The brighter your teeth, the more attractive your smile turns out to be. White teeth reflect good health and indicate youthfulness. On the other side, dull teeth can make a person look unhealthy and sad. Tooth whitening is one of the most effective cosmetic solutions to discolored teeth. It is quite affordable among all cosmetic dentistry treatments and requires just one visit. The results for the whitening process are quickly visible. At our office in Youngstown, Ohio, we regularly have many patients who visit us seeking for teeth whitening. Patients look for teeth whitening when they are preparing for an upcoming event, they are unhappy with their dull teeth, or when they are looking for a transformation in their smile. Our treatment has been effective in brightening the pearly whites of our patients.
Why do teeth discolor?
The discoloration of teeth can be broadly classified into two main categories, which are intrinsic and extrinsic discoloration. Extrinsic discoloration occurs from environmental factors. Consumption of dark colored liquids such as wine, cola and coffee and smoking can cause extrinsic discoloration. The porous enamel layer gets stained and the natural color of teeth is masked during the process.
Teeth discoloration – Causes
The color of natural teeth differs from one person to another. It depends on the thickness of enamel layer and oral health. The colors can be broadly classified into four types that are reddish brown, reddish yellow, gray and reddish gray. The discoloration of natural teeth can occur in two ways, which are intrinsic and extrinsic.
Extrinsic discoloration
The enamel layer is porous and can hold stains. Dark colored liquids such as wine, cola and coffee and smoking can lead to extrinsic discoloration of teeth. Poor oral hygiene is another major contributing factor, which can lead to the formation of plaque over teeth surface. Teeth whitening can help clear stain and dark elements to brighten teeth.
Intrinsic discoloration
This occurs when the contributing factors for the dullness of teeth are from within. Certain antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline are known to cause intrinsic discoloration. Exposure to a high amount of fluoride is another factor that can cause the teeth to darken.
Teeth whitening process
Tooth whitening can clear stain and brighten a smile. The dentist firstly checks the oral cavity and finds out if there is any infection. If a dental infection is found during an examination, it may have to be treated before starting the whitening process. Tooth whitening is safe and very effective when performed in an office set up. Our dentist takes images of the teeth and compares the shade of teeth with a shade scale. The teeth are cleaned to clear plaque. A protective gel is applied to soft gum tissues. The whitening agent used during the course may be hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These whitening agents enter the porous enamel layer and undergo oxidation when they react with a stain. The stain is cleared during the process.
The whitening process starts with the application of protective gel over gums. Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide can be used as a whitening agent over teeth. They enter the porous enamel layer and react with the stain to undergo oxidation. This clears the stain and brightens teeth.
Are you unhappy with your dull smile? Do not worry. Make an appointment with our dentist at Pristine Dental practice located in Youngstown, Ohio, for Custom Teeth Whitening Trays and At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits that help you get a brighter and more beautiful smile.
