Clinical Ways To Whiten Our Teeth

How can one whiten his/her teeth? Well, according to dentists and professionals in the field, there are different ways to whiten teeth. One common way is to practice proper oral hygiene. Brushing three times a day is still one of the most effective means to keep our teeth white as well as strong. Discoloration of our teeth is mainly due to bacteria coming from what we eat. By brushing our teeth properly, and every after meal (which is usually 3 times a day), we can prevent the build-up of these bacteria that cause the majority of tooth discoloration and tooth loss. But aside from the food we eat, other external entities and events could also cause tooth discoloration such as smoking and old age. Other than brushing, other methods are also employed by dentists to provide a whiter, bright smile. These methods includes the use of teeth whitening gels, dental veneers, and lasers.

Teeth Whitening or Bleaching Gels

Whitening or bleaching gels are usually done at-home. Bleaching gels are applied to the teeth using thin guard trays or by applying small strips that go over the front teeth. Oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are used to lighten the shade of the tooth. The oxidizing agent penetrates the porosities in the rod-like crystal structure of enamel and oxidizes interprismatic stain deposits; over a period of time, the dentin layer, lying underneath the enamel, is also bleached.

Dental Veneers

According to beverly hills veneers specialists, aside from its use as a restoration material for restoring the structure of a damaged tooth or teeth (chipped or fractured) due to bacteria or other physical elements, or correcting the aesthetics of the teeth due to small teeth resulting in spaces that may not be easily closed by orthodontics, dental veneers can also be used as a way to whiten a person's teeth. Though commonly used on a single tooth, according to beverly hills veneers specialists, a dentist may use one or multiple veneers to create a "Hollywood" type of makeover. There are two types of veneers used, composite resins and porcelain. According to beverly hills veneers specialists, composites are relatively cheaper but has a darker shade compared with porcelain. Though expensive, porcelain veneers possess a more natural tooth color and are stronger than composite resins.

Laser Bleaching

Laser bleaching uses light energy to accelerate the process of bleaching in a dental office. The effects of bleaching can last for several months, but may vary depending on the lifestyle of the patient. Chemical burns, which are occasionally a side-effect of gel bleaching laser whitening. Most laser teeth whitening treatments can be done in approximately 1 hour, in a single visit to a dental physician, (depending on the condition of a person's teeth).