Those ads are everywhere. It is possible to whiten your teeth by using strips that have been soaked in a special solution or by using a special formula to brush your teeth. These less expensive methods of teeth whitening are becoming increasingly popular. There are those who prefer to have their teeth whitened by a dentist, while still others opt for a full veneer set of teeth whitening. But how do these teeth whitening products actually do their job? How much of the coffee and tea stain can be removed from the enamel with over-the-counter whitening products? There are a variety of ways to whiten teeth, and this article will examine what causes teeth to become discolored.
Causes of Teeth Discoloration
As I mentioned earlier, coffee and tea are both staining and dulling agents for enamel. This problem has more than one source of origin. Tobacco use, caffeinated beverages, tooth injury, discoloration associated with the antibiotic Tetracycline, and aging are all causes of tooth staining.
Toothpaste that whitens teeth
Teeth whitening toothpaste can be used to remove minor stains, such as coffee and tea, from your teeth. People who have already had professional teeth whitening or Bleaching done and want to maintain the results can benefit greatly from these products. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are the main ingredients in these toothpaste.
Whitening and Bleaching Kits for the House
Home bleaching kits are readily available at any pharmacy. These are made up of a mouth tray and a gel. For at least 10 minutes, you immerse your teeth in the solution. Despite the positive feedback, the American Dental Association does not fully endorse these procedures. When using a home bleaching kit, follow the instructions carefully and don’t use more than the recommended amount of bleach. The prescription version of these teeth whitening mouth trays/gels is also available. It is possible for your dentist to prescribe a system for at-home Bleaching of your teeth. This is preferable to the over-the-counter option because your dentist can monitor your progress and make sure that the kit hasn’t harmed any of your previous dental work.
Power Bleaching and Teeth Whitening
Hydrogen peroxide levels are what give Power Bleaching its Power. The active ingredient in teeth whitening systems is hydrogen peroxide. The Hydrogen Peroxide content of over-the-counter teeth whitening toothpaste, for example, is less than one percent, whereas some newer products contain up to ten percent. Teeth whitening kits sold over the counter contain between 10 and 16 percent Hydrogen Peroxide, while a Power Bleaching solution contains up to 35 percent Hydrogen Peroxide. The high concentration of Peroxide solution and the use of bright lights are used in this procedure, which takes place in the dentist’s office. Impressive results that last for several years are obtained. Consult your dentist if you’re interested in Power Bleaching.
Veneers
Using veneers to whiten teeth permanently is a popular choice. Rather than being attached to the tooth, veneers are made of porcelain and adhere to the surface of the tooth. It can be a pricey endeavor, with each tooth costing up to $900.
Consult your dentist before using any whitening product and follow their instructions to the letter, no matter what method you choose.