Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening
At some point in our lives, we have all noticed that our smile is not as white and bright as it once was. Today, teeth whitening (or bleaching) is the most sought-after cosmetic procedure and there are several ways to do it.
Whether you’re a big coffee fan, are experiencing the side effects of aging, or simply haven’t found an at-home whitening regimen that is strong enough to lift stains, Live Oak Dental Group’s teeth whitening services can help you lift multiple shades off of the surface of your teeth to restore a brighter smile. Not only can teeth whitening restore the appearance of your smile, but it can boost your confidence and have you smiling all day long.
How does it work?
Teeth whitening is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment that changes natural enamel color to lift stains and beautify the smile.
Is teeth whitening a good idea?
Generally, most adults can benefit from a round of professional teeth whitening. However, here are some factors to consider when creating a treatment plan with your cosmetic dentist:
Old Dental Restorations
Since bleaching agents only work on natural tooth enamel, you should consider replacing any outdated fillings, crowns, and other dental restorations after whitening your teeth for a more cohesive appearance.
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Staining
People may notice undesirable staining as a consequence of a variety or combination of reasons, including:
- Normal wear of the enamel
- Personal habits (for example, tobacco use)
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation in-vitro)
- Certain medications (famously, tetracycline)
- An accident
Unfortunately, not all types of stains respond to bleaching agents. Intrinsic discoloration is a stain that develops on the dentin (inner layer of the tooth). Due to where the staining is, intrinsic stains cannot be lifted with teeth whitening but can be covered with cosmetic bonding or veneers.
On the other hand, extrinsic (surface-level) stains should respond to professional whitening treatment. Your dentist can evaluate what type of discoloration you have so that he or she can upgrade your smile effectively.
