Understanding Bright Teeth Whitening Procedures

In the past, individuals suffering from tooth staining were basically "out of luck." However, cosmetic dentistry has now evolved to the point where there are teeth whitening procedures available to essentially anyone who "needs" or "wants" a brighter smile. No longer can you use the excuse of not having enough money - there are discount teeth whitening solutions available. No longer can you claim that you would get it done if you only had more time - there are 1 hour teeth whitening treatments abound. No longer can you complain that you do not have the patience or temperament to achieve smile teeth whitening - the teeth whitening process is quick, painless, and the results are almost immediately noticeable. Why then, do recent studies suggest that only ten to twenty percent of the population have tried cosmetic dentistry to achieve tooth whitening? The answer is much simpler than one would ordinarily expect. People are simply misinformed regarding teeth whitening options. The following suggestions will help you understand the teeth whitening process.

First, Understand That Brite Teeth Whitening Is Not Permanent. When born, most of the population begins life with bright, white teeth. This is because teeth are covered by enamel, a porcelain-like compound consisting of microscopic crystalline rods, which protect the teeth and prevent their core material, called dentin, from showing through. There are a variety of core colors ranging from yellow-brown to green-grey. Suffice to say, most people prefer the white, shiny color of the enamel as opposed to the color of the dentin, regarding of the dentin's color.

Through various life events such as chewing, teeth gnashing, physical trauma, and your diet (i.e., sugar causes acid attacks on your teeth), the enamel becomes worn down allowing the dentin to show through. These life events cause millions of cracks (albeit on a microscopic level) in the enamel, allowing the dentin to show through. The teeth whitening process cleans away stains and debris that fill the cracks when you eat or drink. Thereafter, those cracks are rapidly filled with organic debris and re-mineralized saliva. And a result of this tooth whitening process, most of the population will experience a brite smile almost immediately.

However, because you simply do not stop living (i.e., eating, drinking, gnashing your teeth, etc.) after completing a teeth whitening treatment, the teeth whitening systems are not a permanent solution to cosmetic dentistry whitening. To maintain your whiter, brighter smile, you may need to repeat the process in the future.

Second, Understand The Causes Of Tooth Staining. As stated above, the tooth whitening process is not permanent. With that said, it is important that you understand the causes of tooth staining so that you can take steps to minimize how often you have to repeat the tooth whitening procedures.

Please note that there a few "causes" that are out of your control. First, is the color of your teeth when you are born. While many people starting with white, shiny teeth, others do not have that luxury. These individuals should look for teeth bleaching procedures rather than teeth whitening options. In a nutshell, teeth bleaching is the process using bleach products and methods (such as hydrogen peroxide teeth bleaching and carbamide peroxide teeth bleaching) to whiten teeth beyond their initial color.

Second, the age of the tooth will determine its color. This is, of course, because the older the tooth is, the more worn it is and the more likely stains have accumulated on the tooth's surface. As a result, the age of the tooth will also dictate how dramatic the results will be after completing a teeth whitening treatment.

Third, your teeth's translucency (i.e., how thin and transparent your teeth are), also out of your control. In fact, this characteristic is one of the few things that teeth whitening procedures cannot fix. This is true because translucent teeth are thinner and have less pigment. And tooth pigment is necessary in the teeth whitening process.

Fourth, if you were exposed to tetracycline during your mother's pregnancy with you, you likely have dark grey or brown stains on your teeth. Unfortunately, those drug-induced tooth stains are hard, if not impossible to remove.

In addition to the above-stated "unavoidable" tooth staining causes, there are several causes that are within your control. For example, your eating habits can cause substantial stains. For example, ingesting carrots, oranges, sodas, coffee and red wines are linked to tooth staining. Additionally, enamel is known to be eroded by citrus foods, vinegar and other acidic foods. This is a result, as stated above, of the thinning of the tooth enamel permitting the dentin to show through. Avoiding these foods can help stay off the effects of teeth staining.

Likewise, smoking causes considerable tooth staining due nicotine's brown deposits seeping into the teeth over time. Obviously then, giving up the smoking habit has the additional benefit of preventing the recurrence of tooth staining.

Furthermore, teeth grinding, teeth gnashing, and teeth bruxing cause additional enamel cracking to occur which, in turn, causes the biting edges to get darker over time. Ask your dentist for a specially designed teeth guard to prevent teeth grinding.

Third, Understand The Shades Of Teeth Whitening To Accurate Predict Realistic Results. Prior to embarking on a teeth whitening procedure, you should speak to your cosmetic dentist to determine the type of teeth whitening results you can realistically expect. It is likely that your dentist will use the Vitapan Classic Shade Guide, the standard shade guide in the teeth whitening industry. The guide is broken down into sixteen shades from lighter to darker and allows everyone to "speak the same language" when it comes to predicting the outcome of the teeth whitening process.

Fourth, Understand The Various Teeth Whitening Procedures You Can Try. One of the most effective teeth whitening methods is physically done the cosmetic dentist's office and involves application of a gel which is extremely high in peroxide. The dentist (or trained assistant) applies this peroxide gel to the teeth and allowed to sit for approximately fifteen minutes. Don't worry. The gums are adequately protected using a paint on rubber substance. This process is repeated in consecutive treatments that add up to about an hour. Of course, this process is expensive, usually ranging from $500 to $750 per treatment. However, you get what you pay for and the cost of teeth whitening is worth it when you consider the results.

Another option is a lesser form (i.e., not as high in peroxide concentrate) of the gel that is made into a take-home kit. Of course, since the peroxide concentrate is lower, the gel must remain on the teeth longer, including sometimes overnight. The price is corresponding much lower: $100 to $400 per teeth whitening kit.

Finally, you can use an over-the-counter teeth whitening product such as Crest Whitestrips. These contain even less peroxide and cover less surface area of the teeth (i.e., usually only the front teeth can be reached to achieve teeth whitening). However, they are effective and much, much cheaper. These kits are widely available and can be purchased at pharmacies and local grocery stores for around $20 to $100.

Finally, Take Action And Experience Teeth Whitening. Now that you have educated yourself on the causes of teeth whitening and what is available, all that is left is for you to go get it done. What do you have to lose? Oh yeah, you can loose those stains on your teeth!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TEETH WHITENING, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES:

Understanding The Advantages of At Home Teeth Whitening Procedures