A bright smile is excellent, but stains on teeth can make it less shiny. Stains can happen from things like coffee, smoking, or certain medications. Luckily, there are ways in cosmetic dentistry to whiten teeth and get rid of these stains. This blog post will discuss the types of stains and how new technology can help fix them.
Types of Teeth Stains:
Various factors, including dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and natural aging, can cause teeth stains. Common culprits include coffee, tea, red wine, and certain medications. To address these stains effectively, it’s essential to understand their nature.
- Extrinsic Stains
Extrinsic tooth stains are on the outside of your teeth, on the hard outer layer called enamel. This enamel covers the softer part of the tooth underneath, called dentin. When you eat and drink, the enamel can pick up stains or change colour over time. The good news is that these stains are only on the surface of the enamel and can be removed pretty easily!
- Intrinsic Stains
Stains on teeth happen when coloured particles get stuck in the enamel. The inner part of the tooth, called dentine, looks darker and more yellow than enamel. The dentine becomes more visible when the enamel wears down from brushing too hard or consuming acidic foods. Dealing with these stains can be tricky, but it’s possible!
While do-it-yourself methods and home remedies are suitable, they might only partially remove tough stains. A specialist who knows about these issues can provide the right solution for each type of tooth stain.
If you’re searching for a dental clinic in Perth for teeth whitening, visit our Alpha Dental Clinic. Our skilled dentists use the latest whitening treatments to ensure you leave with a bright and confident smile.
Effective Teeth Whitening Treatments:
1. Professional In-Office Whitening
This procedure involves the application of hydrogen peroxide whitening gel activated by a special light. The result is a visibly brighter smile in just one session, making it an ideal option for those seeking immediate results.
2. Take-Home Whitening Kits
Alpha Dental Clinic offers whitening kits that you can use at home for a more straightforward option. You apply the teeth whitening gel on the trays and wear them for a specific time. Your dentist will show you how to use the gel, how much to use each time, and how long to wear the trays. This is great for busy people who want a gradual but effective way to whiten their teeth.
3. Tooth Whitening Toothpaste:
Whitening toothpaste helps remove stains from the outside of your teeth. It usually contains unique scrubbing particles and whitening ingredients. Some types may have a component called sodium hexametaphosphate to get rid of surface stains. Also, they might include hydrogen peroxide, a common teeth-whitening ingredient, in concentrations from 1% to 5% to make your teeth brighter.
Risks of using teeth whitening products
You need to be careful when using whitening treatments with hydrogen peroxide. If the chemical touches your gums, tongue, or other soft areas in your mouth, it can cause burns. These burns may turn into sores before they get better.
Whitening your teeth can make them more sensitive to cold things, especially if you don’t use whitening gels correctly. If not done right, it can cause extreme sensitivity, making it painful to breathe in air. Your dentist will give you advice before you start to prevent or reduce tooth sensitivity.
It’s important to know that teeth whitening takes time. The degree of staining and your chosen method will determine how long your teeth can whiten completely. Whether you go for take-home kits, in-office treatments, or a combination, our team at Alpha Dental Clinic is here to help you achieve the smile you want.
Schedule a consultation with us for a whiter and more vibrant smile.