Welcome to my site! My name is Verity. I work as a receptionist in a dentist office. Every day for the past 20 years, I have come in to the office, worked on paperwork, and greeted patients. I love my job, because it has helped me meet a lot of really wonderful people. I have seen families grow up! But an added benefit from my job is that I have also picked up some small information about dentistry. I'm not one of the dentists, but I do know quite a bit about simple procedures and basic dental hygiene. Hopefully this blog can teach you something, but remember to always consult with your actual dentist for real professional advice!
About Verity Longpar
Thinking About Tooth Whitening? These Facts Can Help You Decide
Eleanor Crawford
Tooth whitening may be an option if your teeth aren't looking the way that you want them to look. There are quite a few situations in which whitening or bleaching your teeth is effective, but it can depend on variables such as the types of stains you're dealing with and the causes of the staining. Understanding the difference can help you determine which route is the best one to take.
Two Types of Stains
Your teeth can experience two types of marks: Intrinsic and extrinsic. The type called extrinsic occurs after you have too much coffee or you start smoking. These appear on the exterior surface of your teeth. Brushing and regular dental cleanings can help to remove these types of stains. Stubborn stains benefit from whitening treatments.
Intrinsic stains are stains those that show up in the interior of your teeth. Trauma to your teeth, some medications (such as antibiotics), and natural tooth formation can cause internal staining on your teeth. Regular brushing and cleanings don't touch these stains. Instead, you'll need to follow a whitening plan from your dentist.
Factors that Increase the Odds of Stains
The older you get, the more likely your teeth are to develop stains. If your teeth are translucent or thin, they're also more likely to show stains. Thicker teeth that are less translucent tend to appear lighter in color. Your diet and other habits also affect how likely you are to develop stains on your teeth. Smokers, for example, are more likely to develop stains than non-smokers are. People who grind their teeth are more likely to damage their teeth, which can make stains form more easily.
How White Should You Go?
Even if you feel that your teeth should be the whitest around, there are a lot of variables that affect how white you can and should take your teeth. The biggest factor is the original color of your teeth. If your teeth weren't very white to begin with, odds are that it will take far more treatments than you think to get to where you want to be. Your dentist can show you a realistic example of how white your teeth can get through whitening treatments. Whitening at home means that you're using weaker solutions that won't have as dramatic results.
If you're in need of tooth whitening, or any other form of cosmetic dentistry, talk to a local dentist (such as one from Claremont Dental Institute) today. They can recommend the right protocol for your situation.
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