Dentists at Samaritana Medical Clinic are often inquired about teeth whitening. Based on a survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, most participants claimed they wanted whiter and brighter teeth when asked about the aspects of their smile they would like to improve.
When you smile, you create an immediate impression on the people you meet, and if you are planning to get your teeth whitened, here are a few things you should know first.
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The Causes of Teeth Discoloration
Several reasons contribute to teeth discoloration, but it usually boils down to the consumption of certain foods and beverages. Edibles like coffee, tea, and red wine stain the teeth. These beverages contain a pigment that gets attached to the enamel. The same goes for tar and nicotine found in tobacco products, leaving brown and yellow stains. Age plays a crucial factor as well. As you grow older, the outer enamel of your teeth thins out, revealing the underlying yellowish dentin. Specific medicines may also discolor the teeth, especially antihistamines, high blood pressure medication, antibiotics, and chemotherapy.
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Exploring the Process
Teeth whitening at Samaritana Medical Clinic is fundamentally a bleaching process achieved with hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. The procedure creates an oxidation reaction, which breaks down the staining agents.
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Options in Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening at a dentist’s office is the quickest and safest way. Supervised by a dentist, the process involves using a high concentration of teeth whitening agents. The gums are given special protection from exposure to these agents, as they may otherwise get damaged. At times, dentists use lasers to enhance the treatment. This usually takes less than an hour and a half and can produce whitening of the teeth up to ten shades.
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Not Effective on All Teeth
Typically, yellow teeth bleach well, but brown colors don’t. If you have any gray or purple tones on your teeth, they will not respond to the procedure of teeth whitening at all. There may also be a lack of response to whitening agents if the discoloration results from tooth injury or medications. Additionally, those with crowns, fillings, caps, or veneers will not react to whitening.
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Possible Side Effects
Teeth whitening has one common side effect, which is sensitivity. This happens when the whitening agents penetrate the enamel and irritate the nerves embedded within the teeth. Fortunately, the effect is short-term, and you can ask the dentist to restart the process once the effect wears off. There are a few teeth whitening products available at medical stores that you can use at home by yourself. If you do that, remember to read the label directions and follow them. You must also consult a dentist because there have been reports of gum and tooth enamel damage caused by the overuse of at-home teeth whitening products.
Consult a Dentist
Experts suggest consulting a dentist at Samaritana Medical Clinic or other medical establishments before starting teeth whitening. Dentists can advise you if the process is appropriate for you after examining the specific condition and coloration of your teeth.
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