A bright smile is the most attractive feature on a person’s face. So, it comes as no surprise that teeth whitening in Bridgewater, NJ, has become such a popular beauty trend in recent years.
But is Bridgewater teeth whitening just a passing fad, or is it an actual need? Let’s take a closer look.
Let’s Start with Some Basics
First, it’s important to understand that teeth naturally discolor over time. This is due to a variety of factors, including food and drink choices, smoking, and simply aging. In addition, many people stain their teeth from certain medications.
Teeth whitening can be an effective way to restore one’s teeth to their natural color. Also, teeth whitening can also be used to correct other issues, such as yellowing or uneven coloring.
Finally, many people simply feel more confident with whiter teeth. So, whether you’re looking to restore your natural color or simply boost your confidence, there are many good reasons to consider teeth whitening.
Why Do My Teeth Get Discolored?
There’s no sugar-coating it – our teeth take a beating over the years. From the time we’re born and start teething, to the time we’re grown and eating hard foods. Our teeth are always being damaged and restored.
And while they’re pretty good at recovering from everyday wear and tear, over time they do start to show their age. Here’s a closer look at what happens to teeth over time, and how you can keep them looking their best.
While tooth enamel is the hardest human tissue, it’s not invincible. Every time we eat or drink something acidic, or brush too hard, we damage our enamel a little bit. Eventually, the enamel starts to wear away revealing the softer layer underneath called Dentin. This is regardless of whether our bodies can repair some of this damage.
Dentin is yellow in color, so as more of it becomes exposed our teeth start to look yellow or discolored.
There are a few other factors that can contribute to tooth discoloration, they are:
Smoking –
It’s not just the tar and nicotine in tobacco that causes staining, but also the hot temperatures of the smoke. When you inhale cigarette smoke, the heat from the smoke penetrates your teeth and causes teeth discoloration.
Over time, this can lead to significant staining and yellowing. In addition, constant exposure to tobacco smoke can also make your teeth more prone to cavities and other dental problems.
Certain Food and Drinks –
The main reason for teeth discoloration is tannin. Tannin is found in several beverages, including coffee, tea, red wine, and even some types of fruit juice.
When tannin meets our teeth, it sticks to the enamel and causes staining. In addition, other dark-colored foods and drinks can also cause staining by leaving behind pigments that cling to the tooth surface.
Medications –
There’s nothing more frustrating than spending hours at the dentist only to have your teeth become stained and discolored a few months later. According to research, it’s all about chemistry.
Certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics, can bind to the calcium in your tooth enamel. This results in a change in the structure of the enamel. This change in structure causes light to be scattered in a way that makes teeth appear yellow or discolored.
In addition, some other medications can increase the production of saliva, which can lead to staining from food and drinks.
Aging –
Unfortunately, aging can cause teeth to become discolored. While there are various reasons, the most common cause is simply the wear and tear that teeth experience over time.
The enamel that protects teeth becomes thinner as we age, allowing the yellowish color of the dentin to show through. In addition, staining agents such as coffee, tea, and tobacco can permanently discolor teeth.
So, the factor of aging that causes teeth discoloration is the summation of lifestyle, wear and tear, and other incidentals.
Why You Must Consider Professional Teeth Whitening in Bridgewater
Everyone wants a winning smile, and for many of us, that means having white teeth. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures out there. Mainly because it can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile with minimal discomfort and side effects.
While there are several over-the-counter teeth whitening products available, they are not as effective as professional treatments. A professional teeth whitening procedure can safely and effectively help you remove stains and color from your teeth.
In addition, professional teeth whitening in Bridgewater is often more affordable than over-the-counter products.
What Are the Expectations Once You Decide to Undergo the Procedure?
If you’re considering professional teeth whitening, there are a few things you should know beforehand. First and foremost, the results can vary depending on the type of procedure you choose.
For example, in-office treatments tend to be more effective than at-home kits. Secondly, professional teeth whitening is not a one-time treatment. You will likely need to undergo multiple sessions to achieve your desired results.
Finally, while professional teeth whitening can be costly, the long-term benefits are well worth the investment. These include self-confidence and an improvement in oral health.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Professional teeth whitening involves a few potential side effects. If you consider them, the side effect most frequently reported is temporary tooth sensitivity.
This usually occurs when the whitening gel meets the dental nerve, causing a brief tingling or stinging sensation. However, this discomfort is typically short-lived and disappears within a few days after the procedure is completed.
In rare cases, more serious side effects such as gum irritation or tooth damage can occur.
However, these arise because of an inexperienced dentist using a stronger whitening gel or leaving it on for too long. When performed by an experienced professional, teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to achieve a brighter smile.
Conclusion
Whitening your teeth is important for several reasons. First, it can boost your self-confidence. A bright, white smile is attractive and can make you feel good about yourself.
Second, whitening your teeth can improve your oral health. Regular cleaning and whitening remove stains and plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Finally, whitening your teeth is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to improve your appearance. If you want teeth whitening in Bridgewater, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Aesthetic Dental Group. We will be happy to answer any questions you have and develop a treatment plan that is right for you!