38 percent hydrogen peroxide power bleaching gel that relies on chemistry for achieving its effects. With this, a special light is not needed to activate the whitening process. The in-office Opalescence whitening procedure can take between one and two hours, depending on the extent of tooth discoloration that you have and the whitening results you hope to achieve. Before your whitening procedure, your dentist may have you schedule an appointment for a thorough tooth cleaning to ensure the best whitening results. Initially, your gums and lips will be protected and the starting shade of your teeth will be determined and recorded as to view a before and after. Your dentist will apply the Opalescence whitening gel to the front of your teeth, where it will remain for 10 to 15 minutes. Approximately every five minutes the gel on your teeth will be stirred to ensure maximum whitening. The process will be repeated depending on the whitening results you desire. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, visit your cosmetic dentist in Richmond today for further consultation on an appropriate treatment to enhance your smile. Professional whitening with Opalescence performed by your dentist in Richmond has been proven to be the most effective and safest method for whitening your teeth.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading Richmond, VA dentist, Dr. Robert Steadman. Since graduating from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry, Dr. Steadman has been in private practice for 20 years. He has also taught part-time at MCV Dental School, lectured statewide, and written articles for dental journals on topics such as TMJ in Richmond.
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