Teeth Whitening
Whitening procedures effectively restore the smiles of
people with stained, dull, or discolored teeth. The darker
tissue of the tooth, the dentin, can become exposed as the outer layer of
enamel is worn away by the effects of aging or by caffeine and tobacco.
Food particles are naturally attracted to tooth enamel by a particular
protein. Coffee, tea, berries, soy sauce, and similar products are notorious
for staining teeth. Over time, teeth actually become more absorbent and
vulnerable to staining from food and other substances. This type of stain
can more easily be attacked by brushing, flossing and rinsing. Another type
of stain, caused by traumatic injuries, medications and fluorosis, actually
begins inside the tooth. Brushing and flossing will not prevent or resolve
this issue.
More and more people today are choosing tooth-whitening
procedures to reverse the effects of aging and abuse from food and tobacco
stains. Some commercially available "whitening
toothpastes" can be somewhat effective at removing stains and making teeth a
few shades brighter. However, many of these products have abrasive
substances that can actually wear away tooth enamel.
Whitening agents actually change the color of your teeth, but are only
effective on certain types of stains. For example, bleaching agents have a
difficult time removing brownish or grayish stains. These products are also
less effective on pitted or badly discolored teeth, or on restorations like
crowns, bridges, bonding, and tooth-colored fillings. In this case,
porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be more appropriate.
Over-the-counter whitening systems are somewhat effective as long as they
are monitored and directions are followed closely.
Professional whitening performed by our office is considered to be the most
effective and safest method. Our tooth whitening can last as long as five
years.
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