Tooth Whitening With An Artistic Touch
A set of bright, white teeth is one of the most sought after things in the country. It is estimated that Americans collectively spend billions of dollars on both professional and over-the-counter whitening products on a yearly basis. A gleaming white smile can indicate a healthy mouth and a healthy person, and can even encourage people to continue to maintain impeccable oral health. At Artistic Touch Dentistry we love to coach our patients on how to avoid and prevent tooth discoloration as well as provide them with state-of-the-art whitening treatments. Keeping those pearly whites in pristine shape is our favorite thing to do!
How Teeth Become Stained
The enamel of teeth is slightly porous, this allows some foods and beverages to stain teeth. Coffee, red wine, and colas are particularly good at staining the teeth because they are richly colored and acidic. Routine brushing and flossing is the best way to keep staining from acidic food and beverages to a minimum. Teeth can also be stained from the inside out. This is call an intrinsic stain. These stains are permanent and cannot be removed with brushing, professional cleanings, and whitening treatments. Intrinsic stains come from: excessive fluoride exposure as a young child, trauma that may have damaged the development of permanent teeth, trauma that may have caused bleeding deep in the tooth, and the use of antibiotics containing tetracycline after the second trimester of pregnancy. Many people who exhibit this type of discoloration choose veneers later in life to improve the aesthetics of their teeth.
History of Teeth Whitening
The desire for bright, white teeth didn’t start with George Clooney, it didn’t even begin when Charlie Chaplain was gracing the screen. The practice of whitening teeth dates as far back as the ancient Egyptians, who reportedly used a paste of crushed pumice stone and vinegar to keep their teeth brilliantly white. If working crushed rock into your teeth doesn’t sound painful enough, in the 17th century barbers, who doubled as dentists, would file down teeth before adding an acid solution to remove stains and whiten teeth. Because of the damage done to the enamel, this was an extremely short lived bright smile that would give way to decay fairly soon. These methods, not surprisingly, fell out of fashion for a long time and people began to rely on brushing their teeth to keep them white. In the 1980s dentists accidentally found a healthy and safe way to whiten teeth. When experimenting with a peroxide gel designed to treat gum disease, they found that as a happy side effect the gel also whitened the teeth. Dentists were then able to unlock this product to create in-office treatments as well as develop toothpastes and mouthwashes that also worked to whiten teeth.
The Practice of Tooth Whitening
We have come a long way from ancient practices and now tooth whitening is as painless and effective as brushing your teeth. At you Melbourne, Florida dentist we offer tooth whitening with an artistic touch. We listen to your goals and your reasons for wanting a whiter smile and then provide you with a personalized plan. There are many reasons why people want their teeth a shade or two brighter, from dazzling on your wedding day, to just wanting to be more confident in your every day life, there is a treatment plan for you.
White Now!
For occasions like senior photos, wedding days, and high school reunions when you need a quick whitening with instant results, an in-office whitening is perfect for you. We will apply a bleaching solution to your teeth and activate the whitening agents. You’ll walk out of the office with a smile several shades brighter, ready for all the photos, smiles, and memories you’re about to make.
Bright Always!
If you’re just looking to keep your smile as bright as it can be for no other reason than it boosts your self confidence and makes you feel good, a take-home whitening kit is just what you’re looking for. This treatment contains dentist-approved bleaching gel and trays that you wear for a few hours over the course of several weeks. It’s a gradual whitening technique that will result in continuous brightening until you’ve reached your goal. It’s an easy and convenient way to keep your smile bright and gleaming all year round.
The Benefits of Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure but its benefits reach beyond aesthetics. When people decide to invest in their smile with a whitening treatment after a routine cleaning appointment they take care of their teeth much better. After whitening, patients are encouraged to keep up with their daily brushing and flossing routines to ensure their treatment will last a long time. If you desire a bright, white smile schedule a teeth whitening appointment at Artistic Touch Dentistry today.