Ellen Lim, DDS

Teeth Whitening from Ellen Lim, DDS

Serving Houston, TX

Whitening procedures have effectively restored the smile of people 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.

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-whitening procedures to reverse the effects of aging and abuse from food and tobacco stains.

Power Bleaching: Teeth Whitening At Its Best

It is not a secret that whiter teeth are among the factors behind an attractive and youthful appearance. Moreover, stained or yellowish teeth prevent many people from talking or smiling all they want. If your teeth are severely stained or you simply want a teeth whitening procedure that really works, ask your Houston TX dentist about “in-office” teeth whitening or “power bleaching”.

There are many ways to whiten teeth but power bleaching is considered the procedure of choice by many. Compared to many other teeth whitening solutions, this is done in a dental office and supervised by a dentist. Vital or living teeth require peroxide solution in high concentration. The solution is directly placed on the teeth and a light or heat source is used to enhance the release of peroxide.

Although the process of teeth whitening is a generally safe procedure, it is best to consult with your reliable dentist in Houston TX to know if you are a good candidate for whitening. This is true especially for kids and individuals with gum diseases and enamel loss. People with veneers, crowns, and fillings should be extra cautious too.

The effect of power bleaching is not permanent. However, with proper food choices and avoiding activities that can lead to staining, it can last up to ten years. You may need to add tooth whitening “touch-up” in your schedule every six months or every year. Buy a home tooth bleaching kit or let your dentist perform the touch-up.

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.

Whitening agents actually change the color of your teeth, but only are effective on certain types of stains. For example, bleaching agents have a difficult time removing brownish or grayish 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 performed by our office is considered to be the most effective and safest method; done properly, tooth whitening can last as long as five years. Over-the-counter whitening systems are somewhat effective as long as they are monitored and directions followed closely.

For more information on teeth whitening in Houston, TX, from Ellen Lim, DDS call 713-850-9699 today!