Brushing and flossing are the everyday solutions to keeping teeth bright and healthy. However, over time your teeth can go from healthy white to not so white and bright. Teeth whitening is the obvious solution. There are common questions that patients often ask, which include:
Why Did My Teeth Change Color?
- Food and Drink Certain beverages such as tea, coffee, and red wine stain teeth. The common denominator is intense color pigmentation that attaches to the enamel, the exposed material of teeth.
- Tobacco Tar and nicotine are found in smoking tobacco. Tar is a sticky black substance. Nicotine is colorless until combined with oxygen. At this time, nicotine turns into a substance which easily stains the surface of teeth.
- Age Teeth are made from layers of material. The top layer is enamel. Below it is a layer of dentin. As you age, constant brushing wears away the enamel, exposing the naturally yellow-colored dentin.
Teeth whitening in Chicago is a simple process. Whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide that breaks stains down. The color becomes less concentrated, which makes the teeth appear whiter and brighter.
Whitening Options
In-office Teeth Whitening uses bleach to reduce discoloration in tooth enamel and dentin. The bleaching is accelerated with the use of a UV lamp. As the hydrogen peroxide solution breaks down, oxygen bleaches the enamel and dentin. Bleaching does not harm to the tooth structure. In office teeth whitening in Chicago can lighten teeth up to eight shades in one hour.
At-home Teeth Whitening is available from your dentist. A custom-made tray is used to hold the bleaching solution. It is placed over the teeth and left in position for a period of time. Many patients prefer this option as they can do it in the privacy of their home, and at a pace that suits them. At home teeth whitening normally takes a few days up to a few weeks.
Teeth whitening in Chicago is available in Lakeview and South Loop. You are invited to make an appointment with the Art Of Modern Dentistry.
