How To Whiten Teeth - Teeth Bleaching

Did you know that teeth whitening is the number one (1) requested cosmetic service today and that its popularity continues to soar?

A recent survey showed 80% of Americans aged 18 to 49 want whiter teeth, with women leading in this area at 85%. 6 out 10 believe a whiter, brighter smile would boost their self confidence especially in the 18 to 24 age range.

According to the American Academy of cosmetic Dentistry, Americans spent more than $1.4 billion on over-the-counter teeth whitening products last year alone.

One of the first things people notice when they meet someone new is their smile. Teeth Whitening has become an accessible and relatively easy way to instantly improve appearance, create a positive first impression, and achieve a more youthful and radiant appearance. Teeth can become discolored over a period of time. Teeth whitening is not a medical procedure, it does not result in healthier teeth, but it can result in whiter teeth.

What causes discoloration of the teeth?

Discoloration can be caused by several factors including ageing, smoking, consumption of staining foods and beverages, staining caused by medication, aging, hereditary factors, and 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.

Smoking will cause a build up on teeth that can cause a yellow to orange color staining.  These stains can take longer to lighten. Nicotine staining takes 1-3 months to whitening through nightly use. Using tobacco will actually speed up how fast your teeth lose their new whiteness.

Aging also contributes to the yellowing of teeth. The enamel, which is the hard outer coating of your teeth, wears thin, allowing the underlying layer of yellowish dentin to show through. Most common are yellow-brown to dark brown stains that probably caused by an accumulation of dental plaque, food stain, and poor oral hygiene. Aging or inherit discoloration usually occurs in 9 out of 10 people. These stains usually bleach quite readily as due yellowish discoloration, whether due to aging or tobacco smoke, likewise responds well to bleaching. Staining from aging takes about 1-6 weeks to whiten.

The rule of thumb is that anything that can stain your table cloth, clothes, or carpet can also stain your teeth. Think tomato sauce, blueberry pie, red wine, etc.