Hi, it's Mia Armonde here to talk to you about family dentistry. As my small family grew into a large one, I found myself at the dental office on a regular basis. Every six months, the kids would go into the dentist for a cleaning or repairs to their teeth. During that time, I took an interest in the various ways the dental tools were evolving. Tools used in the dental industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades. For example, my kids went from hearing the dental drill to wearing headphones that completely canceled out the sound. Each time we go back into the dentist, I take a close look at the improvements that have arisen since the last visit. The results are astounding. I will cover my findings on this site, so you can also enjoy the improvements to dental tools and techniques.
It's becoming more and more important to have a healthy, white smile, which is why tooth whitening is a popular cosmetic option. If you have stains or discolored teeth, you may wonder what you can do to make your teeth look whiter. Check out these three tooth-whitening options to consider.
Over-the-Counter Products
Over-the-counter products include whitening toothpaste and gels/strips/trays you can buy at most pharmacies and grocery stores. Whitening toothpaste is the least effective because it doesn't actually contain any bleaching agent. It is simply a more abrasive toothpaste, which slowly brushes away stains. However, it can also scratch enamel. Whitening gels/strips and trays do have bleaching agents, but effectiveness ranges from product to product. Because they are not administered by a professional, however, they have a low dose of bleaching agent, making them a slow way to whitening teeth.
Professional Whitening
You can also choose to have your teeth professionally whitening from a dentist. In-office teeth whitening is the most effective. It can immediately remove many stains to turn your teeth shades lighter. The gel is strong but safe. However, it is also expensive at $650 per treatment. You can request pre-filled trays for professional at-home treatment. These trays are usually custom fit for your bite, so they get every bit of exposed tooth surface. They are faster than over-the-counter products, but not immediate. Your teeth with gradually change shades over a short period. The length depends on the desired shade and how often/long you use the bleaching agent.
Veneers, Crowns, and Bonding
Bleaching agents are great at getting rid of organic stains, such as those from food, drinks, smoking, etc. However, they can't get rid of inorganic stains. These include discoloration from trauma, certain antibiotics, etc. For these teeth, your dentist can use veneers, crowns or composite bonding to cover the tooth, making it appear whiter. Veneers and crowns are usually made of porcelain, which mimics the translucent look of teeth. However, they are also more expensive than bonding. Bonding also is faster because it can be done in the office. Veneers and crowns must be crafted in a lab.
If you have discolored teeth, and you want a whiter, brighter smile, there are many options to consider. Regardless of your budget, you can find a solution for your needs. Even if your stains are resistant to whitening agents, your cosmetic dentist can help. For more information, contact a dentist in your area today.
Share9 April 2018
