There are lots of factors which can affect the aesthetic appearance of your teeth; yellow teeth and discolouration being a common complaint to your cosmetic dentist Sydney. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, including the colour of your teeth, you need to speak to your cosmetic dentist Sydney and find out about the different treatments and procedures that are available for you.
Teeth whitening is one of the most common and simple methods of improving the appearance of your teeth. It can be carried out by your cosmetic dentist Sydney or your cosmetic dentist Sydney can prescribe a home treatment kit which you can carry out in the comfort of your own home. Teeth whitening is safe and it is suitable for most patients.
Your cosmetic dentist Sydney will make sure that teeth whitening is suitable for you before they proceed. This includes carrying out a dental examination making sure that there are no signs of cavities, tooth decay or gum disease. If you suffer from sensitivity then teeth whitening may not be suitable for you right now, this is because teeth whitening can increase sensitivity levels and cause pain and discomfort. For patients with healthy teeth and gums any sensitivity will be very temporary and should be relatively easy to tolerate.
Why do teeth become yellow?
There are many different reasons why your teeth become yellow. When you have healthy teeth you have a thick layer of enamel on your teeth. Enamel is white in colour whereas the inner layer of your teeth, the dentin, is yellow or cream in colour. The enamel gets thinner with age and with wear and tear. It becomes translucent and the yellow of the dentin can show through so that your teeth are no longer as white as they were. This is part of the natural ageing process which is why people find that their teeth are more yellow with age despite good dental hygiene and looking after their teeth.
Other factors that result in yellow or stained teeth include for dental hygiene, allowing plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth. It is important that you visit your dentist at least once every six months for professional cleaning so that any excess plaque and tartar can be removed from your teeth and your teeth will remain bright and white. Professional cleaning also removes superficial stains from the teeth, again making them whiter and more attractive. If you avoid the dentist then plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth and they look yellow and dull.
Food and drink is also another reason for teeth staining. Stain molecules from what you eat and drink can adhere to the surface of your teeth, and if you do not brush your teeth properly, then over time, the stain molecules become more stubborn and eventually you will find that your teeth remain yellow even after brushing. Smoking is a major cause of yellow teeth and some smokers report that after a few years, their teeth start becoming brown even. If you are a smoker, then you need to find out about smoking cessation as not only does smoking affect the appearance of your teeth. It has a huge impact on your dental health, as well as serious implications on your overall health and well-being. If you are a smoker, then you need to be visiting your dentist more often to make sure that your teeth and gums remain healthy and that any abnormalities can be detected early on. As mentioned, the earlier you stop smoking the less complications you will face in the future.
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening will help remove stains from the surface of your teeth to reveal the white enamel underneath. Teeth whitening is carried out using bleaching agents, including hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, depending on whether you are treated at the dental practice, or if you choose to carry out the process in the comfort of your own home.
Both hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide work by breaking down the stain molecules into smaller molecules which are then easier to brush away. At the dental practice you can have a brighter, whiter smile within 60 to 90 minutes if you are looking for an instant transformation, or if you are happy to carry out the process gradually then at home, you can have a whiter smile in two weeks.
Speak to your cosmetic today and find out more about teeth whitening and improving the appearance of your smile.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
