Are you self-conscious about smiling because of the color of your teeth? Your teeth play a huge role in your face, appearance, and self-confidence. Many people are reluctant to show them in photographs or even in person because they don’t live up to their perception of perfection.
If you’d like to feel confident and free to show your teeth to the world, teeth whitening at a dental office in Edina is a readily available option.
What causes teeth to change color?
- Food — especially intensely colored beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine — can stain your teeth because pigments called chromogens bind with enamel.
- Nicotine, when combined with oxygen while smoking, is converted to a yellowy substance that stains teeth.
- As you age, the white enamel on your teeth wears away, gradually revealing the dentin. Dentin is a yellowish substance.
- Trauma to your teeth can cause them to change color, since your teeth can respond by producing more of that yellowish dentin.
- Some medications have side effects that can darken the color of teeth, particularly antihistamines, antipsychotics, high blood pressure medications, and antibiotics taken by young children.
How does whitening work? And does it always?
Teeth whitening products contain one of two types of teeth bleaching compounds — hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. When applied to teeth, both of those substances break down stains affecting your teeth.
Whether whitening will work on your teeth depends on the cause of the discoloration in the first place and on the color of the stains. If your teeth are discolored because of trauma or the side effects of the medication discussed above, whitening will not be effective. Whitening compounds will not remove stains from fillings, crowns, veneers or caps.
Not every tooth stain reacts the same way to bleaching. It is important to consult with an Edina dentist in order to assess the likely results of whitening. Generally, yellowed teeth respond well to bleaching but browned teeth don’t respond as well. Bleach may be altogether ineffective on teeth that are tinged gray.
What are your teeth whitening options?
For advice on teeth whitening in Edina, you should have an assessment with a dentist. As a general rule, there are four different approaches to teeth whitening.
- Toothpaste. The American Dental Association (ADA) places its Seal of Acceptance on the packaging of toothpaste with mild abrasives that will whiten teeth. You should understand, though, that these toothpaste do not change the color of your teeth. All they do is remove stains and add polish.
- Over-the-Counter Bleaching Products. The ADA has approved some at-home bleaching products that you can buy at drug stores and grocery stores. They may consist of pastes or strips with bleach but at lower concentrations than those used by a dentist. You should not use them without consulting a dentist first, and you should not use one that has not been ADA-approved.
- Dentist-Provided At-Home Bleaching. Dentists may provide customized trays of whitening products that will allow you to go through the process yourself over days or weeks with instructions from your dentist.
- Chairside Bleaching. Dental offices in Edina offer in-office bleaching services. Dentists will, during a single visit, use products stronger than those available in drugstores, and grocery stores, to bleach your teeth of unsightly and confidence-undermining stains.
Is teeth whitening right for you?
Teeth whitening may not be appropriate for everyone. For example, some people experience side effects like tooth sensitivity from teeth whitening products. Overusing whiteners can damage your gums and teeth. Chairside bleaching with an Edina dentist will eliminate the risks of that damage. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not engage in teeth whitening. Neither is teeth whitening suitable for anyone under 14 years old.
Are you ready to do something about your stained teeth and take the first step to a freer and whiter smile? Contact a dental clinic near you for more information about teeth whitening in Edina.