Facts and Treatment Options for Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening is a treatment administered to discolored or dull teeth. These procedures lighten your teeth’s’ natural color or discolored teeth without eroding the tooth enamel. Teeth discoloration takes place over time without your knowledge. Discoloration can be:

1. Extrinsic – these stains are on the exterior. These stains form on the enamel from food particles that accumulate on the enamel.
2. Intrinsic – food particles seep beyond the exterior and compile inside the enamel.
3. Age-related – as you grow old. The outer enamel wears down, making the yellow dentin noticeable.

What Causes Stained Teeth?

The color of your teeth can help identify the cause.

• Smoking, chewing tobacco, and taking coffee can result in brown Stains.
• Yellow teeth point to stripped enamel from years of wear and tear. Older adults have a higher probability of developing yellow teeth.
• Children may develop white spots on their teeth due to extensive use of fluoride in toothpaste.
• Poor dental hygiene causes black or grey color from tooth decay or gum disease.
• Red wine, fruits, and certain vegetables may result in a purple shade.

Other causes are:

• Genetics
• Injuries trigger prompt teeth to lay more dentin under the enamel
• Dry mouth or lack of saliva
• Accumulated tartar and plaque
• Side effects from some medical conditions, antibiotics, antipsychotics, or mouthwash
• Small cracks on the teeth enamel that hide stains
• Vulnerability to minerals like iron or silver in an industrial environment or from some supplements

What Are The Whitening Treatment Options?

There are various ways. Some of them include:

• Teeth cleaning, also known as scaling, is a procedure that settles extrinsic discoloration caused by a large build-up of plaque. It also prevents periodontal disease and tooth decay.
• Bleaching – This technique makes teeth brighter by removing intrinsic stains. It is mainly assumed to be a cosmetic procedure. Bleaching takes a multi-day process from a dentist near you or home remedies.

Here are some home remedies you may consider:

1. Teeth whitening gel or strips formulated using peroxide. This compound breaks down to oxygen that combines with your enamel illuminating it.
2. Tray-held teeth whiteners. They are filled with bleaching gel and positioned over teeth for a few hours every day.
3. Teeth whitening toothpaste. It may seem to whiten teeth by reducing surface stains, such as those from coffee or tobacco. But they can’t change the natural color of your teeth or lighten a stain on the interior.
4. Dental veneers which can provide permanent teeth Whitening
5. Masking, the dentist utilizes a thin blanket of filling material over the natural teeth to disguise their color.
6. Dental crowns

The Whitening Process

Consult Petaluma Dental Group dentists before acquiring any home kit for bleaching. Different products work favorably for particular stains. If your teeth are yellow, bleaching could help, while gray and brown teeth need stronger interventions. Crowns, fillings, and crowns cannot be whitened once installed.

The first step is consultation. The dentist will analyze your oral health to deduce the proper treatment. If you have gingivitis, our dentist will use an alternative solution since whitening products can cause more discomfort and sensitivity.

Afterward, the dentist will conserve your gums with a rubber guard or gel. The whitening agent will then be smudged to the teeth using a specially made tray built to fit your mouth like a mouth guard. The tray ensures contact between teeth and the treatment.

An in-office strategy can contain laser or power lighting. The complete treatment takes three to four weeks.

How Do I Take Care of Whitened Teeth?

The outcome of teeth bleaching can remain for up to three years. Here are some oral care tips can employ to maximize their lifespan:

• Brushing twice a day
• Flossing
• Attending routine dental check-ups
• Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables
• Cleaning your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash
• Lowering intake of acidic beverages

What Are The Risks Involved?

You may experience some after-effects such as:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Sore throat
• Discomfort on the gums
• Injury to the enamel
• Stomach pain

These effects are momentary and vanish after the treatment. Consult a dentist if they continue.

Our Cosmetic Dentist in Petaluma, CA, offers comprehensive and effective treatment suitable for you and your family.