Teeth whitening removes stains from the teeth and brightens your smile. However, the treatment results are not permanent, and the teeth will discolor with time. The rate at which the teeth discolor is determined by your habits and how well you care for them.
There are many reasons why teeth stain or discolor. Your teeth can be stained by:
Your diet can stain and discolor your teeth. This is because the chemicals and minerals in the foods and drinks can get deposited on the teeth.
Smoking causes yellowing in the teeth. Tobacco smoke contains a substance called nicotine which gets deposited on the teeth.
Certain medications, like antibiotics and calcium supplements, can cause the teeth to stain. Furthermore, overuse of fluoride supplements and products can cause tooth staining.
The enamel of the teeth starts deteriorating as you approach your 40s. As this occurs, the white color of the teeth fades, and the teeth become yellow.
Poor dental hygiene can cause the teeth to stain. This can occur due to an inability to brush and floss regularly, eating and drinking too much staining foods, and using tobacco.
Teeth whitening comes in two versions– in-office procedures or using at home and over-the-counter products.
Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment done in an in-office setting. The procedure is done by a cosmetic dentist in Farmington, NY, and involves bleaching gels, which are applied directly to the teeth. The gel helps to remove stains from the teeth and brighten their teeth. Professional teeth whitening is the most effective way to whiten the teeth and is the best way to get better results.
At-home teeth whitening products are the easiest way to whiten teeth. These products are available in either a tray or a gel form. The gels and solutions can be used at home and do not need special training. However, they may not be as effective as the professional whitening procedure.
A professional whitening procedure usually requires the use of a bleaching kit. The kit includes a tray and a whitening gel. The whitening tray is designed to fit over the teeth and is used to hold the gel. Our dentist in Farmington will apply the gel to the teeth and leave it on for at least 15 minutes before rinsing.
Tooth sensitivity occurs after your teeth are bleached. The sensitivity is transient, but you can use tooth-sensitive toothpaste to ease the discomfort.
Teeth whitening results last for a couple of months to a year, depending on your habits. However, there are ways you can avoid the teeth from discoloring.
Coffee, tea, cocoa, and red wine can cause your teeth to discolor. Foods like dark-colored sauces and spices like turmeric can also cause the teeth to stain.
Choosing alternatives like white wine can go a long way in keeping your teeth bright. But, if you enjoy coffee, you may consider using a straw to minimize contact with the teeth or rinsing your teeth after taking the beverages to prevent your teeth from absorbing the stains.
The enamel is slightly weakened by bleach, meaning that acidic foods like citrus fruits, processed meats, and pickled foods can further weaken the teeth. These foods can also cause the teeth to tint a bit. It is advisable to avoid acidic foods for the first 48 hours after the bleaching procedure.
Tobacco contains compounds that can cause your teeth to stain. Furthermore, nicotine can be harmful to your oral health and predispose you to gum health and other issues.
Visit Mark DiMartino DDS for more information about teeth whitening and what you can expect during and after the procedure.
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