Teeth Whitening Transforms Smiles

A bright and confident smile is largely made possible by a perfect set of sparkly white teeth. Indeed, a charming smile is a valuable social asset that could foster your career success and relationship and improve the quality of daily interactions.

Undoubtedly, discoloration of teeth comes off as unsightly and unappealing, and it is not nice to have. An individual's self-esteem signals how one views oneself and perceives their worth. When you find your teeth repulsive or unattractive, it significantly affects your self-esteem and can negatively affect your social behavior, breeding awkwardness in interpersonal relationships.

The ultimate solution to this is the teeth whitening procedure, a cosmetic dentistry procedure offered at Gentle Dental Arts. It is a popular and effective dental procedure for whitening teeth. Gentle Dental Arts in Orem has experienced dentists who offer teeth whitening to patients with discolored or stained teeth and deliver brilliant results afterward.

What Causes Stain or Discoloration in The Teeth?

Teeth discoloration dents a brilliant smile and often results due to some factors listed below. The good news is that, whatever the underlying cause, tooth discoloration may always be resolved.

1. Age

Over time, as we age, our teeth begin to lose their sparkly white color due to various factors. The enamel, the outer layer of the teeth, is a porcelain-like thin white covering that protects them; this gives the teeth a white color. But as we advance in age and pick up certain habits, the enamel begins to wear off and reveals the more yellowish inner layer called Dentin.

2. Eating habits

Regularly consuming certain beverages such as coffee, tea, and wine without extra hygienic practices could stain your teeth. In addition, food with high acidic content, such as oranges, lemon, and vinegar, could exacerbate teeth discoloration by wearing down the enamel.

3. Smoking

Nicotine is a major component of the cigarette that causes teeth to change color. Therefore, chewing tobacco could often impose a brownish or yellowish color on the teeth.

4. Medication

Certain antibiotics, antihistamines, and other medications could change the color of your teeth. Some examples of medicine that discolor the teeth include;

  • Tetracycline
  • Doxycycline during tooth formation in children
  • Fluoride

Most of these medications play a role in tooth color intrinsically. Acidic and abrasive substances found in some toothpaste and oral products could cause thinning of the enamel, thereby exposing the Dentin.

5. Underlying health issues

Certain health conditions, such as liver disease, metabolic disorders, calcium deficiency, etc., also cause teeth discoloration. Patients who undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy could be predisposed to teeth staining and discoloration.

6. Poor dental hygiene

Inadequate brushing and flossing could lead to discoloration of teeth as bacteria and stains accumulate in the teeth. If you inadvertently crack or break your teeth, it could damage the enamel, leading to discoloration of teeth.

How are the teeth whitened?

Several options are available if you decide to get your teeth whitened. Our dentist in Orem offers a comfortable, safe, and quick service after booking a session. Teeth whitening can be done in a variety of ways such as:

1. Professional In-office Whitening

In this teeth whitening method, you visit a dentist and get your teeth whitened by a professional dentist. The dentist applies a high concentrated bleaching substance with hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient to the teeth. The gum is protected by covering them because it could get easily irritated, and a mouth guard is placed in the mouth. Because hydrogen peroxide's bleaching agent is more concentrated and quick-acting, it is more effective than at-home teeth whitening.

At Gentle Dental Arts, a professional-strength whitening gel is used to whiten the teeth. This gel has a high concentration of bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, which reacts with the enamel, introducing an oxygen molecule that clears out the stain.

Other procedures include teeth whitening using a laser or light; in this method, the whitening gel is applied to the teeth, and a laser or light is used to activate the gel. This procedure is faster and is sure to remove stains from teeth.

2. Teeth whitening at home

With the aid of gel, whitening toothpaste, custom trays, and other over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, it is possible to whiten teeth at home. These products should only be used based on the dentist's recommendation and instructions.

At-home whitening is not as effective as in-office whitening. It may take longer to get the desired effect than when you visit the Gentle Dental Arts dentist in Orem to get your teeth whitened by professionals.

Are there any side effects of teeth whitening?

Generally, this is a safe procedure; if done properly, you do not have much to worry about. The common side effect related to teeth whitening is teeth sensitivity. This may result from the bleaching agent or product used to whiten the teeth, which may render the teeth nerve sensitive for a while. For a few days, sensitivity might be experienced; however, if it continues, please see a dentist.

Teeth whitening is effective at transforming smiles but is not permanent. After a teeth whitening procedure, you will see a tremendous improvement in the color of your teeth, but it will take constant care and proper oral hygiene to maintain its renewed white color. Over time, your teeth may gradually become discolored, especially if you keep up the habit that predisposes you to teeth discoloration.

You can be sure of an effective teeth whitening treatment at Gentle Dental Arts if you suffer from any degree of teeth discoloration. Our dentists in Orem offer the best non-invasive, quick, and teeth whitening procedures. We also provide consulting services if you have concerns or questions regarding the whitening process—all at an affordable price. Don’t hesitate to contact us today!