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FAQ
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What can I do about stained or discolored teeth?) |
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Since teeth whitening has now become the number one
aesthetic concern of many patients, there are many products and
methods available to achieve a brighter smile.
Professional
teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental
treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel, and
is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
Over-the-counter products are also available, but they are much
less effective than professional treatments and may not be
approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). |
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As we age,
the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away, eventually revealing
a darker or yellow shade. The color of our teeth also comes
from the inside of the tooth, which may become darker over
time. Smoking, drinking coffee, tea, and wine may also
contribute to tooth discoloration, making our teeth yellow and
dull. Sometimes, teeth can become discolored from taking
certain medications as a child, such as tetracycline. Excessive
fluoridation (fluorosis) during tooth development can also cause
teeth to become discolored. Severely
discolored or stained teeth |
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As we age, the
outer layer of tooth enamel wears away, eventually revealing a
darker or yellow shade. The color of our teeth also comes from
the inside of the tooth, which may become darker over time.
Smoking, drinking coffee, tea, and wine may also contribute to
tooth discoloration, making our teeth yellow and dull.
Sometimes, teeth can become discolored from taking certain
medications as a child, such as tetracycline. Excessive
fluoridation (fluorosis) during tooth development can also cause
teeth to become discolored.
It's important
to have your teeth evaluated by your dentist to determine if
you're a good candidate for bleaching. Occasionally,
tetracycline and fluorosis stains are difficult to bleach and
your dentist may offer other options, such as veneers or crowns
to cover up such stains. Since teeth whitening only works on
natural tooth enamel, it is also important to evaluate
replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. before bleaching
begins. Once the bleaching is done, your dentist can match the
new restorations to the shade of the newly whitened teeth.
Since teeth
whitening is not permanent, a touch-up may be needed every
several years to keep your smile looking bright.
The most
widely used professional teeth whitening systems: |
Home teeth whitening systems:
At-home
products usually come in a gel form that is placed in a
custom-fitted mouth guard (tray), created from a mold of your
teeth. The trays are worn either twice a day for approximately
30 minutes, or overnight while you sleep. It usually takes
several weeks to achieve the desired results depending on the
degree of staining and the desired level of whitening.
In office teeth whitening:
This treatment
is done in the dental office and you will see results
immediately. It may require more than one visit, with each
visit lasting 30 to 60 minutes. While your gums are protected,
a bleaching solution is applied to the teeth. A special light
may be used to enhance the action of the agent while the teeth
are whitened.
Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after having
their teeth whitened. This sensation is temporary and subsides
shortly after you complete the bleaching process, usually within
a few days to one weak
Teeth whitening can be very effective and can give you a
brighter, whiter, more confident smile!
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