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oral health
oral health
What can be more captivating than a brilliant smile? The glow those 32 pearly whites add to your face can just be breath taking. Moreover the confidence they give, you will always have a reason to smile. But not all of us are blessed with sparkling white teeth.
Just as people have different skin and hair colour, the colour of one's teeth can also vary. Very few people are born with brilliant white teeth. Most people have discoloured teeth and the discolouration varies from person to person. And the teeth get more discoloured as we grow old.
Not only age but also many other factors affect the colouration of our teeth. Teeth can be stained on the surface by food and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine, cola and blackcurrant. Smoking and tobacco chewing can also stain teeth. Calculus or tartar also affects the colour of our teeth. Some people may have staining under the surface. This may be due to certain antibiotics or tiny cracks in the teeth that take up stains.
Man always wanted to look good. And in this pursuit he has come out with various researches and procedures as solutions to his problems. For teeth discolouration he has tooth whitening. Of all the advances made in dentistry to enhance the appearance of the teeth, whitening is the easiest, least invasive and effective method.
So, what exactly is tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening is a procedure that lightens teeth and helps to remove stains and discolouration. Whitening is a very popular cosmetic dental procedure because it can significantly improve the appearance of your teeth at much less cost and inconvenience.
Everyday, a thin coating forms on your teeth and it picks up stains. Also, the outer layer of each tooth, called the enamel, contains pores that can hold stains. Whitening is not a one-time solution. It should be repeated periodically to maintain the brighter colour.
Is tooth whitening safe? Are there any risks involved in it?
Tooth whitening can have certain side effects. These can range from tooth sensitivity to pain, tenderness and irritation in the gums, tongue and other soft tissues. Also there are chances that the tooth whitening substance enters your body. But this is very rare. However, if you ingest the chemical, it may result in nausea, vomiting or burning.
Please note that whitening should not be done while a woman is pregnant because the effect of the whitening material on the development of the foetus is not known. Since the procedure is cosmetic and optional, it should be postponed until after delivery. It is also not advisable for children below sixteen years of age and also for those suffering from sensitive teeth and gum diseases.
Who can opt for tooth whitening?
Almost anyone who has permanent teeth can qualify for tooth whitening. Individuals with tooth staining and discolouration can consult the dentist for the most appropriate method of whitening and go for it.
What are the different ways of tooth whitening?
There are many ways for whitening teeth. Some of them are done at the dentist's office under his administration and some others can be done at home in consultation with the dentist.
If the dentist suggests that the whitening procedure be done under his administration in his office then such a procedure is called in-office whitening procedure or chairside bleaching.
During chairside bleaching, the dentist will apply a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the soft tissues in the mouth. A bleaching agent is then applied on the teeth. Your teeth might later be exposed to a special light to enhance the action of the agent. The gel is then rinsed off to get whiter teeth.
These days even lasers are used for whitening teeth. However, this must strictly be done at a dentist's office under his consultation.
As tooth whitening rose to popularity, several tooth whitening or bleaching products have entered the market. These products help in bleaching your teeth in the comfort of your house. These products can either be purchased over the counter or are dispensed by the dentist.
However, consulting your dentist before using these products is very important.
How exactly is bleaching done?
If you opt for in-office whitening then the dentist custom-makes a bleaching tray to fit your top and bottom teeth. Under his guidance, the bleaching solution is put into the tray. The tray will be fit into your teeth and will be left for the bleaching agent to start acting on your teeth. This process takes a variable amount of time depending on the product and the severity of the stains.
The same process can be carried in your home with the help of home bleaching kits. The only difference here would be that the trays will not be custom made but will be of standard size. The home bleaching kits generally cost less.
Alternatives
Tooth whitening may not suit everyone. You will not be recommended bleaching if you have tooth-coloured fillings, crowns, caps or bonding in your front teeth. This is because the bleach will not act on these materials and hence their colour remains unchanged. In that case you have options like veneers and bonding.
These are thin porcelain or plastic pieces glued to the front of your teeth. Veneers are helpful for people suffering from severe discolouration and chipped tooth. Veneers are difficult to stain and hence are very popular alternative. You can either go for porcelain veneers, which are created to fit your teeth or can opt for composite veneers, in which enamel is bonded to your tooth. Composite veneers are cheaper but do not last long.
Bonding uses composite resin to re-colour your teeth. In this case, first a very mild etching solution is applied to your teeth. This solution roughens your teeth and allows the bonding material to stick on your teeth. Next the dentist applies the resin and colours it for a pleasing result. A high-density light hardens the material, which is finely polished.
Besides these you also have certain chemicals that can lighten your teeth. Stains can also be removed physically if you suffer from sensitive teeth. Also are available some whitening toothpastes, which rely on special chemicals or polishing agents to give you a sparkling smile.
So if you are not one among the lucky few with brilliant smile, don't worry. Consult your dentist today.
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