It is often heartbreaking for an individual to notice that their smile is not quite as bright and lively as they would like it to be. No matter how many times a patient brushes and flosses their teeth, there are many factors that take place every single day that will affect the enamel of one's teeth. For these individuals, teeth whitening and teeth bleaching will be two common alternatives for improving the appearance of the smile. Anyone that has recently taken a look in the mirror and noticed a smile that they are not completely proud of should understand some of the fundamentals of dental bleaching, teeth whitening, and how teeth become stained.
There are two primary types of staining that individuals may experience. Less typical is the intrinsic staining that will take place on the core of the teeth. This may occur because of trauma to the mouth or even medications that one is taking. In some instances, staining can happen below the enamel layer as a result of genetics or prescriptions that the mother was taking during the pregnancy. For these individuals, professional staining and teeth bleaching will not affect the discoloration. They will require alternatives such as dental crowns and dental veneers.
Much more typical is the staining that takes place on the interior of the teeth. This kind of staining will come about due to daily wear and tear, the foods that one eats, and other habits such as smoking and the use of other tobacco products. The staining on the enamel layer can quickly and effectively be lifted with profession bleaching and whitening techniques.
The main difference between teeth bleaching and whitening is the final results of the treatment. Teeth whitening is usually advertised by its ability to restore the original appearance of one's teeth. This means that these services will not make the teeth brighter than they originally were, sometimes as much as 8 shades brighter. Alternatively, teeth bleaching has the ability to make a patient's smile brighter than it has ever been.
While the final results can be quite different, the process may be similar. A dentist will apply a powerful solution to the upper and lower teeth. Over time, this solution will lift many of the stains on the outside of the teeth. For those that have internal staining, internal bleaching may be an advanced option, yet it is much more complex than external bleaching. It will require creating a small hole in the teeth and then cleaning, bleaching, and sealing the initial hole.
Anyone that is currently struggling with teeth that are not as bright as they would like them to be may benefit from professional bleaching and whitening methods. In recent years, these services have become affordable, quick, and painless.
You can find more information about teeth bleaching treatments at YourNorthridgeDentist.com.