Having bright, white teeth can do wonders for your confidence and smile. If you've noticed your teeth looking more yellow or dull lately, you may be considering teeth whitening. Teeth naturally dull over time due to aging, food and drink stains, and other lifestyle factors. The good news is that teeth whitening is a simple and effective way to restore the natural white color of your teeth. Keep reading as your Lethbridge dentist explains exactly how teeth whitening works and what to expect from the process.
What Causes Teeth to Become Stained or Discolored?
Many factors can contribute to a dull or yellow smile over time. As you age, the outer enamel layer of your teeth naturally becomes thinner, allowing the yellowish dentin underneath to show through more. Certain foods and drinks are also notorious for staining teeth, especially coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries. Smoking is another major culprit for tooth discoloration. The nicotine and tar in smoke bonds to the structure of your teeth, leaving behind yellowish stains. Certain medications like tetracycline antibiotics can also cause teeth stains, especially in children whose teeth are still developing. Lastly, trauma to the mouth or teeth can impact the color. So in summary, thinning enamel, staining consumables, smoking, medications, and trauma are the main causes of tooth discoloration.
How Does Teeth Whitening Reverse Discoloration?
Professional teeth whitening involves the use of concentrated bleaching gels to penetrate the teeth and break up stains and discoloration. The main active ingredient in these gels is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As the peroxide sits on the teeth, the oxygen molecules penetrate the porous outer enamel layer and start breaking up the pigment molecules that cause staining. The structure of your teeth remains intact, only the stain particles are broken down and removed. The peroxide also reacts with calcium in the teeth to temporarily strengthen and rebuild the enamel. After a course of teeth whitening treatment near you, your dentist in Lethbridge will recommend avoiding heavily staining foods and drinks for a while to maintain your bright new smile.
What to Expect During In-Office Whitening
If you opt for professional teeth whitening at your Lethbridge dental office, the process is quite comfortable and straightforward. First, your gums and lips will be protected with a rubber dam or gel. This ensures the whitening gel only makes contact with your teeth. Your dentist will then apply the concentrated bleaching gel to your teeth and a special light may be used to accelerate and enhance the whitening effect. You'll sit for 15-45 minutes per session while the gel works to lift stains from your teeth. After one or more sessions, your dentist will remove the gel and your teeth should appear dramatically whiter and brighter. Some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or irritated gums after whitening. This usually resolves within a few days. Be sure to follow your dentist's at-home care instructions afterward to maintain your results.
How to Maintain Your Brighter Smile
Once you complete teeth whitening treatment, there are steps you can take to preserve your new white smile. Avoid staining foods and beverages like coffee, wine, tobacco, etc. Brush and floss daily to prevent new stains from accumulating. Use an enamel-safe whitening toothpaste to gently polish away new surface stains before they set in. See your Lethbridge dentist regularly for professional cleanings. And touch up your teeth whitening treatment annually or as needed to revitalize your smile as it dulls. With proper oral hygiene and occasional repeat whitening, you can enjoy long-lasting whitened teeth.
The Benefits of a Whiter Smile
A brighter, whiter smile offers more than just cosmetic benefits. Studies show people with whiter teeth are perceived as more attractive, successful, and happy. Whitened teeth can take years off your appearance and give you a youthful glow. It can strengthen your self-image. Whitening also makes teeth easier to clean by removing built-up stains in the enamel. And it can improve and protect the health of your teeth. Talk to your trusted Lethbridge dentist to learn more about professionally whitening your teeth safely and effectively.
Summary:
Teeth naturally dull over time, but simple whitening can restore your bright smile. Whitening works by using concentrated peroxide gels applied by your dentist to penetrate and lift stains from the teeth enamel. Several whitening sessions in-office followed by take-home maintenance can result in dramatically whiter teeth. With avoidance of staining foods and annual touch-up treatments, your whitened smile can last for many years. Contact your Lethbridge dentist today to get started on lightening your smile.
