A new method of getting whiter teeth is laser whitening of teeth. This is the most expensive of the possible treatments for removing stains on the teeth, yet may, for some people, be the best option. Before getting the treatment, get a written quote on the cost.
Laser whitening treatments are done in conjunction with in chair bleaching. After you have determined that laser whitening treatment is for you, the dentist will take about an hour to do the procedure.
As in dentist office bleaching treatment, the dentist will place a shield of some form over your gums to protect them. He or she will then apply a paste or gel of a bleaching agent.
Then a special light is shone onto the teeth. This light is designed to speed up the chemical reaction that is the breakdown of the carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, thus making more oxygen enter into the enamel. The laser is pointed at a few teeth at a time and for a limited amount of time per tooth. Usually, a laser whitening procedure can make your teeth five to six shades whiter than the bleaching treatment alone can.
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Your dentist may suggest that you could bleach your teeth. This process changes the actual color of your tooth enamel, rather than just acting on the surface of your teeth. This is only for those who have yellowing or discoloration on their teeth from natural causes, and will not work for those who have had fillings or bonds done on their front teeth.
This procedure may not work as well if your tooth discoloration is brownish or greyish. This works best on teeth which have gone yellowish. For those who have had work done on their front teeth, and that work has discolored, you may want to ask about applying a porcelain veneer, or some other way of whitening that part of your teeth, or after the bleaching, you will have very white teeth, and large brownish or yellowish blocks wherever the filling or other work was. Your dentist can prescribe you a home based bleaching program that you can do in the comfort of your home quite easily. Some of these products are also available as over the counter products, although you should always ask your dentist’s advice first.
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Teeth can be very sensitive organs. Many teeth whitening products act on the enamel, which is the outer layer of the tooth. This in most people’s mouths is a somewhat thin layer. Protected by the enamel is the dentine, which is the main part of the tooth. Under the dentine is the bone root.
Too much damage to the enamel exposes the dentine, causing greyish areas on your teeth and tooth sensitivity. This can also make you more likely to have cavities, which can also be considered ugly in your mouth. Enamel is porous as well, which means materials can work their way into and stain the enamel layer. Your mouth naturally forms a thin protective layer over your tooth enamel, as well, but this layer is easily broken down with heat, cold, or sustained contact by sugars or other sticky foods, as food sugars also form a layer on top of your teeth as you chew.
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Everyone wants pearly white, glossy and shiny teeth. The kind of smile you see on the movie stars and TV actors. But all teeth naturally yellow or color with age, diet, smoking or illness. Teeth can turn yellow, grey, or brown. Some people naturally start out with more grayish teeth than others. Most whitening methods work well on teeth which have yellowed, and some whitening can be done if teeth are brownish or greyish. There are a variety of methods you can try to whiten your teeth, including home remedies such as rubbing teeth with strawberries before brushing, special whitening kits you can buy at the drug or grocery store, and treatments at your dentist’s office.
Your first steps in whitening your teeth should be a visit to your dentist. Besides regular teeth cleaning, which keeps your teeth clean and healthy, your dentist can offer products and suggestions as to methods you can use. You should also be brushing regularly with a soft bristle toothbrush, as well as flossing daily. It is best to brush after every meal, drink, or snack. Or at least twice a day.
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