Cosmetic
dentistry treatments can help you brighten your discolored teeth.
However, you will only enjoy the bright smiles you want if you choose
the right treatments for your case. Below are some of the major
things to consider to help you get the right whitening treatment.
The
Cause of the Discoloration
Teeth
stain for different reasons. Discolored food and drinks, tobacco,
medication, and even dental injuries can all stain your teeth.
However, dentists put all of these discolorations into two main
categories — intrinsic and extrinsic staining.
Intrinsic
staining affects internal tooth structures — where the pulp is. For
example, damage to blood vessels inside the tooth can cause bleeding,
which looks like a stain. Extrinsic staining affects the enamel of
the teeth.
Some
whitening treatments, such as the use of bleach, only work for
extrinsic staining. Thus, have a dentist diagnose the type of
discoloration you have before you throw money on a treatment that
might not work for you.
The
Results You Desire
Whitening
treatments have varying degrees of success. In many cases, at-home or
DIY treatments don't work as much as treatments you get at the
dentist. For example, whitening toothpaste can bleach your teeth but
not as bright as you would get from the dentist's office. Let your
dentist give you the best treatment if you want the brightest teeth
possible.
The
Degree of Discoloration
The
best treatment for slightly yellowish teeth is not necessarily the
best treatment for dark teeth. The active ingredient in teeth
bleaching products is peroxide.
The compound oxidizes your teeth's enamel and rids it of the stains.
The more your teeth are discolored, the stronger the concentration of
the peroxide you need.
Since
higher peroxide concentrations have more side effects, you should
only get treated with such concentrations under the supervision of
the dentist. Moreover, bleaching might not work for you if your teeth
are too dark. You might have to go for other cosmetic dentistry
techniques, such as dental bonding and veneer treatment.
The
Condition of the Teeth
Dental
bleaching opens up the pores of your teeth and increases your risk of
teeth sensitivity. In many cases, the teeth become sensitive to hot
and cold foods and drinks after a whitening session. The sensitivity
goes away after a short time, but that might not be the case for you
if you have sensitive or damaged teeth to begin with.
Avoid
bleaching products if you have sensitive or damaged teeth, such as
teeth with cracks. Instead, opt for treatments that cover up the
surface of the teeth, such as the application of tooth-colored
veneers.
The
Available Budget
Teeth
whitening techniques, just like other dental treatments, come with
different prices. Things like whitening toothpaste or generic
whitening trays are relatively inexpensive. On the other hand,
in-office treatment techniques such as laser-assisted dental
bleaching come at higher costs. Note, however, that the inexpensive
treatments might not be as effective as the others.
The
Presence of Dental Restorations
Lastly,
you should know that bleaching products only work on your natural
teeth; they don't work on artificial materials you might have in your
mouth. Therefore, avoid treatments that involve the use of peroxide
if you have dental restorations. Otherwise, your dental restorations
won’t match the color of your natural teeth. Instead, opt for
dental restorations that can cover up the stains.
Teeth
whitening is a complicated process; don't just wake up one day and
head to the pharmacy for whitening products. Ideally, you need to
consult your dentist first (even if you want DIY bleaching) to help
you make the best choice. Contact Michael
G. Landy DDS for consultation and help with your discolored teeth.
