The basics of Teeth Whitening — What You Have Know From Your Dentist

Teeth whitening procedures are becoming more and more popular these days. Just a few years back, only Hollywood stars could afford teeth whitening procedures. Not only were the procedures costly, they were not available everywhere. However today, they have become much cheaper and are available at almost all dental clinics. They provide very effective results and so are very good option if you have discolored teeth. By undergoing a teeth whitening procedure, you will not only improve smile but will also gain self-confidence.

As the name suggests, teeth whitening is a procedure aimed at making the teeth whiter. Teeth whitening procedures do not involve the removal of layers of teeth. After the procedure is performed, the teeth will become much whiter. Thanks to new dental plans in the field of dentistry, event better techniques have been available. One such technique is laser teeth whitening.

Teeth become discolored for many reasons. The common reasons include improper oral hygiene, wrong eating habits, smoking cigarettes, alcohol consumption and mineral deficiencies. Genetics also plays a role. Certain dental conditions such as bacterial infections/plaque can also cause discoloration. Irrespective of the cause of discoloration, teeth whitening procedures are very efficient in restoring normal color.

Teeth whitening techniques are simple to perform. Firstly, the dentist will examine your teeth and determine if you are the right candidate for the procedure. Then, he/she will place a shield on the gums to protect them from the bleaching agent. The bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth by using a tray. It is allowed to stay for some time, usually around 1 hour.

The bleaching agent dissociates and releases oxygen. This oxygen reacts with the stains hidden in the pores and destroys them. Thus the normal color of the teeth is restored.

Teeth whitening procedures are very safe. They do not have any side effects. However, they are a little costly. A number of alternatives exist. For example, you can purchase an at-home teeth whitening kit and get good results without having to spend a lot of money. At-home teeth whitening kits contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents. For this reason, they do not provide results as effective as the dentist. However, there are less costly and so are still a good option to whiten your teeth.