Food particles are naturally attracted to a tooth's enamel by a certain
protein. Products like coffee and tea, berries and soy sauce are notorious
for staining teeth. Over time, teeth actually become more absorbent and
vulnerable to staining from food and other substances.
One type of stain—caused by traumatic injuries, medications and
fluorosis—actually begins inside the tooth; brushing and flossing
don’t help. Another type of stain—one that can be more easily attacked
by brushing, flossing and rinsing—is caused by external factors such
as foods.
More and more people today are choosing tooth-bleaching procedures to
reverse the effects of aging and abuse from food and tobacco stains.
Some commercially available "whitening toothpastes" can be somewhat
effective at removing stains and making teeth a few shades brighter.
However, many of these products have abrasive substances that can actually
wear away your tooth's enamel.
Teeth bleaching agents actually change the color of your teeth, but only are
effective on certain types of stains. These products also are not as
effective on pitted or badly discolored teeth, or on restorations such as
crowns, bridges, bonding and tooth-colored fillings (porcelain veneers or
dental bonding may be more appropriate in this case).
Professional whitening and bleaching performed by our Honolulu office is
considered to be the most effective and safest method; done properly, tooth
bleaching can last as long as five years, while over-the-counter whitening
systems are somewhat effective as long as they are monitored and directions
followed closely.
Teeth Bleaching
Honolulu Oahu, HI Teeth Bleaching
Teeth bleaching procedures have effectively restored the smile of Honolulu
patients with stained, dull, or discolored teeth. The darker tissue of
your teeth, the dentin, can become exposed as the outer layer of enamel is
worn away by the effects of aging or things like caffeine and
tobacco.