Your smile is one of the key components of your first impression. When your teeth are discolored, the quality of your smile is diminished. Others will take notice. Discolored teeth quickly lead to a loss of confidence. Suddenly, you are hiding your smile behind your hand, or are only giving tight-lipped grins. Both of these actions, while small, speak volumes to those around you. Teeth whitening procedures are becoming increasingly popular. At smileactives , we offer tooth whitening, helping your smile appear healthier, and allowing you to make a strong first impression.
CAUSES OF TOOTH DISCOLORATION
Your teeth consist of two layers. The outer layer, the enamel, is pearly white, hard and heavily mineralized. The inner layer, the dentin, is more yellow in color. Over time, the enamel breaks down. Tiny fractures can form, which catch, and hold stains, pigments and other debris.
There are several different factors that can contribute to discoloration:
• | Dark colored foods and beverages, including such things as coffee, tea, red wine, tomato-based sauces, and curries. These foods and beverages are heavily pigmented, and the pigments stick quite easily to the enamel of your teeth. |
• | Smoking, or the use of other tobacco products. Cigarettes contain numerous chemicals. Two of these chemicals are tar and nicotine. Tar is naturally dark in color. Nicotine, on the other hand, is clear, until it comes into contact with oxygen. |
• | Certain medications, such as tetracycline and doxycycline. |
• | Your age. As you get older, your enamel wears. Eventually, the yellow tint of your enamel begins to show through.
AT-HOME WHITENING PRODUCTSThere are multiple different types of whitening products that you buy at your local pharmacy. However, these products—including strips, gels, and pens—are not customizable. Your teeth and your whitening needs are unique. Most products may not be able to help you achieve the results you are looking for. They also contain lower levels of bleaching agents, so it can take a while even to see minor changes. |