Everyone wants to feel confident when they smile. As you age, the enamel in your teeth begins to decay revealing stains and discoloration. Cosmetic dentistry offers a wide range of procedures for obtaining the white teeth and beautiful smile you want. The field has been dynamically growing, developing and improving procedures to provide patients with better results. Highly skilled and topnotch dentists, such as Dr Michael Krochak will work with you to determine the best procedure for brightening your smile.
Teeth Enamel: The Protective Layer of Teeth
Enamel is the outer visible layer of teeth that protects against tooth decay. This tooth layer is one of the hardest substances in the human body. Composed of a variety of minerals, this essential tooth layer plays a key part in protecting teeth from decay and maintaining a pearly white color.
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Enamel protects teeth by creating a strong barrier between the inner composition of teeth and the acids in many foods, beverages, and products that we come in contact with. Because enamel does not contain living cells, it cannot regenerate itself when it is damaged or destroyed. Protecting your enamel from decay is essential for ensuring the health and color of your teeth. You can check out Dr. Krochak’s personal blog for some tips on ways to keep your enamel healthy.
Some of the common culprits that break down enamel include:
- Soda, juices, and coffee. These beverages are highly acidic and over time can cause damage to your teeth
- Candies and Sweets. Candies that have low pH values and are highly acidic will wear away at your enamel.
- Over the counter mouthwashes. Over the counter mouthwashes are normally preserved with acids that are not good for your teeth.
- Certain antibiotics, antihistamines, and low blood pressure medications can stain the enamel and cause teeth discoloration
Other factors can affect your enamel and whiteness of your teeth; genetics, medicine and tobacco use can cause your enamel to stain. If your teeth are discolored, there are cosmetic dentistry procedures that can help bring back their pearly color.
Cosmetic Dentistry: Professional Teeth Whitening Can Restore Color
Teeth whitening, commonly referred to as teeth bleaching, is an in-office cosmetic procedure performed by dentists in efforts to whiten teeth and restore the original color. The procedure delivers optimum results in a short amount of time.
The procedure is relatively basic and involves a few key steps:
- Before beginning the procedure, your dentist records the current pigment of your teeth.
- Your teeth are then thoroughly cleaned to remove all plaque and debris from the surface layer.
- Your dentist puts gauze and barriers in your teeth to protect your gums and skin from the whitening solution
- Your teeth are then coated with a whitening solution that contains some kind of bleaching agent. The active ingredient in whitening solution is usually either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. A laser or light is then applied to your teeth to activate the bleaching agent.
- Once the desired shade is reached, the procedure stops.
In total, the procedure takes approximately an hour and has many benefits. Compared with over the counter products, in-office teeth whitening will provide you faster and long lasting results.
Possible Side Effects From Professional Teeth Whitening
Teeth sensitivity and gum irritation are common side effects associated with professional teeth whitening. Your teeth might become more sensitive after treatment, but your dentist can provide gels that can treat sensitivity. Gum irritation can occur from contact of the whitening solution with your gums; however, this normally diminishes within a couple of days.
Teeth can become stained or discolored as a result of many factors. An in-office cosmetic tooth whitening procedure is a great option for those looking to repair their teeth in a timely manner.
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