Many folks hear the term "Teeth Whitening" and instantly think about the cosmetic dental procedure that requires the use of a bleaching agent to lighten the external surfaces of the teeth. However , there are some "Teeth Whitening" situations which don't involve bleaching agents at all!
If Teeth Are Stained...
Consider the individual that comes into the dental practice wanting their teeth lightened because they have spotted a discoloration building up steadily over time. Now their teeth are quite yellow, except for the tips of the teeth which remain their normal white colour. Most frequently the reason for this type of discoloration is an accumulation of plaque and tartar, sometimes further stained by foods and beverages. Likewise, someone who attends with darker stains may discover the discolouration is primarily due to food and drinks that they've been consuming. Tea and coffee, red wine, berry jams and anything else that stains clothing can definitely stain the teeth! Most often, these teeth can be brightened by a professional cleaning.
Some stains caused by nicotine can be removed by professional cleaning, although some nicotine stains are very stubborn.
Discoloured Fillings
Sometimes the discolouration which has been noticed is actually due to a filling or a number of fillings, either in the front or back teeth.
An individual may detest the dark amalgam fillings in their molar teeth, and request a whitening procedure. The best treatment for this situation is generally to replace the old amalgam fillings with tooth-coloured fillings, either composite resin or porcelain.
Fillings in front teeth are often made from tooth-coloured composite resin, and these generally blend in so well when they are new that they seem invisible. Over the course of time the outside of composite resin fillings can wear down and become porous, so stains from foods and drinks can discolour them. Occasionally these fillings will begin to leak, allowing discoloured fluids to leach under the filling, creating a greyish or brownish hue. Once more, the treatment that will create a whiter smile involves replacing the fillings: no bleaching is needed.
Discolouration Due To Decay
Tooth decay can also cause staining of the teeth. If the tooth decay has started between the teeth (which is one of the commonest places for it to start) the cavity itself may not have been felt by the individual: but, as the decay advances further into the tooth, it can create a discolored shadow underneath the enamel, which becomes progressively more obvious. No amount of cleaning will remove these stains: this situation needs a restoration of some sort, sometimes a filling, or possibly a crown if the hole in the tooth is very big.
Discoloration Due To Trauma
If a person's teeth have ever suffered a traumatic injury, these teeth will often become discoloured. This discoloration might be temporary, or it could be permanent: only your dentist will be in a position to determine this through tests and x-rays. If the tooth's nerve has died as a result of the trauma, the tooth usually needs root canal treatment. If this is the case, the tooth can be bleached internally once the root canal treatment is finished to bring it back to its original color.
Some front teeth just can not be treated effectively with teeth whitening agents. If the tooth has been stained internally by antibiotics during its development, or if the tooth is heavily filled, or if the tooth seems resistant to teeth whitening solutions and gels, sometimes the only way to whiten it is to place a porcelain veneer or crown.
Ask Your Dentist
The process of whitening teeth will, in many cases, involve teeth whitening agents, but sometimes other treatments are needed. Your dentist is well-placed to diagnose the cause of tooth discolouration and to suggest treatments which will remove it. Always ask your dentist if you have any questions about the colour of your teeth and the method needed to brighten them.
If Teeth Are Stained...
Consider the individual that comes into the dental practice wanting their teeth lightened because they have spotted a discoloration building up steadily over time. Now their teeth are quite yellow, except for the tips of the teeth which remain their normal white colour. Most frequently the reason for this type of discoloration is an accumulation of plaque and tartar, sometimes further stained by foods and beverages. Likewise, someone who attends with darker stains may discover the discolouration is primarily due to food and drinks that they've been consuming. Tea and coffee, red wine, berry jams and anything else that stains clothing can definitely stain the teeth! Most often, these teeth can be brightened by a professional cleaning.
Some stains caused by nicotine can be removed by professional cleaning, although some nicotine stains are very stubborn.
Discoloured Fillings
Sometimes the discolouration which has been noticed is actually due to a filling or a number of fillings, either in the front or back teeth.
An individual may detest the dark amalgam fillings in their molar teeth, and request a whitening procedure. The best treatment for this situation is generally to replace the old amalgam fillings with tooth-coloured fillings, either composite resin or porcelain.
Fillings in front teeth are often made from tooth-coloured composite resin, and these generally blend in so well when they are new that they seem invisible. Over the course of time the outside of composite resin fillings can wear down and become porous, so stains from foods and drinks can discolour them. Occasionally these fillings will begin to leak, allowing discoloured fluids to leach under the filling, creating a greyish or brownish hue. Once more, the treatment that will create a whiter smile involves replacing the fillings: no bleaching is needed.
Discolouration Due To Decay
Tooth decay can also cause staining of the teeth. If the tooth decay has started between the teeth (which is one of the commonest places for it to start) the cavity itself may not have been felt by the individual: but, as the decay advances further into the tooth, it can create a discolored shadow underneath the enamel, which becomes progressively more obvious. No amount of cleaning will remove these stains: this situation needs a restoration of some sort, sometimes a filling, or possibly a crown if the hole in the tooth is very big.
Discoloration Due To Trauma
If a person's teeth have ever suffered a traumatic injury, these teeth will often become discoloured. This discoloration might be temporary, or it could be permanent: only your dentist will be in a position to determine this through tests and x-rays. If the tooth's nerve has died as a result of the trauma, the tooth usually needs root canal treatment. If this is the case, the tooth can be bleached internally once the root canal treatment is finished to bring it back to its original color.
Some front teeth just can not be treated effectively with teeth whitening agents. If the tooth has been stained internally by antibiotics during its development, or if the tooth is heavily filled, or if the tooth seems resistant to teeth whitening solutions and gels, sometimes the only way to whiten it is to place a porcelain veneer or crown.
Ask Your Dentist
The process of whitening teeth will, in many cases, involve teeth whitening agents, but sometimes other treatments are needed. Your dentist is well-placed to diagnose the cause of tooth discolouration and to suggest treatments which will remove it. Always ask your dentist if you have any questions about the colour of your teeth and the method needed to brighten them.
About the Author:
The dentists at Corinna Dental take great care to listen to their patient's dental wishes and to deliver them. If you are looking for a Canberra Dentist or a Woden Dentist to provide your general and cosmetic dentistry, Corinna Dental can help.
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