Teeth enamel discoloration can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical
damage to teeth. Some of the more common causes of teeth discoloration
are medications, coffee, tea or cigarettes. People who drink significant
amounts of cola soft drinks can experience similar staining.
Aside from staining, there are other factors that can affect the color
of an individual's teeth. Genetics can play a role. Some people have
naturally brighter enamel than others. Disease can also be a factor
and certain medications can cause a discoloration of the teeth. If
you suspect that there is an underlying medical cause for your teeth
discoloration, be sure to inform your cosmetic dentist.
Types
of Tooth Whitening Procedures :
There
are a few tooth whitening procedures available that correct
discoloration of the tooth by removing the brown and yellow
staining. While each work effectively, there are advantages
and disadvantages to each procedure dependent upon your objectives
and commitment to the processes. The type of procedures available
should be discussed with your cosmetic dentist,
and they will recommend the most appropriate tooth whitening
procedure for you.
Laser
Bleaching :
Using
a laser with a whitening gel, this is an in-office bleaching
system. The translucent bleaching
gel is applied to the tooth and a laser light is used to activate
the crystals to absorb the energy
from the light and penetrate the tooth enamel to increase the
lightening effect on the tooth.
The length of time in the cosmetic dentist's chair depends on
the degree of discoloration you have.
Tooth Bleaching
:
A small
amount of the bleaching abrasive is applied to the tooth. This
is the most common
technique because it costs less, but is most effective for mildly
stained teeth. This procedure is
sometimes used in conjunction with the in-office laser bleaching
if you have severe discoloration
(dark gray or purple) or internal tooth staining.
Tooth Veneers
:
Often
an alternative to crowns, veneers are very thin pieces of specially-shaped
porcelain or
plastic that are glued over the front of your teeth with little
or no anesthesia needed. They are
the cure for teeth that are severely discolored, chipped, have
small holes or pits, misshapen or crooked, or for the correction
of unwanted or uneven spaces. Unlike crowns, veneers won't
require the dentist to remove much of the tooth itself. Veneers
are created from an impression
taken in your cosmetic dentist's
office.
Your custom veneer is then glued directly onto your
tooth. Typically costing less than crowns, veneers won't stain,
making veneers a very popular solution
for many people seeking that perfect smile. Strong and very
durable, veneers last from ten to fifteen years, and come in
colors that will brighten dark teeth without the worry of them
changing color.
Advantages &
Disadvantages of Tooth Veneers
Pros and Cons of Traditional Porcelain Tooth Veneers
Advantages :
Perfect smile. Strong and very durable, veneers last from
ten to fifteen years, and come in colors that will brighten
dark teeth without the worry of them changing color. Veneers
are typically done in only two one and a half hour long
appointments, and can actually strengthen your tooth.
There is no additional maintenance, other than a follow-up
visit to your cosmetic dentist and proper brushing and
flossing on a daily basis.
Finally, a whiter smile gives people to whom you are speaking
a place to focus on and gives you a friendlier appearance.
Disadvantages :
It takes roughly a week or two of a period of adjustment
to get used to your teeth that have been changed in color,
size, spacing and shape. While very little tooth is removed
in most cases, there are situations where more tooth must
be removed which increases the risk of trauma to the tooth.
The amount of tooth to be removed for the veneers should
be discussed with your cosmetic dentist beforehand.
It is common to have minor sensitivity after your teeth have been
prepared for your veneers while wearing the temporary veneers. Some
people can experience a difference in speech, usually pronouncing
"s" and "f" sounds. This is corrected through
minor
adjustments your cosmetic dentist can make to your veneers. Veneers
are very reasonable facsimiles of natural teeth, but not perfect replacements
for natural teeth. It's common to see slight variations in the color
of veneers upon very close inspection, as with natural teeth. It can
take up to a month or two before your new smile feels a part of you.
If you suffer from bruxism, clenching or grinding of your teeth, veneers
can be damaged, chipped or cracked from this. If you suffer from bruxism,
speak with your cosmetic dentist about wearing a mouth guard at night
to protect your new smile.
