Tooth discoloration is part of the aging process. The dyes in the
food you eat permeate the enamel of your teeth and stain the internal
structure of the tooth. To remove the staining, a peroxide agent is
applied to the tooth. Either carbamine or hydrogen peroxide, when
applied, penetrates the enamel, and oxidizes the discoloration. This
treatment, however, has its limits. The teeth can only become so
white, and over bleaching, can actually turn a tooth grey or blue.
Often, a CO2 laser or infrared light are used in in-office procedures.
The light or laser essentially speeds up the chemical reaction by
causing the peroxide to decompose more rapidly. Numerous studies have
demonstrated the effectiveness of the technique, the most recent was
?Effect of light energy on peroxide tooth bleaching,? published in the
February issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association (it
is not available online). The only caveat of the procedure is that
the tooth is often heated, depending on the light source. This would
be of particular concern if you have sensitive teeth, and I would
recommend that speak about the kind of laser with your dentist. This
procedure is more expensive than a take-home kit, but the results are
seen after only a few office visits.
Like the majority of cosmetic procedures, the results of the bleaching
fade with time and exposure to further staining foods.
The only ?permanent? solution would be to have veneers applied to your
teeth. As the name suggests, a veneer is a thin tooth colored
material that is bonded to the front of your tooth. If the teeth are
heavily discolored because of use of certain drugs such as
tetracycline during childhood, this is probably the only option as
such teeth cannot be bleached with great success. The veneer is made
of ceramic, and will not stain. It is relatively permanent, but
veneers are known to have a limited lifespan, tending to degrade after
a decade or so. This procedure is the most expensive option, and is
the one that celebrities likely use most frequently.
All of the options can lighten your teeth substantially, and I would
caution against buying into claims of how many shades whiter your
teeth will become. There are indeed two different color scales in
common use, and unless you judge your smile by the chart, you will
likely be pleased with the results.
All of the options will be somewhat inconvenient. You will either
have to fill a tray with peroxide for weeks, spend a few hours at the
dentists office getting them bleached, or spend hours, and lots of
money, getting veneers applied to your teeth. While you may think
that the strips are unpleasant, I would recommend giving them a try.
In my experience, patients have been more than satisfied with the
results despite the minor inconvenience.
I urge you to discuss this matter with your dentist before you
proceed, as he or she will be able to offer you more appropriate
advice after evaluating your situation and needs.
I wish you the best of luck in your pursuit of the perfect smile.
Regards,
dstern-ga |
