Getting a Whiter Smile
A bright and white smile makes you feel good about yourself. Your smile plays an important role in self-esteem, confidence, and how you think others perceive you. There are many ways to get a whiter and brighter smile. Teeth whitening is one of them. Talk to your dentist about the different options of teeth whitening to brighten your smile.
Types of Stains: there are two types of stains that cause teeth discoloration; extrinsic and intrinsic stains.
Intrinsic stains occur under the hard, outer surface of the teeth, called enamel.
· can be from a mother’s use of antibiotics during pregnancy;
· childhood exposure to fluoride;
· aging-when the enamel may become thinner, allowing the yellowish dentin to come through;
· injury to the tooth.
Extrinsic stains discolor the surface of the tooth over time.
· coffee, tea, red wine;
· medications;
· smoking.
Options for Teeth Whitening
Over the counter whitening products
· whitening products can be purchased at the drug stores and on-line;
· toothpastes that contain low levels of peroxide, a chemical that helps lighten teeth;
· whitening strips have a thin layer of peroxide gel. Leave the strip on for a few hours a day over the course of 1 to 2 weeks;
· brush-on whitening, whitening gum.
Bleaching trays dispensed by the dentist (take home whitening)
· dentist fabricates bleaching trays to fit over patient’s upper and lower teeth;
· loads the trays with bleaching gel and wears them a few hours per day for 2 to 4 weeks (whitening is done at home);
· take home whitening
In Office Teeth Whitening (Chairside)
· single visit;
· teeth whitening is performed in the dental office about 60 minutes;
· bleaching gel is applied on teeth surfaces and may use a light to speed up a chemical reaction to whiten the teeth;
Side Effects associated with whitening
· temporary tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of gum tissues;
· sensitivity and irritation subside after the procedure is done;
· dentists may recommend toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate to relieve tooth sensitivity.
Maintenance of your bright and white smile
· brush or rinse immediately after eating or drinking stain-causing foods and beverages;
· brush 2x/day and floss daily. Use a whitening toothpaste 1-2x/week only to remove surface stains and use regular toothpaste the rest of the time;
· regular dental checkup and dental cleaning at minimal every 6 months.
Dr. Anna Lee is a General & Cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA. She is experienced in all phases of dentistry. She treats patients of all ages. Patients are so happy and excited when they see their whiter and brighter looking teeth and smile. If you have any questions about teeth whitening, call our office for a consultation at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com