TEETH WHITENING ALPHARETTA

Brushing and flossing are everyday ways to keep your teeth bright, white and in a healthy condition. Still, if you might feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle or is more yellow than it used to be, you’re not alone. When the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry questioned people what they ‘d most like to boost about their smile, the most common reply was whiter teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists also found that nearly 90% of patients desired tooth whitening.

Thinking of teeth whitening? Get the facts first. Here are five of the most commonly asked questions about the process.

Why Did My Teeth Change Color?
Over time, your teeth can go from white to not-so-bright for a number of reasons:

Food and Drink
Coffee, tea and red wine are some major staining culprits. What do they have in common? Intense color pigments called chromogens that affix to the white, outer component of your tooth (enamel).

Tobacco Use
Two chemicals found in tobacco create uncooperative stains: Tar and nicotine. Tar is naturally dark. Nicotine is colorless until it’s mixed with oxygen. Then, it turns into a yellowish or golden-tinged, surface-staining substance.

Age
Below the hard, white outer shell of your teeth (enamel) is a softer area called dentin. In time, the outer enamel layer gets thin with brushing and more of the yellow dentin shows through.

Trauma
If you’ve been hit in the mouth, your tooth may alter color because it reacts to an injury by laying down more dentin, which is a darker layer under the enamel.

Medications
Tooth darkening can be a byproduct of certain antihistamines, antipsychotics and hypertension medications. Children who are exposed to antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline when their teeth are forming (either in the womb or as a baby) may have discoloration of their adult teeth later in life. Chemotherapy and head and neck radiation can also darken teeth.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening is a straightforward process. Whitening products contain one of two tooth bleaches (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). These bleaches break stains into smaller sized pieces, which makes the color less strong and your teeth brighter.

Does Whitening Work on All Teeth?
No, which is why it is very important to talk to your dentist before deciding to whiten your teeth, as whiteners may not correct all kinds of discoloration. For example, yellow teeth will most likely bleach well, brown teeth may not respond as well and teeth with gray shades may not bleach at all. Whitening will not work on caps, veneers, crowns or fillings. It also won’t be emphatic if your tooth discoloration is brought on by medications or a tooth injury.

What Are My Whitening Options?
Consult with your dentist before beginning. If you are a candidate, there are four ways to put the sparkle back in your smile:

Stain Removal Toothpastes
All toothpastes help clear away surface stain through the motion of mild abrasives that scrub the teeth. Search for whitening toothpastes that have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance for stain removal (it will tell you on the package). These toothpastes have added polishing agents that are safe for your teeth and provide stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these forms of ADA-Accepted products do not improve the color of teeth because they can only remove stains on the surface.

In-Office Bleaching
This procedure is called chairside bleaching and typically requires one office visit. The dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect your gums. Bleach is then applied to the teeth.

At-Home Bleaching from Your Dentist
Your dentist can provide you with a personalized tray for at-home whitening. In this case, the dentist will give you guidelines on how to place the bleaching solution in the tray and for what span of time. This may be a preferable option if you feel more comfortable whitening in your own home at a slower pace, but still with the assistance of a dentist. Out-of-office bleaching can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Over-the-Counter Bleaching Products
You may see different options online or in your local food store, such as toothpastes or strips that whiten by bleaching your teeth. The concentration of the bleaching agent in these products is less than what your dentist would use in the office. If you are contemplating using an over-the-counter bleaching kit, talk about options with your dentist and look for one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. That signifies it has been tested to be harmless and effective for teeth whitening. Get a list of all ADA-Accepted at-home bleaching products.

Are There Any Negative Side Effects from Teeth Whitening?
Some people who use teeth whiteners may experience tooth sensitivity. That happens when the peroxide in the whitener makes it through the enamel to the soft layer of dentin and aggravates the nerve of your tooth. In most cases the sensitivity is brief. You can delay treatment, then try again.

Overuse of whiteners can also damage the tooth enamel or gums, so be sure to follow directions and consult with your dentist.