My intense love for candy, cakes, and everything in between started as a child. I simply couldn't go one day without something sweet to eat. But my love for all things sweet took a toll on my teeth. My dentist diagnosed me with seven cavities, each one a different size and depth. After sitting through four long dental appointments, I decided to make a change. I now monitor my diet and only eat things that benefit my oral health. I'm here to help you take better care of your teeth. My blog offers tips on how to improve your diet, maintain good oral hygiene, and many other topics. Hopefully, you can learn to overcome your bad habits just as I did. Good luck with your future dental health.
Teeth implants have become a popular and effective solution for individuals seeking to restore their smil
A beautiful smile can make a lasting first impression, boost self-esteem, and even improve overall health
Maintaining oral health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and regular dental cleanings play a si
If you want to enhance your confidence, veneers could be the perfect solution for you. Veneers are a wide
Do you shy away from visiting the dentist? You’re not alone. Some people have dental anxiety and tend to
Even if your teeth are properly aligned, you may still be uncomfortable with their appearance -- especially if they are discolored. Dental discoloration is caused by multiple factors, such as age, food choices, and tobacco use.
People who are older tend to have darker teeth because some of their tooth enamel has eroded, revealing the yellow dentin that lies beneath. Additionally, people who regularly consume foods and beverages that contain dark pigments may have discolored teeth. The pigments accumulate in the pores of the enamel, progressively yellowing the tooth material.
Tobacco usage is also associated with dental discoloration. The deep natural colorants in chewing tobacco and cigarettes stain the teeth over time.
Once the teeth become stained, standard cleaning practices, such as flossing and brushing, will not remove the discoloration. The teeth may be healthy and clean, but still appear dirty.
Nevertheless, there are multiple teeth-whitening products and applications available to improve the appearance of your teeth. Here are a few of them.
Peroxide-based Whiteners
Teeth-whitening products that contain peroxide are considered chemical whiteners. The products are applied to the teeth and allowed to rest in place for a while to bleach away dental stains.
Some peroxide-based whiteners are available over-the-counter for self-application. These products are usually sold in kits that contain a brush, strips, or tray for the application. Additionally, the products include detailed instructions to advise consumers of the proper application duration and frequency.
Consumers may experience an increase in dental sensitivity if over-the-counter teeth whiteners are applied too frequently or for longer periods than suggested. As a result, some people prefer professional peroxide-based whitening applications.
Professional chemical whiteners are applied by a dental professional in an office setting. The products, which are considered safe, whiten the teeth quicker and more thoroughly than over-the-counter kits.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers whiten the teeth immediately upon application. However, the veneers do not bleach away stains. Instead, they cover them.
A dental veneer is a thin sliver of tooth-shaped porcelain or resin. The veneer is bonded to the front of a tooth to hide the imperfections, including discoloration.
Prior to the placement of a dental veneer, the dentist prepares the designated tooth by removing a tiny bit of enamel from the tooth's front surface. This removal helps the veneer to appear natural after its placement.
Unlike chemical whiteners, dental veneers can correct discoloration that is permanent. Thus, even discoloration that comes from a birth defect can be concealed.
If you are interested in teeth whitening, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.
Share