Teeth Whitening - Avoid The Traps: Get Expert
Advice
The very mention of teeth whitening can suffuse you with a sense
of fulsome buoyancy, right? The process of bleaching, probably one of the most
sought after cosmetic dental procedures, has managed to capture the imagination
of the world like no other. Today, the mantra seems to be, ‘bright teeth at any
cost’, even if it means discounting the side effects on the gums, enamel and the
myriad dental problems.
Bludgeoned By The Slugfest
A cursory glance at the massive assortment of options at your
disposal, and you know you have your task cut out.
Whether it is highly rated teeth whitening gels, toothpastes and hydrogen
peroxide loaded bleaches and solutions that one can pick up with consummate ease
over the counter, or not-so-cheap teeth whitening treatments promoted
unabashedly by iconic names like Brite Smile, White Light and Opalescence, laser
teeth whitening techniques, teeth whitening trays and kits, these treatments do
paint a very dazzling image.
But the question that lurks in the deep crevices of one’s mind is whether they
are safe, and the price that one ends up paying for acquiring that million
dollar Colgate smile?
With scores of natural home remedies for whitening teeth and professional teeth
whitening systems burning up column inches and airtime, a systematic review and
comparison of the assortment of products and methods is an absolute must, before
you lift the specters of that depressing shade.
Don’t Let Stains Tinge Your Happiness
Now before you make a beeline for the dentist’s chair, it’s
important that understand the reason for the discoloration of your teeth.
Ever wondered why your smile is not half as brilliant as your little ones? Well,
that’s because of the insidious influences of foodstuffs, tobacco, bacterial
pigments and countless cups of coffee, in addition to the porous nature of the
tooth enamel and alterations in the mineral structure of your teeth.
The accumulation of tartar deposits and the consumption of highly pigmented
foods like cherries and blueberries also lead to staining of teeth.
Though stains can be classified into four distinct categories – tetracycline
stains, smoking, aging and genetically acquired stains, they are usually divided
into:
* Intrinsic stains: Commonly referred to as internal stains, they are caused due
to host of factors. These include excessive exposure to antibiotic tetracycline
during the formative years, discoloration due to aging and the decay of a tooth
nerve that leads to the formation of a brown, gray or black color. The yellowish
tinge also appears if you have used munificent amounts of fluoride during your
childhood.
* Extrinsic stains: These are surface stains, and as the name suggests are
caused by external factors like tobacco, tea, coffee, wine or colored foods like
cherries. It will require sustained effort from your dental hygienist to remove
traces of these stains.
Need A Bright Spark Of An Idea?
So how does one get rid of the hideous discoloration? Well, a
visit to the dentist’s office will help you get of the stains caused by tobacco
and food, ably buttressed by whitening toothpastes.
But if these stains have made a more than persistent place for themselves, then
professional whitening procedures will be required. Internal stains may require
bonding, capping or even bleaching, depending on the extent of staining and the
condition of one’s teeth.
Whitening of teeth can be done either at home or at the dentist’s clinic. The
former approach is gaining popularity these days, and involves the dentist
fabricating a custom-fitted tray based on the impression of your teeth.
Depending on the instructions of the dentist, you will have to fill the tray
with whitening gel that contains about 10%-15% of carbamide peroxide, and put it
on for about a couple of hours for two weeks.
There are many that may want to venture into unchartered territory without the
assistance of a dental professional. There are several strips laden with
oxidizing agents that one can purchase over the counter that you need to sink
your teeth into for several hours a day. However, the results may not be as
sparkling as expected. Sometimes the mouth guard may not fit the shape of your
teeth leaving the tips unbleached.
Your Knight In Shining Armor
That’s precisely how most people suffering the ignominy of
stained teeth describe their dental hygienist. The whitening procedure adopted
by the expert may not come cheap, but it’s definitely more effective.
It involves the application of a highly concentrated oxidizing agent containing
a blend of carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, followed by a special light
for relatively short spans of time to speed up the whitening process. The use of
a specially formulated gel-like substance affords protection to the gums and
papilla.
This procedure is not without niggling side-effects like an escalation in the
sensitivity of the teeth and mild irritation of the gums and other soft tissues.
Of course, the results are simply spectacular, especially if you have horribly
yellow, discolored teeth.
However, you must follow the tips of the dentist on maintaining your
newly-acquired pearly whites.
Whitening of teeth is one of the most sought after cosmetic dental procedures,
simply because it enhances the appearance of your smile enormously.
Still need a reason to smile?
