Get a Gleaming Smile with Tooth Whitening by Lisa Gross

Your appearance if very important to you and you do your best to look your best. You take care when picking out outfits, you put on makeup and you style your hair, for example. All of these are important aspects of your appearance, as are your teeth. If your teeth are chipped, discolored or you are missing teeth, your smile can have a negatively impact your appearance.

If your teeth are discolored, improving their appearance is a breeze, thanks to a cosmetic treatment known as teeth whitening. This treatment is quick and is highly effective. In as little as one treatment, you can have a gleaming new smile that you will be more than happy to show off.

If you are interested in learning more about the cosmetic treatment of teeth whitening, keep on reading. The following information will help you understand more about how teeth become discolored and how teeth whitening can vastly improve your smile and boost your appearance, making you feel more confident.

About Tooth Whitening

As the name suggests, tooth whitening is a procedure that aims to lighten the color of the teeth by removing stains and discoloration. This is the most common type of cosmetic dentistry, and it is also the least invasive. It can markedly improve the appearance of your teeth without causing you any discomfort. It is such a common procedure that it is something that the majority of dentists do right in their office.

While the results of whitening can be impressive, if you are considering having this procedure done, you should be aware that it is not a one-time fix. You will have to have your teeth whitened every so often. Since you will continue to eat and drink after you have your teeth whitened, stains and discoloration will continue to happen. However, because this procedure is so quick and painless, having it repeated isn’t something that you will agonize over.

Why the Teeth Become Discolored

The teeth get their natural, white appearance from a combination of things. The enamel, which is the outer layer of the teeth, reflects light. That, combined with the white color of the dentin that lies under the enamel, gives teeth their white color. Eating and drinking causes a thin coating to develop on the enamel. This thin coating picks up stains, as do the pores within the enamel. The result: Teeth that become discolored and dingy. If you:

• Use tobacco products
• Drink liquids that are dark in color, such as tea, coffee, soda and red wine
• Eat dark-colored foods
• Don’t brush and floss on a regular basis

You are at a greater risk for developing discolored teeth.

How Whitening is Done

The process of tooth whitening is actually quite simple. Your dentist will apply a whitening solution to the surface of your teeth. This solution contains hydrogen peroxide, which is known for its ability to remove stains. After the solution is applied to the teeth, your dentist will shine a special light on your teeth, which will activate the components in the gel. This allows the bleaching to occur faster, and the results are much stronger. The process can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, and you may need up to three applications in order to get the results you desire; however, rest assured that your teeth will be much whiter after you have this procedure done.

About the Author: Lisa Gross has been having her teeth whitened at Park Slope Dentistry for several years. She highly recommends their services.

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