Eyes may be the gateway to one’s soul but a smile shapes the
personality. The perfect smile flaunting pearly whites can give anyone a
confidence boost in their lives. This is why, when asked about what they’d like
to improve about their smiles, most people
responded with ‘whiter teeth’, according to the American Academy of
Cosmetic Dentistry.
This article explores what exactly a tooth whitening is, how
teeth become discolored and the possible options available for whitening teeth.
What Is
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure used for
lightening teeth that have become discolored or stained. Among
the most popular of cosmetic dentistry procedures, teeth whitening
can greatly enhance the appearance of teeth and make them appear brighter.
Most family Dental clinics Plainfield IL
offer teeth whitening procedure. Teeth whitening is not a one-time procedure
and may take several appointments to get completed.
Why Do
Teeth Become Discolored?
Teeth can become discolored because of a number of reasons,
these may be:
Aging
Our teeth are made up of a thin outside covering called
enamel which protects the tissues and nerves inside. While the enamel is
translucent, the very next layer underneath it—the dentin—is of a dark yellow
color. With the constant wear and tear with age, the enamel wears away, leaving
the dark dentin behind to show. This causes discolored teeth.
Food And Beverages
There are certain foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea,
soda, wine, etc. that cause teeth to become discolored. These beverages contain
color pigments called chromogens that stain teeth.
Moreover, foods such as citrus fruits are acidic in nature and
can wear away the enamel of the tooth, leaving the dark dentin behind.
Tobacco Consumption
Tobacco consumption can significantly darken teeth. Tobacco
contains nicotine and tar which are tooth-staining culprits. Tar is a naturally
dark substance, while nicotine, when mixed with oxygen, becomes a
yellowish-staining substance.
Medications
There are certain medications, such as medicines for high
blood pressure, antihistamines and antipsychotics that can cause discoloration
of the teeth. Moreover, children who are exposed to antibiotics,
such as doxycycline and tetracycline, in their teeth-forming ages (as babies or
in the womb) can have discolored teeth in their adult life (Mouth Healthy Org).
Options For
Teeth Whitening
These are the options available for teeth whitening:
In-Office Whitening
This procedure is done at a dental clinic and basically
involves bleaching the teeth. A dentist will first put a protective layer of
gel or a rubber shield to your gums and then apply the bleach to your teeth.
At-Home Whitening
If you’re more comfortable to perform teeth whitening at
home, your dentist can provide you with custom-made mouthpiece that you can
apply bleaching gel on and put it on your teeth for a prescribed time. Your
dentist will usually give you instructions on how to whiten teeth at home to
minimize the chances of you damaging your teeth or gums.
OTC Bleaching
Products
There are various OTC tooth whitening options available,
such as whitening toothpastes and at-home kits containing whitening strips. These
have lower quantity of bleaching agents in them than that in a professional dentist’s
kit, and therefore, whitening may take longer as compared to an in-house
whitening by a dentist.
All in all, teeth whitening is a great option for anyone
looking to transform their smile and boost their confidence. If you’re looking
for a Plainfield family
dental clinic for teeth whitening options, IL, get in touch with Heritage Grove Family Dental. Dr. Gallos at
Heritage Grove is a highly skilled and experienced professional in dentistry
and offers his patients personalized treatment plans with compassionate care.
Get in touch with him now to schedule an
appointment.
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