Teeth Whitening and Dental Bleaching Methods

The teeth’s natural whiteness fades as a person gets older. This is a natural occurrence caused by the changes in the properties of the teeth’s outer layer upon exposure to different forms of minerals that come from foods and beverages. The teeth also change color, particularly turning grayish or yellowish, because of excessive smoking. The tobacco content of cigars tarnishes the teeth’s enamel. Maintaining the whiteness of the teeth is important not only because it enhances the teeth’s aesthetic quality but also because discoloration can be a medium of bacteria infiltration. The mineral deposit that causes the darkening of the teeth can invite bacteria buildup that can result in cavities. This deposit also weakens the protective structure of the teeth, leading to some sensitivity issues. Many dentists in cities like Moncks Corner and North Charleston offer dental bleaching or teeth whitening to restore the whiteness of the teeth. This is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that uses oxidizing agents to dislodge stains from the teeth’s surface. There are several teeth whitening procedures that can be performed by a dentist. However, at-home teeth whitening kits provide a similar whitening result. Teeth whitening in a dental clinic can be done in various ways. A Moncks Corner dentist can use oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to penetrate into the tooth enamel and pull out the interprismatic stains deposited within the substrate. Other dentists adopt power bleaching, which uses light energy to hasten the bleaching process. This procedure reaches even the dentin surface, which might have been affected by the discoloration. Other methods involve removing the blemished layer of the teeth. The enamel is subjected to mild or strong grating to get rid of the discolored layer. A Moncks Corner dentist doesn’t prefer this method since it can lead to sensitivity problems, especially if grating reaches the dentin or the sensitive layer of the teeth. In severe cases when even deep oxidation can no longer restore the teeth’s whiteness, a composite resin or porcelain veneer can be bonded to the affected teeth to permanently cover the blemish. A veneer is a thin porcelain material that can be attached to the teeth with the aid of a powerful adhesive to cover not only discoloration but also damage caused by cavity. A North Charleston dentist can also install veneers to improve the appearance of the teeth.