A captivating smile is often one of the first things we notice about other people. For that reason cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening have become very popular in recent years.
The teeth whitening industry has become quite huge. Companies that have made dental products such as toothpaste have found new areas of revenue in do-it-yourself teeth whitening. Many dentists have found new patients by offering higher end teeth whitening.
The reason for this is because only a few people are blessed with pearly white teeth. For the rest of us, the teeth become discolored as we grow older. Much of this is from stains from food and drink, particularly tea, coffee, wine, and other such drinks which can discolor the teeth. Smoking is a huge reason for tooth stains as well.
So for the rest of us that are not the blessed few, what kind of treatments are available? The two most common are Bleaching and Laser Whitening. Let's look at both of these in detail:
Bleaching is a very common way to whiten your teeth.
The reason this is a common form of teeth whitening is because there are varied levels of bleaching. There are do-it-yourself-at-home strips you can purchase at just about any drug store. The higher range of bleaching which is more expensive and more effective can be done at your dentist's office. This is done with by using a shield to protect your gums followed by the whitening bleach which is applied to your teeth. This is not only more effective but also can be safer since home products do not provide protection for your gums.
The teeth whitening product usually contains different peroxides as the 'active ingredients'. When these ingredients break down, the oxygen enters the enamel of your teeth thus, making the color lighter. The entire treatment can be completed in three to four weeks time.
With the treatments done by your dentist, your visits include the creation of a custom made mouthguard to protect your mouth from the bleaching agents. After this is done, you are expected to continue treatments at home with the agents that your dentist gives you.
Laser Whitening is another common form of teeth whitening.
It is not as popular simply because it is more expensive. It is, however, very effective for teeth whitening.
Much of the process is similar in that your dentist will use a gum shield and a whitening agent. The difference is that a laser is applied to the whitening agent which stimulates the bleaching chemicals. This stimulation boosts the reaction and causes a much more rapid lightening of the teeth.
Laser Whitening is not only faster but is usually more effective. Dentists say that you can achieve shades of white up to five shades lighter than otherwise. And the total procedure is done at one sitting in an hour. One "gotcha" however is that because this is a "power whitening", your teeth must be in good health. Your dentist will let you know if you can use Laser Whitening or not after examining your teeth.
The effects of this power whitening is said to last up to three years depending on the person. The dentist still advice not to smoke, eat and drink products that may cause a stain in your teeth. Others may find their teeth vulnerable to cold after the treatment. But these symptoms usually vanish within a few days.
So with these two modern day methods of teeth whitening, you don't have to be one of the lucky few that naturally have gleaming white teeth to be able to achieve that winning smile. Best of luck in your teeth whitening adventures!
The teeth whitening industry has become quite huge. Companies that have made dental products such as toothpaste have found new areas of revenue in do-it-yourself teeth whitening. Many dentists have found new patients by offering higher end teeth whitening.
The reason for this is because only a few people are blessed with pearly white teeth. For the rest of us, the teeth become discolored as we grow older. Much of this is from stains from food and drink, particularly tea, coffee, wine, and other such drinks which can discolor the teeth. Smoking is a huge reason for tooth stains as well.
So for the rest of us that are not the blessed few, what kind of treatments are available? The two most common are Bleaching and Laser Whitening. Let's look at both of these in detail:
Bleaching is a very common way to whiten your teeth.
The reason this is a common form of teeth whitening is because there are varied levels of bleaching. There are do-it-yourself-at-home strips you can purchase at just about any drug store. The higher range of bleaching which is more expensive and more effective can be done at your dentist's office. This is done with by using a shield to protect your gums followed by the whitening bleach which is applied to your teeth. This is not only more effective but also can be safer since home products do not provide protection for your gums.
The teeth whitening product usually contains different peroxides as the 'active ingredients'. When these ingredients break down, the oxygen enters the enamel of your teeth thus, making the color lighter. The entire treatment can be completed in three to four weeks time.
With the treatments done by your dentist, your visits include the creation of a custom made mouthguard to protect your mouth from the bleaching agents. After this is done, you are expected to continue treatments at home with the agents that your dentist gives you.
Laser Whitening is another common form of teeth whitening.
It is not as popular simply because it is more expensive. It is, however, very effective for teeth whitening.
Much of the process is similar in that your dentist will use a gum shield and a whitening agent. The difference is that a laser is applied to the whitening agent which stimulates the bleaching chemicals. This stimulation boosts the reaction and causes a much more rapid lightening of the teeth.
Laser Whitening is not only faster but is usually more effective. Dentists say that you can achieve shades of white up to five shades lighter than otherwise. And the total procedure is done at one sitting in an hour. One "gotcha" however is that because this is a "power whitening", your teeth must be in good health. Your dentist will let you know if you can use Laser Whitening or not after examining your teeth.
The effects of this power whitening is said to last up to three years depending on the person. The dentist still advice not to smoke, eat and drink products that may cause a stain in your teeth. Others may find their teeth vulnerable to cold after the treatment. But these symptoms usually vanish within a few days.
So with these two modern day methods of teeth whitening, you don't have to be one of the lucky few that naturally have gleaming white teeth to be able to achieve that winning smile. Best of luck in your teeth whitening adventures!
About the Author:
Want to find out more about teeth whitening and dental procedures? Emil Benjamin writes often for teeth whitening in chicago as well as for dentist glendale california.
