It is mainly used to remove stains and restore

Causes of Teeth Discolouration

Teeth discolouration can be caused by a number of factors. Your teeth will discolour with age. Staining and chemical damage may also lead to discolouration. Some kinds of foods and drinks like coffee, tea and soft drinks can cause staining of your teeth. Apart from that, medicines and smoking also contribute to discolouration.

Teeth Whitening Procedure

The teeth whitening procedure used in cosmetic dentistry can be done at the dentist's clinic, or at home. Most people use the in-home method, as it is easier and saves time. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and soft moulds are made based on the measurements obtained. Then, this can be filled with teeth whitening gel and placed on the teeth. Ideally, these are placed on your teeth while sleeping. This procedure should be done for 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the grade of whitening you need.

Types of Teeth Whitening Procedures

When it comes to teeth whitening, you have many options. Whitening kits can be obtained at the dentist's clinic, and it combines the use of whitening gel with special light. The main advantage is that you will need only one visit to the dentist.

Laser bleaching involves the use of whitening gel with laser. This procedure also requires only one visit to the dentist. The main advantage of laser bleaching is that it can be done very quickly. But, it is very expensive compared to all other procedures.

Custom fit tray bleaching can be done at home, and it involves the use of whitening gel in a custom made tray. This is the preferred method of whitening, as it is very cost effective. Store bought whitening strips can also be used at home, but they are not as effective as other procedures obtained at the dentists'.

Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening

Whiter teeth can boost your confidence and self esteem. People with a brighter smile are considered very friendly. It is also capable of giving you a more youthful look. On the other hand, whitening can cause temporary tenderness of gums and teeth. The mouth trays can also cause discomfort, especially while sleeping. However, more and more research is being conducted to eliminate the disadvantages of teeth whitening, which is a main component of current cosmetic dentistry.