Get a Gleaming Smile with Tooth Whitening by Danielle Laurence

When you look at yourself in the mirror, what do you think about your smile? Are you unhappy with it because your teeth are discolored? If so, you are not alone. Countless people think that their teeth are dull, dingy and not as brilliant as it should be. Many people desire white, brighter teeth. However, given the fact that the constant exposure to foods and drinks that stain the teeth, discolored teeth that aren’t completely white are extremely common. Even if you were to brush your teeth with a whitening toothpaste after every meal and every drink, you still would not be able to keep your teeth completely white. Discolored teeth are normal and natural, but that doesn’t mean that you have to live with them.

If you are unhappy with the color of your teeth, you should consider having your teeth professionally whitened. Sure, you can use a tooth whitening product at home, but it won’t yield the same results that professional whitening will provide. Your dentist has access to special equipment that can make your teeth gleaming white, making them look better than they have ever looked before.

Is your curiosity sparked? Then read on to find out more about professional tooth whitening.

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
• dark-colored foods
• 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: Danielle Laurence has been having her teeth whitened at Park Slope Dentistry for several years. She highly recommends their services.

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