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Millions of people everywhere are dissatisfied with the color of their teeth. Luckily, there has never been a better time to do something about it. Below are some of the most popular options that can be used to brighten and whiten teeth.
With new treatment options available, it is easier than ever to have the smile you've always wanted. Before we look at the various ways that tooth color can be changed, let's first examine the structure of a healthy tooth.
Teeth naturally come in a variety of colors. Though the primary, or baby, teeth are usually rather white, adult teeth tend to form with a slightly darker color. This color is determined by heredity with the gene for yellow teeth being more dominant than the gene for white teeth. The color of your teeth darkens even further with age though there are steps you can take to slow this down or inhibit it.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS THAT LEAD TO YELLOW OR DISCOLORED TEETH
Food: This is one of the major contributors of tooth stains. Coffee, tea, and colas can all cause teeth to become discolored.
Smoking: Tobacco can and does stain the teeth.
Medications: Certain drugs are known to cause permanent staining of the teeth. Doctors try to avoid these drugs whenever possible.
Injuries to the mouth or teeth: This can happen during childhood or adulthood.
THE EASIEST WAY TO BRIGHTEN A SMILE
Naturally, the first step is thorough brushing and flossing. Removing plaque from the teeth is important at every age and is necessary for good oral health and hygiene.
If regular toothpaste isn't giving you the results you want, there are numerous pastes and gels that offer extra-whitening ingredients. These usually contain a slightly abrasive substance that more thoroughly scrubs the surface of the teeth. A few of the products have baking soda and/or peroxide. For light superficial staining caused by coffee or tobacco, these products can do a good job of restoring normally white teeth. However, for genetically yellow teeth, these products usually won't do a sufficient job. More powerful whitening agents need to be used.
THE NEXT STEP
There are several products that are designed for home use. Most of them contain carbamide peroxide as the whitening agent. Some can be purchased over the counter but check with your dentist. Not every product has been approved by the American Dental Association. When it comes to the health of your teeth, it is best to stick with the tried and the true.
HOW THE "AT HOME" PRODUCTS WORK
Usually, the tooth-whitening gel is spread in a molded mouth tray. If you have received your kit through your dentist, the mouth tray will be custom-made for your teeth. You wear the mouth tray for the prescribed amount of time, and over the course of several weeks, your teeth are gradually lightened.
DO PEOPLE REALLY GET GOOD RESULTS LIGHTENING THEIR TEETH AT HOME?
Yes, people get good results, particularly with the kits that are prescribed by a dentist. He/she can give you the proper strength of carbamide peroxide solution that is needed for your particular teeth.
WHAT IF YOUR TEETH ARE VERY STAINED AND THE HOME TREATMENT DOESN'T WORK?
There are still ways to achieve a beautiful smile and white teeth. Dentists can perform a “super bleach” in their office. During this procedure, the dentist covers the gums with either a protective gel or a rubber dam. Then, the bleaching agent is applied to the teeth. Next, the teeth are exposed to a special light that enhances the bleaching agent. After 30 to 60 minutes, the teeth become lighter than they were before. If necessary, this treatment can be repeated several times until ideal tooth color is achieved.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM THIS PROCEDURE?
Usually, healthy teeth and gums do fine. However, some people experience tooth sensitivity following treatment. This is temporary and goes away when treatment is finished. Another problem that can result is irritation of the gums. This happens if the bleaching agent is allowed to come in contact with the soft tissues. This is more of a problem in the do-it-yourself kits than in the ones that are properly prescribed by a dentist.
ARE THERE SOME TEETH THAT DO NOT RESPOND TO TOOTH BLEACHING?
Yes, there are. Yellowish teeth respond the best to bleaching. Brownish teeth do not respond as well, and gray-hued teeth may not bleach well at all. Also, restored or bonded teeth do not bleach and stand out noticeably against your other bleached teeth. For these teeth, other options such as veneers and bonding should be investigated. They, too, can be made whiter and more attractive.
LAST WORDS
Most people can benefit from having their teeth whitened. But remember, only use products that carry the American Dental Association's seal of approval. Consult your dentist for the one that is right for you.
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