Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening Specialists in Corona Del Mar & Newport Beach
Having stained, discolored teeth can be a challenge, especially when it comes to your confidence in your smile. Brushing your teeth can help you to remove surface-level stains, but stains that exist deeper within the tooth will need a heftier teeth whitening treatment. Although there are many different over-the-counter options for teeth whitening, consulting with your dentist is always a good first step so that you know which products and professional treatments will work effectively and safely for you.
What is Teeth Whitening and How Can My Dentist Help?
Tooth discoloration is a perfectly normal part of life. There are generally two types of teeth stains – the first are extrinsic, or external, and exist on the surface of the enamel. The second type is intrinsic, or internal, and these exist within the dentin and deeper layers of the tooth. Although avoiding stain-causing factors can be an effective way to stop stains from forming in the first place, you may need some professional help if your stains are deep-set or don’t respond to over-the-counter tooth whitening treatments.
Causes of Teeth Stains
Food and Drink
Drinks like coffee, red wine, and dark soda are famous for causing teeth stains. However, there are plenty of other foods and drinks that can stain your teeth over time. It can be hard to avoid these sometimes, so making sure to rinse your mouth and brush regularly can help reduce stains from food and beverages.
Smoking
Tobacco, both smoking and chewing tobacco, can cause substantial yellowing of the teeth with regular use. This is usually the result of a combination of tar and nicotine, and it can make your teeth yellow in a very short period of time. There are many reasons to quit smoking and avoid tobacco, and having whiter teeth is one of them.
Poor Oral Care Habits
Without regular brushing or flossing, it’s much easier for stains to set in and cause long-term discoloration. Regular brushing can not only prevent decay by removing harmful foods and bacteria from your teeth, but it can also prevent them from causing stains over time.
Trauma or Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions can cause tooth discoloration by affecting the proper development of your enamel when you’re young. Additionally, trauma or injury to your teeth can result in discoloration. This means that even the best at-home whitening solution and lifestyle changes won’t achieve the results you want. In these cases, veneers and internal bleaching are necessary to mask stains.
Aging
Simply put, your teeth can become discolored as a result of the natural aging process. This is usually compounded by existing stains and the process of enamel breakdown as you age. There is also a process of reparative dentin deposition which causes the nerve space to shrink, creating an illusion of grayer tooth shade.
What Qualifications Do Cosmetic Dentists Have?
It’s important to know that the American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a formal area of specialty. However, there are still general dentists who prefer to focus on the cosmetic aspect of their practice for a comprehensive approach to form and function. There are certain organizations for cosmetic dentists, like the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Society for Dental Aesthetics, that promote continuing education and credentials for cosmetic dentists and their treatments. You can look for these as well as before-and-after photos when looking for an experienced cosmetic dentist.