Teeth Whitening

With the advent of new treatments, a better smile is now within reach of more people. One of the most popular cosmetic procedures is bleaching.

 

The natural light ivory color of enamel can turn to yellow, orange, brown grey - even blue or green. Causes of discoloration include staining from coffee or tobacco, injury that has damaged the pulp, ingestion of the antibiotic tetracycline or high levels of fluoride while the teeth are developing, corrosion from silver filling, and the natural wearing away of the enamel with age.
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Although many stains can be successfully removed with a bleaching technique, bleaching may be uncomfortable for people with sensitive teeth or an exposed root. Several different bleaching techniques are available.
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Technique:
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Your dentist etches your teeth with an acid solution and then applies an oxidizing agent to the enamel. Your teeth are exposed to a bright light or a laser to hasten the lightening. The newer technique can deliver results in just one session. Bleaching is temporary (12 months to 36 months). However, your teeth will darken again within one to three years, and you may need to repeat the procedure.
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(Credit: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/tooth-bleaching)
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