Whitening Temporary Dental Discoloration
Whiter teeth can make your smile look more attractive. Thus, many people desire to improve the color of their teeth by getting rid of dental discoloration through cosmetic teeth whitening.
Dental discoloration can be permanent or temporary. The permanent discoloration is not caused by the colorants in food or drinks. Instead, the changes in tooth color are caused by other factors, such as congenital defects, side effects from medications, or dental trauma.
The temporary discoloration is generally caused by pigments from items that you ingest. Particles of the colorants become trapped in the tooth enamel's pores. Over time, the colorants can accumulate, darkening the tooth material.
Permanent discoloration cannot be removed. It can only be hidden, using cosmetic applications, such as dental veneers and crowns. However, temporary tooth discoloration can be treated in several ways.
Here are a few ways to improve the color of temporarily discolored teeth.
Professional Whitening Treatments
Professional whitening treatments are performed by a dental provider. The dentist applies a whitening product that is peroxide-based. In turn, the product bleaches dental stains from the teeth through a chemical reaction.
Once the dentist places the bleaching product on the teeth, they allow it to rest there for the designated period. The dentist may also use a bright light to intensify the whitening action of the product.
Professional whitening treatments can improve the color of the teeth by several shades during a single session. Nevertheless, to achieve the desired level of whiteness, multiple treatments may be required.
Over-the-counter Whitening Kits
Over-the-counter whitening kits can also be used to whiten teeth. However, because the whitening ingredients are not usually as concentrated as they are in professional products, the whitening process may take longer with the kits.
Additionally, consumers who use whitening kits must be careful not to leave the whitening products on the teeth for longer than directed. Overuse of peroxide-based whitening products may lead to chronic dental sensitivity.
Over-the-counter kids usually include the whitening product, an applicator, and detailed instructions for use.
Whitening Gum
Whitening gum can help reduce dental staining. However, it is unlikely to dramatically improve the whiteness of the teeth. The gum contains polishing agents, such as titanium dioxide and sodium bicarbonate, to help polish away recent surface stains. Additionally, whitening gum tends to be sugar-free so it does not promote tooth decay.
To learn more ways to keep your teeth their whitest, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.
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