Make Your Teeth Shine
ROSEMOUNT AND EAGAN MINNESOTA- The braces have come off, so what’s the next step? It’s time to whiten that beautiful smile, but first you should consult your dentist or orthodontist to see if you are a good candidate.
Teeth whitening is a common procedure that can be done with the help of your orthodontist, says Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth, an Eagan and Rosemount pediatric orthodontist. It is the process of teeth bleaching to make them appear whiter.
Dr. Eisenhuth, a Rosemount Invisalign provider, explains the different causes of stains and why you need to consult a professional before bleaching.Extrinsic
Staining can be caused by a number of habits. Drinking coffee, tea or soft drinks can turn the teeth brown. This type of staining is known as extrinsic, meaning they are on the outer surface of the tooth, and can be reversed easily with the use of a tooth whitener.
Other reasons for extrinsic staining are age and thinness of the enamel.
As we age, the teeth get darker in color. Underneath the enamel, there is dentin. Dentin is naturally yellow, and the aging process thins the enamel, making the yellow appear more prominently over time, says Dr. Eisenhuth, a Rosemount children’s orthodontics specialist. Genetics also play a part.
“Some children are born with naturally dark primary teeth, and the teeth are likely to become dark permanent teeth,” she says. “Our Rosemount pediatric orthodontics office helps find a solution for those who suffer from these staining issues.”
Intrinsic
The discoloration of a tooth also can come from the inside. This type of staining is called intrinsic, and only a professional, Rosemount children’s orthodontics specialist Dr. Eisenhuth included, can help with these.
One of the main causes for intrinsic staining is dental restorations, such as amalgam. This leaves a tooth silver or black in color, according to the Medscape website.
Trauma is another reason for intrinsic staining. When a tooth is hit, it could affect the nerve. Once the nerve is damaged, the tooth will begin to turn gray. In other words, the tooth is dying. A common fix to this problem is to have an internal bleaching procedure following a root canal treatment.
Finally, antibiotics such as tetracycline can cause intrinsic staining. This medicine diffuses through the dentin to the enamel. This usually only affects a person’s permanent teeth if the antibiotic was ingested during childhood.
In-Office Whitening
In-office whitening is preferred by most dental professionals, especially if it’s your first time. This allows the dentist or orthodontist to monitor you throughout the process, and see if you become overly sensitive to the bleaching products.
Also, this method is used for intrinsic stains caused by trauma, because a professional usually has to internally bleach the tooth. This process involves injecting the bleaching solution into the tooth, and covering the hole with a tooth colored filling.
At-Home Kits
These kits are given by a dentist or orthodontist and are professional grade products. They are stronger than over-the-counter whitening products, so you are able to get professional results in the comfort of your home.
Over-The-Counter Whitening
Over-the-counter whitening products seem to be popular, possibly due to the cost. But is it better than the others?
This type of whitening allows you to whiten at home, but there are risks involved when whitening without the care of a professional. Gum irritation and extreme sensitivity to hot and cold can happen when using over-the-counter whitening products. Also, you may not receive the results you want.
“You should take precautions when whitening your teeth,” says Dr. Eisenhuth. “If it is your first time whitening, it should be under the care of a professional.”
If you are asking yourself if you are good candidate for whitening, here is some important information to consider:
- Don’t whiten teeth that have any fillings, crowns or veneers, since they cannot change color.
- Pregnant or nursing mothers should not whiten their teeth.
- If you are doing an at-home kit that a professional prescribed or an over-the-counter kit, you should wait 20 minutes after you brush your teeth. The toothpaste can be abrasive to the gums, which could cause the whitening gel to irritate if it touches the gums. If you have to brush your teeth before, do it without toothpaste to get the plaque off the surface.
A note to parents in Rosemount: braces for children will help get their teeth into alignment. After the braces come off, you can celebrate by whitening and making their smiles shine.
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