Brighten Your Smile with a Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment
No set of teeth is actually perfectly white since the enamel naturally has a very slight yellowish tinge, particularly in the dentin layer. But over time, the yellowish hue can become more pronounced and might even look like nasty stains on the surface of the teeth. Fortunately, these stains can easily be removed with a professional teeth whitening treatment.
Why Do Teeth Become Yellow?
Some people have naturally yellow teeth, especially those individuals that have translucent or thin enamel. Because of this, the yellow dentin shows through very easily, creating the appearance of yellowish teeth. However, for most people, it is a combination of diet and lifestyle habits that make the teeth even more discoloured over time.
Drinks like coffee, tea or red wine can leave stains on the teeth that stain on even after brushing. If you consume these beverages on a regular basis, your chances of having yellowed teeth will be much higher. Similarly, there are also some vegetables and fruits that can stain the teeth.
Your teeth can also turn yellow over time due to tobacco use. Whether you chew or smoke tobacco, the leaves will leave stains that are very hard to remove with just brushing. Other common causes of yellow teeth are ageing, genetics, poor dental hygiene and certain medications.
How Professional Teeth Whitening Works
Professional teeth whitening, as long as you get it done by a qualified cosmetic dentist, should be perfectly safe and very effective. With proper care, the effects of a session of treatments should last for three years or more.
Teeth whitening is a non-invasive procedure and can even be done in the comfort of your own home. In fact, many dentists would recommend using a take-home kit following the professional whitening session in the clinic.
A session would typically last for an hour. The dentist would begin by coating your teeth with a whitening agent. Light is then applied to activate the agent for several minutes. During this process, the strain-causing molecules are broken down, leaving a brighter and whiter surface.
A significant difference can already be seen after just one session. But for optimal results, multiple sessions are recommended. The frequency and the total number of visits might depend on the condition of your teeth.
Professional Teeth Whitening versus Home Treatments
Whilst both types of teeth whitening procedures have their merits, a professional treatment does yield better results. The chemicals used can cause more harm than good if not applied properly. A cosmetic dentist knows exactly how to do the procedure safely and effectively, whereas ordinary people might be prone to making mistakes.
The teeth whitening solutions used by dentists are usually more potent, which is why they are capable of producing better results faster. Also, there are cases where patients might experience tooth sensitivity and other possible side effects of the whitening treatment. A dentist should be able to give relief to these side effects with the appropriate tools and medications.
Ready to have your teeth whitened safely and effectively? Call Marsfield Dental Care today or book online for an appointment!