Professional teeth whitening stands out as a widely used cosmetic dentistry solutions. It involves several practical methods to break down teeth stains, resulting in a picture-perfect smile with a set of pearly whites. The valuable benefits extend beyond superior cosmetic enhancements. Individuals with brightened teeth are more confident compared to those with discolored teeth. They may also have a lower risk of serious dental issues such as tooth decay or infection. If you are interested in achieving more detailed information about the reasons for dental discoloration, eligible candidates for whitening procedures, and the best possible types of whitening methods that properly suit your conditions, keep up reading the following parts:
Top Reasons that Causes Teeth Stains & Discoloration
Generally, teeth discoloration has two different types: extrinsic and intrinsic. In the following parts, we provide the top reasons that can lead to these types of teeth discoloration:
Extrinsic Teeth Stains
As the name implies, this type of teeth discoloration always occurs on the outer surfaces of natural teeth. These types of dental discoloration respond well to professional teeth whitening treatments. Extrinsic stains may occur due to the following reasons:
Dietary Habits: Consumption of colorful foods and beverages, such as berries, tea, or coffee, may lead to yellow spots on teeth over time.
Using Tobacco: As a dentist performing teeth whitening treatment in Toronto, smoking significantly contributes to teeth discoloration, emphasizing the importance of quitting for preserving dental brightness.
Inadequate Oral Hygiene Habits: Poor dental hygiene can cause food particles to get stuck between teeth, leading to decay, infection, and discoloration.
Intrinsic Teeth Stains
In contrast with extrinsic teeth stains, intrinsic types occur in the deeper layers of enamels. Cosmetic dental treatments like dental bonding or veneers may be recommended for intrinsic stains caused by factors such as certain medications or the natural aging process.
Using certain medications like antibiotics: Antibiotics, among other medications, can make teeth appear dark and yellow.
Aging Process: Gradual wear on the outer surfaces of teeth exposes the yellow dentin underneath, causing teeth to appear discolored with age.
Assessing Teeth Whitening Eligibility
Once you enter a dental clinic while suffering from severely discolored teeth, your cosmetic dentist will accurately evaluate your condition to determine if teeth whitening can solve your issues and gift you the sparkling smile you’ve always wanted. They will also discuss your personal goals, routine diets, and habits. They will recommend you reduce the use of colorful consumption and give up smoking to become eligible candidates for whitening procedures.
Effective Types of Whitening Procedures
Those who prefer to see desirable whitening outcomes should immediately go for professional in-office options. However, it may cost a bit more compared with over-the-counter whitening products.
This exceptional whitening method typically involves the following steps:
- Preparation
- Gum protection
- Application of whitening gel
- Activation of whitening agent
At-home whitening products are highly recommended for mild to moderate dental discoloration. These highly-requested options include:
- Whitening toothpaste
- Whitening strips
- Whitening trays
- Whitening pens
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of at-home teeth whitening options can vary, and results may take time to become noticeable. Additionally, individuals with existing dental issues or concerns should consult with a dentist before starting any whitening regimen.