Cosmetic dentistry has gained significant popularity in recent years. People care more about how they look now than ever in history. Among the many issues that cause people to feel dissatisfied with their dental physic is the discoloring of teeth. As an adult, it is usual for your teeth to discolor with time. With professional teeth whitening treatment, you can restore your teeth’s brightness, thus enhancing your smile.
Teeth whitening involves the use of products containing either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent. These bleaches decompose the stains into tinier pieces, thus lowering their concentration.
Reasons for discoloration
Based on research conducted on the cases of teeth whitening procedures performed in Chicago il, some of the reasons why you have discolored teeth include:
- Age
Your tooth enamel (the exterior surface of your tooth) has a darker, softer layer beneath called the dentin. As you grow older, the enamel sheds off gradually, making the dentin more visible.
- Use of tobacco
Tobacco contains tar and nicotine responsible for staining your teeth. Tar is dark in color. Although nicotine is colorless, when mixed with oxygen, the chemical form’s a yellow stain. It is wise for you to avoid using tobacco to prevent staining your teeth.
- Medications
There are medications known to stain your teeth. Such medications include antipsychotics, certain antihistamines, and high blood pressure drugs. Similarly, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy may stain your teeth. Antibiotics like doxycycline and tetracycline may also cause the teeth of young children to discolor.
- Drinks and food
Some food and drinks contain numerous color pigments referred to as chromogens. Chromogens stain your enamel causing discoloration. Some examples of drinks known to have chromogens include red wine, coffee, and tea.
- Trauma
When your tooth is injured, it responds by laying down additional dentin resulting in discoloration. Dentin is a darker tissue beneath your tooth’s enamel (the exterior surface).
Types of Teeth Whitening
Before using teeth whitening products, ensure you consult with your dentist. The following are some of the treatment options available:
- In-office bleaching
In this procedure, your dentist applies either a rubber shield or a protective gel before using the bleaching agent on your teeth. In-office bleaching is also called chairside bleaching. The procedure is convenient since it requires only a single visit to your dentist.
- Over-the-counter bleaching agents
These products contain less concentration of the bleaching agents compared to products used during in-office bleaching. Over-the-counter bleaching agents come in the form of strips or kinds of toothpaste.
You can buy these products from your local grocery stores and online stores. However, ensure the product you purchase has the ADA seal of approval.
- At-home bleaching
If you are more at ease with whitening your teeth at home gradually under your dentist’s instruction, at-home bleaching is the way to go. Your dentist will provide a tailor-made tray designed for at-home whitening.
The dentist will also guide you on putting the bleaching agent in the tray for treatment and the amount of time to use the agent.
- Stain removal kinds of toothpaste
Each toothpaste assists in the extermination of surface stains. Mild abrasives present in every toothpaste facilitate this function since they are responsible for scrubbing the teeth. You should purchase only those with the ADA seal of acceptance. These kinds of toothpaste are safer to use and effectively perform their intended purpose.
There are ways you can whiten your teeth naturally. These include:
- Brush your teeth with baking soda.
- Wash your mouth with oil to eliminate debris, dirt, and bacteria (oil pulling).
- You may also use fruits like pineapples and papayas to whiten your teeth. These fruits contain bromelain and papain.
- Avoid food and drinks with staining agents
- Maintaining oral hygiene
Side Effects
Contrary to popular belief, teeth whitening treatments are safe provided you follow your doctor’s instructions. After using whitening products, you are likely to experience tooth sensitivity, which results from the reaction between the bleach and your tooth’s dentin. If the sensitivity persists, book a visit to your dentist.
You should avoid overusing whiteners to prevent damaging your enamel and gums. It is worth stating whitening does not work for all teeth. Dentists in South Chicago have noted most teeth with gray pigments may not bleach at all. In contrast, yellow teeth respond well to bleaching agents.
Your tooth is also not likely to respond to whitening treatment if the staining is by injury or medications. Similarly, crowns, veneers, and fillings do not respond to whitening treatment. For more information about the treatment, visit us today in Chicago, il.
