TEETH WHITENING
Most of us start out with
sparkling white teeth, thanks to their porcelain-like enamel surface. Composed
of microscopic crystalline rods, tooth enamel is designed to protect the teeth
from the effects of chewing, gnashing, trauma and acid attacks caused by sugar.
But over the years enamel is worn down, becoming more transparent and
permitting the yellow color of dentin – the tooth's core material – to show
through.
Tooth Discoloration: The Two Types of
Tooth Stains
There are two categories of
staining as it relates to the teeth: extrinsic staining and intrinsic staining.
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| TOBACCO STAINING |
Extrinsic stains are those that appear on the surface of the teeth
as a result of exposure to dark-colored beverages, foods and tobacco, and
routine wear and tear. Superficial extrinsic stains are minor and can be
removed with brushing and prophylactic dental cleaning. Stubborn extrinsic
stains can be removed with more involved efforts, like teeth bleaching.
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| FLUOROSIS STAINING |
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| TETRACYCLINE STAINING |
Intrinsic stains are those that form on the interior of teeth.
Intrinsic stains result from trauma, aging, exposure to minerals (like tetracycline)
during tooth formation and/or excessive ingestion of fluoride. Deep-set intrinsic stains can be
removed with supervised take-home teeth whitening that is maintained over a
matter of months or even a year. If it fails, there are alternative
cosmetic solutions to treat intrinsic staining, such as dental veneers.
What Causes Tooth Staining?
Age: There
is a direct correlation between tooth color and age. Over the years, teeth
darken as a result of wear and tear and stain accumulation.
Starting color: We are all equipped with an inborn tooth color that
ranges from yellow-brownish to greenish-grey, and intensifies over time.
Eating habits: The habitual consumption of red wine, coffee, tea,
cola, carrots, oranges and other deeply-colored beverages and foods causes
considerable staining over the years. In addition, acidic foods such as citrus
fruits and vinegar contribute to enamel erosion. As a result, the surface
becomes more transparent and more of the yellow-colored dentin shows through.
Smoking habits: Nicotine leaves brownish deposits which slowly soak
into the tooth structure and cause intrinsic discoloration.
Drugs / chemicals: Tetracycline usage during tooth formation produces
dark grey or brown ribbon stains which are very difficult to remove. Excessive
consumption of fluoride causes fluorosis and associated areas of white
mottling.
Grinding: Most frequently caused by stress, teeth grinding (gnashing, bruxing, etc.)
can add to micro-cracking in the teeth and can cause the biting edges to
darken.
Trauma: Falls and other injuries can produce cracks
in the teeth, which collect large amounts of stains and debris.
What are Your Options
Three major teeth whitening
options are available today. All three rely on varying concentrations of
peroxide and varying application times.
Significant color change in
a short period of time is the major benefit of in-office whitening. This
protocol involves the carefully controlled use of a relatively
high-concentration peroxide gel, applied to the teeth by the dentist or trained
technician after the gums have been protected with a paint-on rubber dam.
Generally, the peroxide remains on the teeth for several 15 to 20 minute
intervals that add up to an hour (at most). Those with particularly stubborn
staining may be advised to return for one or more additional bleaching
sessions, or may be asked to continue with a home-use system.
Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Kits
Many dentists are of the
opinion that professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits can produce the
best results over the long haul. Take-home kits incorporate an easy-to-use
lower-concentration peroxide gel that remains on the teeth for an hour or
longer (sometimes overnight). The lower the peroxide percentage, the longer it
may safely remain on the teeth. The gel is applied to the teeth using
custom-made bleaching trays that resemble mouth guards.
Over-the-Counter Products
The cheapest and most
convenient of the teeth whitening options, over-the-counter bleaching involves
the use of a store-bought whitening kit, featuring a bleaching gel with a
concentration lower than that of the professionally dispensed take-home
whiteners. The gel is applied to the teeth via one-size-fits-all trays, strips
or paint-on applicators. In many cases this may only whiten a few of the front teeth
unlike custom trays that can whiten the entire smile.
How White Can You Go? A Matter of Esthetics
Results are subjective,
varying considerably from person to person. Many are immediately delighted with
their outcome, while others may be disappointed. Before you embark on any
whitening treatment, ask your dentist for a realistic idea of the results you
are likely to achieve and how long it should take to achieve them.
In the dental office,
before-and-after tooth color is typically measured with shade guides. These are
hand-held displays of wide ranges of tooth colors.
While whitening can
occasionally lighten tooth color by nine or more shades, most of those who
bleach their teeth are likely to see a change of two to seven shades.
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| SHADE GUIDE |
Maintaining Your Results
To extend the longevity of
newly whitened teeth, dentists are likely to recommend:
·
At-home follow-up or
maintenance whitening – implemented immediately or performed as infrequently as
once a year.
·
Avoiding dark-colored foods
and beverages for at least a week after whitening.
·
Whenever possible, sipping
dark-colored beverages with a straw.
·
Practicing excellent oral
hygiene – brushing and flossing after meals and at bedtime.
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| BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT |
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BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT
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Rootz Dental Care and Implant Center has specialists with proven expertise in cosmetic dentistry.This offering from Rootz is primarily to benefit patients from OMR, Thoraipakkam, Perungudi, Neelankarai, Palavakkam, Injambakkam etc .For more information regarding treatments contact us today.
Rootz Dental Care and Implant Center,
No:2/2, First Floor, Sakthi Nagar,
Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Thuraipakkam,
Chennai - 600 097,
Phone :- 9786688755,044-49504825
