Things To Consider Following Laser Bleaching
One of the most common and effective cosmetic dentistry procedures for eliminating stains on your teeth is laser bleaching. This treatment option generally requires a higher percentage of bleaching products than at-home bleaching kits and bleaching strips. Because of this, a laser bleaching procedure may provide you with more dramatic effects. Here are some things to consider following your laser bleaching treatment.
Avoiding Re-staining
Even though the benefits of your laser bleaching procedure can last a long time, you will need to limit your intake of coffee, red wine, tea, and other foods and drinks that can cause dental staining. Drinking the aforementioned beverages through a straw can help lower your risk of re-staining, however, eating pigmented or dark-colored foods such as blueberries and cherries will necessitate immediate brushing to decrease re-staining risks.
If you are unable to brush your teeth after eating stain-causing foods, rinse your mouth with water to help wash away the residue. In addition, your cosmetic dentist may also recommend brushing with whitening toothpaste to help maintain your bright smile following your laser bleaching procedure. Brushing your teeth with household baking soda and water can also help keep dental stains at bay.
Assessing Results
While in-office laser bleaching is very effective in eliminating surface stains, other types of dental discolorations caused by acid erosion may require further cosmetic dentistry procedures to achieve your desired result.
Acid erosion of your dental enamel causes it to become thin, weak, and transparent. Acid erosion of the dental enamel can be caused by consuming acidic foods and drinks, brushing too hard, and in some cases, it can be caused by acid reflux and certain dietary supplements such as Vitamin C. When tooth enamel becomes transparent, it allows the dentin to show through. The color of dentin can range from dark yellow to brown.
Visible dentin makes your teeth look dull, however, cosmetic procedures such as composite resin veneers can help brighten your smile. If you would like even more dramatic results following your laser bleaching procedure, talk to your dentist about veneers. They are thin shells that fit over your teeth to hide discolorations and other tooth imperfections. Veneers are available in many different shades and your dentist will ask you to choose a shade from a special veneer chart prior to your treatment.
To learn more about laser bleaching and other cosmetic dentistry procedures, make an appointment with your dentist. After a complete examination, they will recommend a treatment option to give you the smile that you have always dreamed of. Click here for more information on cosmetic dentistry.