Discoloured teeth are a common problem and more and more people are having treatment to make their teeth look whiter and brighter.
Why do the teeth become discoloured?
There are various reasons why teeth become discoloured. Some people have naturally yellowy teeth and as the teeth age they tend to lose their natural whiteness. Drinking strongly-coloured drinks, such as red wine and coffee, on a regular basis can cause staining and smoking will almost certainly darken the colour of the teeth.
Treatments available to lighten teeth
In cases of mild discolouration, formulated whitening toothpaste may be effective. However, if you want more noticeable results, tooth whitening treatments are the way to go. You can choose from professional in-chair whitening treatments and home treatment kits, though many dentists recommend a combination of both to achieve optimum results.
In recent years, professional whitening has become very popular. Professional treatments use bleaching agents to remove surface stains and lighten the colour of teeth by several shades. In some cases, the gel is activated using a laser beam. The procedure is safe, simple and quick and the results are amazing. The most popular whitening treatments include Zoom! Whitening and Enlighten.
If you don’t want professional in-chair treatment a home whitening kit may be an ideal solution. A home whitening kit involves wearing a custom-made tray, which contains whitening agent, to gradually lighten the teeth. Most people wear the tray overnight for a set period of time. Enlighten whitening involves wearing the trays for 2 weeks and then having a one-hour session at the surgery to give your teeth an extra special glow.
Cleaning treatments
If you just want your teeth to look a little healthier and glossier, you should visit a hygienist for a deep cleaning and polishing treatment. The treatment will remove stains from the surface of the teeth and give them a glowing, shiny finish. Cleaning treatments also help to keep oral health diseases at bay and will leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh.