Who Needs Teeth whitening?
Several factors, including genetics, medication, and aging, can cause tooth discoloration. Some people are born with teeth that are naturally darker or lighter than average. This is because of their genes and the natural color of their teeth.
Teeth can also become discolored due to medication use or age. Certain medications can cause teeth to become yellowish. Aging usually causes teeth to darken over time, making them appear more brownish. While you cannot avoid age-related discoloration, you can remove extrinsic stains. Teeth whitening in St. Armands can help you achieve a bright smile.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Bleaching is a process that helps to brighten your smile, and it can be done at home with a professional kit or in the office by a dentist or dental technician. Visit a dentist near you to determine which treatment option is ideal for you.
The two types of teeth whitening are:
- Professional Teeth Whitening
This involves having an experienced professional apply the chemicals on your teeth for about 30 minutes, which removes stains/discoloration from within the enamel layer of your teeth (the outside layer). You will notice results immediately after treatment ends because the dark areas look lighter immediately.
- At Home Kit
There are many at-home whitening kits available on the market. Some of these kits use bleaching agents to lighten teeth, while others rely on physical or chemical exfoliants to remove surface stains.
Bleaching agents in at-home whitening kits typically contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These agents penetrate the tooth enamel and break down intrinsic (internal) stains.
Toothpaste, baking soda, or activated charcoal work mechanically, removing surface stains. Chemical exfoliants, such as those found in some whitening strips and gels, use mild acids to dissolve surface stains.
Who Needs Teeth Discoloration?
A dentist in 34236 can recommend teeth whitening for:
- Coffee and tea lovers
If you drink coffee or tea regularly, getting your teeth checked by a dentist in Sarasota as soon as possible is vital. Coffee and tea stain teeth. When this happens, removing the stains using toothpaste alone is impossible—you’ll need professional dental care.
- Wine drinkers
Wine drinkers have more stains on their teeth than people who don’t drink wine. Red wine is the worst offender, but other alcohol can stain your teeth if you drink regularly.
- People who smoke
Getting your teeth whitened more often is essential if you’re a smoker. Smoking is bad for your health and causes premature aging. It stains the teeth, making them look yellow and stained, which can be hard on your self-esteem and make you feel self-conscious about smiling in front of others.
- People with naturally yellowish teeth
If you have yellowish teeth, it may be time to whiten them. Yellowing can be caused by several things, including smoking and other habits that lead to stains on your teeth. If your teeth are already yellowish, you may need to get them whitened sooner than someone with naturally white teeth.
How is Teeth Whitening Done?
Professional in-office treatment is the most recommended option because the dentist will use protective gel to shield the teeth from sensitivity and gum bruising. Dr. Amy Valenti will use a laser to apply the lightener to your teeth. The dentist will also monitor your progress and ensure optimal results. This type of treatment is more expensive than over-the-counter products, but it is more effective because it gets rid of stains on all surfaces of your tooth enamel, which over-the-counter products cannot.
What are the Teeth Whitening Side Effects?
Tooth sensitivity is the primary side effect of teeth whitening. This occurs when the enamel on your teeth becomes more easily damaged by substances such as acidic foods, drinks, and even air. Tooth sensitivity can also cause pain while eating or drinking hot or cold food and beverages. The tooth sensitivity is transient and clears in a few days, but visit a dental office in Sarasota for assistance.
What is the Cost of Teeth Whitening?
The teeth whitening cost varies depending on the type of treatment, how long it will last, and what type of teeth one has. The average cost of teeth whitening ranges from $100 to $2,000 per session.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Tarpon Shores Dental for more information about teeth whitening and what you can expect.