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How to Get Whiter Teeth? Part 2

Posted on by Posted in Oral Health & Prevention
How to Get Whiter Teeth Part 2

In the previous blog post, Dr. Clauson introduced the topic of teeth whitening and discussed the many factors as to why your teeth may become discolored.

Once patients are aware of why their teeth are discoloring, it is time to look into which teeth whitening method is right for you:

In-Home System: In-home whitening systems will differ from dental office to dental office. These systems generally use a whitening gel along with custom made trays to place the whitening gel. With this system, it will vary on how long the trays are worn. Results should be seen within a couple of weeks.

In-office system: This type of system is the fastest way to whiten your teeth. This system requires a visit to the dentist’s office. A specialized gel will be placed on your teeth for a half-hour or an hour. A specialized light will be used to optimize results.

Whitening toothpaste: These products only produce a small improvement to the shade of your teeth. Whitening toothpaste does not contain a bleaching product and can only remove stains on the surface of your teeth, not the stains within. It changes the tooth shade to one shade lighter.

Over the counter systems: These products are located on the shelves of your nearest supermarket or convenience store. These products, unlike toothpaste, contain a bleaching agent which can help make your teeth a whiter shade. This bleaching agent, however, is not as strong as the products used in the in-office teeth whitening system.

Veneers, crowns, and other restorations: As mentioned in the previous blog article, bleaching agents found in many whitening systems are not effective for certain discoloration causes. Causes such as trauma and medication require a veneer to whiten the teeth. A veneer is a thin ceramic covering that fits your tooth. The shade of your veneer is customizable.

Before picking a teeth whitening method, consult with your dentists to understand the cause of your teeth discoloration. It is important to find a safe and effective system that can deliver the best results.

If you’re in the Lodi, California area and require a dentist, Dr. Clauson at TLC Dental welcomes you! Contact us today!

Want a Whiter Smile? Teeth Whitening Part 1

Posted on by Posted in Dental Procedures
Want a Whiter Smile? Teeth Whitening Part 1

Smiling is nonverbal communication that we use to express our emotions. We notice if someone’s pearly whites are not so white anymore. Cosmetic dentistry has been on the rise recently to restore the brightness and shine to one’s mouth through noninvasive procedures.

There are many different options when it comes to teeth whitening procedures.

The most important step before getting them done is to understand why your teeth are discolored, to begin with.

Listed below are the most common reasons for teeth discoloration:

Age: Over time, the outer enamel layer of your teeth begin to wear away. Underneath the harder outer layer is another softer layer called dentin. As the enamel wears away, it reveals the yellowish dentin beneath it.

Food and Drink: What we eat is just as important to our teeth as it is to the rest of our body. Certain drinks such as coffee, tea, and red wine can cause tooth discoloration. The reason for this is the vibrant color pigmentation that is in each of these items. These intense pigments are called chromogens, and they attach to the outer enamel of the tooth, causing it to discolor.

Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes is a sure way to stain your pearly whites. This is caused by two ingredients that are found in them, tar and nicotine. Both of these ingredients leave your teeth looking more yellow than white.

Trauma/Injury: When a tooth is injured or has suffered physical trauma, there may be an increased production of yellowish dentin which causes the tooth to discolor.

Pharmaceuticals: A common side effect of some medications is teeth discoloration. Certain factors such as chemotherapy, radiation, and high blood pressure, can result in darken teeth.

It is important to understand why your teeth are discolored as to find the correct method of teeth whitening. Each teeth whitening method is designed to give the best results for the cause of the problem. For example, a teeth whitening method with a bleaching agent isn’t suited to treat certain types of teeth discoloration. If there are bonds, fillings, or crowns involved, the bleaching agent won’t be effective.

Stay tuned for the follow-up blog post that explains what type of teeth whitening methods Dr. Clauson offers! If you are in the Lodi, California area and are looking for a brighter smile, schedule a teeth whitening appointment at TLC Dental Care today!