The goal of teeth whitening treatment is to get rid of teeth staining and discoloration. While not everyone is lucky to have a set of brilliant white teeth, it is expected that over time the shade of your teeth will dullen, due to a combination of factors. Causes of tooth staining and discoloration are mainly associated with lifestyle habits such consuming certain foods and drinks, use of tobacco, poor oral hygiene and use of certain medications or treatments. As we age, the enamel also thins out and exposes the dentin, which is naturally darker and yellowish.
Your teeth whitening dentist will let you know that there are two types of teeth staining: extrinsic and intrinsic. The former describes stains on the outermost surface of the teeth which is the enamel. Such stains are caused by food, drinks or smoking and can easily be removed through brushing and professional cleanings. However, since the enamel is porous, if the stains stay on the enamel for too long, they can penetrate through to the dentin layer beneath. This gives the teeth a dull discolored appearance and can be difficult to remove with traditional whitening methods.
Only professional teeth whitening treatments such can tackle intrinsic stains, which are usually difficult to remove. This is because these stains are due to changes in the structure of the inside of the tooth. Causes include tooth decay, trauma, genetics and excessive exposure to fluoride.
Tips for Successful Teeth Whitening in Cambridge, Ontario
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- Get a Check-Up First
Everyone wants a white bright smile, but unfortunately not every patient makes a good candidate for teeth whitening treatment. At Dental Art Clinics-Cambridge, the dentist begins by giving a thorough mouth exam to rule out the existence of other oral issues. If you have problems like gum disease and cavities, they need to be addressed before teeth bleaching can be done. The ingredients used in whitening products should not leach into the nerves or soft tissues, and therefore it is important to ensure this does not happen, or else you may suffer irreversible damage.
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- Be Patient
Seeing how the society perceives people with brighter smiles, it is understandable that you may want instant gratification when you first visit a teeth whitening dentist. however, the process of removing stains from your teeth is not always achieved in a single day. Remember that the stains took a while to accumulate and therefore it makes sense that you have to go through a couple of session before you notice significant change in the shade of your teeth. The period it takes for the treatment to work will depend on the whitening method use as well as the severity of staining.
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- Stay Dedicated to Good Oral Hygiene
Getting your teeth whitened does not mean that they will not stain again in future. It is therefore important that you stay committed to caring for them, to keep them whiter for long. Good dental hygiene is an essential part of good oral health and maintaining a beautiful smile. Make sure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once daily. Also do not forget to keep all your dental appointments and go for regular dental cleanings.
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- Consider Adjusting Some of Your Lifestyle Habits
Immediately after and during the whitening process, it is best that you avoid any foods or habits that contribute to staining. This is because at this time your enamel is still very reactive due to the whitening treatment and can easily stain again. Common staining foods and drinks include wine, tea and coffee. Additionally, if you smoke, you might want to consider quitting if you want your teeth to stay brighter and healthier. Tobacco stains are some of the hardest to remove since they get trapped in the grooves and openings of the enamel, causing teeth to appear brown or yellowish.
To get more information on teeth whitening and how to maintain a brighter smile, contact us today.
