Professional Teeth WhiteningThere are many advertisements on TVs and the internet on the various over the counter teeth whitening products. Over the counter and home remedies teeth whitening products have claimed to whiten teeth fast and safe but is this case? People have spent more than $200 annually on OTC teeth whiteners without the expected outcome.

Professional teeth whitening is perceived as expensive. In the real sense, it is cheaper compared to the amount of money one spends in a year on OTC whiteners that don’t yield positive results. When purchasing the teeth whiteners, you are not sure the cause of your discolored teeth, and as a result, you are doing treatment blindly.

Teeth staining

In most cases, people grow white teeth when they start developing their first teeth. Teeth discolor when as people become older due to things people eat, drink, or if they use tobacco. Over time our teeth get stained from these things and leave people desiring teeth whitening products.

Types of stains

There are several types of stains that your teeth can get, but the most common ones are listed below.

Extrinsic

An extrinsic stain is one that affects the outer layer of teeth enamel. It is usually caused by food and drinks that have staining properties. Bad lifestyle habits such as smoking tobacco and massive drinking alcohol cause extrinsic tooth staining.

Intrinsic

A tooth has the outer layer which is the enamel and inner layer called the dentin. Intrinsic discoloration affects the dentin part of the tooth, and this can be due to different reasons.

  • Environmental factors such as high fluoride in water sources expose the dentin to staining.
  • Trauma caused on a tooth makes the body defense cells to move on the injured tooth causing the dentin to get blood stains.

Causes of teeth discoloration

Several elements cause teeth discoloration.

Lifestyle

Tobacco and alcohol are known to have staining agents that coat the teeth with a yellowish or brown stain. Tobacco stain is hard to remove by brushing alone, and it is necessary for you to have a professional dentist to remove the stain.

Food

Carbohydrates and fruits are part of the balanced diet a person needs to live a healthy life but some of these foods can stain your teeth, and an example is apples and potatoes. Drinks like coffee, red wine, tea, and colas, when consumed regularly, coats the teeth enamel.

Poor dental hygiene

Brushing your teeth twice a day is recommended by dentists to maintain oral health and prevent teeth discoloration. When you don’t observe proper brushing and flossing tartar is formed and builds up to become plaque which makes your teeth have a different color.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening can be done at home with home remedies or take home whitening products given by your dentist. You can also have your teeth whitened by a professional in a dental office.

Different ways of whitening teeth

1. At-home teeth whitening

Teeth whitening can be done at home using over the counter teeth bleaching toothpaste or take home bleaching products provided by a professional dentist. Usually, over the counter bleaching products or those given by your dentist to use at home have a lower concentration than the one used in a dental office.

2. In-office teeth whitening

A professional dentist always corrects stubborn teeth discoloration in a dental office. A high concentration of teeth bleaching agent is used to whiten the teeth. Your dentist will advise you accordingly if you need the in-office or at-home teeth whitening.

Benefits of teeth whitening

Reliable

Professional tooth whitening is done by a dentist who is qualified to carry out the procedure. The dentist uses an intense concentration of teeth bleaching agents. You are sure to see results by the end of the procedure. OTC teeth whiteners are made to whiten the teeth surface, and if your teeth are stained inside the enamel, it becomes hard to bleach. Professional teeth whiteners can permeate the tooth enamel and remove any stain inside of it giving your teeth a pearly look.

Customized

Teeth discoloration is relative, and each person has different reasons for their teeth staining. A professional dentist will observe and diagnose the cause of your teeth discoloration. Using the results gotten from the diagnosis the dentist will put up a treatment plan for your teeth whitening. It ensures effective teeth whitening.

Safe

Before a professional teeth whitening procedure begins, the dentist will protect the gums with a patch lining. The patch lining will prevent the bleaching agent from touching the gums.

Good oral hygiene

Professional teeth whitening start with teeth cleaning which involves removing tartar and plaque. Tartar and plaque are known to cause carries and tooth decay and when they are removed your teeth becomes healthy and safe from cavities.

Maintaining white teeth

After a professional teeth whitening procedure it is necessary to keep the color by avoiding teeth staining agents. It doesn’t mean your teeth will remain permanently white because you’ve bleached them professionally. If you don’t maintain your teeth after a professional whitening procedure, they can be discolored again.

  • Using straws, when drinking coffee and other teeth staining drinks is essential in maintaining white teeth.
  • Avoiding tobacco and alcohol use will ensure your teeth remain white.
  • Regular teeth cleaning. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day will prevent staining food from depositing themselves on the teeth.

Choosing the right dentist is essential for your professional teeth whitening procedure. An experienced dentist who has vast knowledge on the different types of teeth stains and whitening is the best to handle your teeth whitening treatment.