Tooth Whitening

Whether it is over-the-counter remedies or more involved cosmetic dentistry procedures, men and women have a variety of choices when it comes to whitening their teeth. The amount of money you are looking to spend as well as the overall results you are looking to achieve will influence the direction you take. It is important to find the tooth-whitening remedy that will help you to achieve the smile you desire.

Function

As we age, certain effects can cause teeth to become dingy and discolored. Natural aging, certain foods, drinks such as coffee, tea and wine, and habits such as smoking are all factors that can alter the color of our teeth. Tooth-whitening techniques work to effectively break apart enamel stains in order to bring about a whiter, brighter smile that lasts.

Types

Depending on your budget as well as the longevity of results you are wishing to achieve, there are several different types of teeth whitening available to consumers. Whitening toothpastes tend to help maintain your current tooth color as opposed to whitening your smile. Over-the-counter remedies such as bleaching techniques, teeth-whitening strips and gels can provide a quick fix (results in 1 hour to 1 week, depending on the product), but whitening results will only last for a maximum of 6 months. Cosmetic dentistry procedures include teeth bleaching and laser teeth whitening. These methods are more intense ways to effectively break apart stains for longer-lasting tooth whitening.

Features

Whether utilizing over the counter remedies or visiting your dentist in office, tooth-whitening techniques work because of their oxidizing agents. Oxidizing agents work to effectively lighten the shade of the tooth; most often these agents will be either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These oxidizing agents penetrate into the porosities, which is a structure of the tooth enamel, and oxidizes (adds oxygen) in order to break apart enamel stains.

Effects

The effects of teeth whitening will depend on the technique used. Over-the-counter remedies are a quick fix--teeth will appear brighter and whiter--but these methods merely bleach the teeth and do not effectively oxidize enamel stains, so over time the teeth will begin to become dull again. These products do help those on a tighter budget, however, so for some, it may be more economical to repeat these procedures every 4 to 6 months rather than undergoing a more extensive procedure. Cosmetic dentistry tooth-whitening procedures effectively oxidize enamel stains for whiter teeth that last. However, it is important to understand that by continuing with your normal eating and drinking habits, over time new stains can form.

tooth whitener

Misconceptions

There are some misconceptions that surround tooth whitening, but after speaking with a dental professional you'll discover that you have nothing to fear. It has been said that teeth whitening can lead to oral cancer because of some of the chemicals used. After extensive study there has been no evidence found to support that either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are cancer-causing. Another misconception is that the tooth-whitening agents can cause damage to tooth enamel, tooth pulp and nerve endings. This can be true if the chemicals used in the procedure are not closely regulated, but those who follow over-the-counter guidelines or who visit a dental professional run no risk of tooth damage because the chemicals in these situations are closely controlled. Do your research and speak with a professional before undergoing tooth whitening.

Benefits

o It is often said that first impressions count, and one of the first things that people notice is your smile. Tooth-whitening techniques can be very beneficial for those who are self-conscious about their smile; by investing a little bit of time and money, you can experience tooth whitening results that allow you to feel confident about your smile and yourself.