The Dental Evolution of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is an incredibly popular, cosmetic-improvement technique. Billions of dollars are spent annually on teeth whitening solutions. Teeth whitening is a necessary improvement because white teeth lead to better social interactions and more respect at work, but you may wonder how teeth whitening became so popular. We have researched to provide you with a brief history and evolution of teeth whitening.

Just like some forms of dental braces started with the ancient Egyptians, so were some forms of teeth whitening. During the time of the Egyptians, wine vinegar and ground up stone were used to remove stains and whiten teeth. They used tree branches to apply the solution. In ancient times, the whiter your teeth were, the wealthier you appeared to outsiders. Ancient Romans also whitened their teeth, but they used urine. The ammonia in the urine bleached the teeth. They eventually realized this was toxic, so they discontinued use. Both of these practices not only whitened teeth but also ended up damaging the teeth and making it necessary to remove them.

Before it was universally realized that dental enamel can be bleached, many people wrongly suspected it was a layer of grime that turned their teeth yellow. This resulted in metal files being used on the enamel. This obviously led to poor dental health and decay because protective enamel was being ground down. It was also very painful. Before modern times, if a tooth became infected or decayed, it was pulled instead of repaired. So, attempting to whiten teeth often led to the eventual demise of the teeth.

In the 1980's, it was accidentally discovered that hydrogen peroxide whitened teeth. Originally, hydrogen peroxide was used as an oral antiseptic for gums. Dentists noticed that the peroxide also whitened the teeth when a gel was created that held the hydrogen peroxide on for a longer period. After this, scientists and dentists have continued to develop the perfect teeth whitening solution that includes some form of peroxide. Today's teeth whitening does not damage teeth when used appropriately.

Now you can receive teeth whitening from many methods. You can buy whitening strips, rinses, and toothpaste over the counter. These options are incredibly affordable, but they are also not nearly as effective as professional teeth whitening. You can visit a dentist for teeth whitening that creates better and faster results. Most dentist offices offer at-home professional teeth whitening and in-office professional teeth whitening. Depending on your needs, budget, and how much extra time your schedule allots you, you can request either one. To have the most successful teeth whitening treatment, you should visit our office first for a thorough cleaning and stain evaluation. There are different types of dental staining that require different forms of teeth whitening. Depending on what your needs are, we can provide you with an appropriate teeth whitening technique.
To learn more about the history of teeth whitening and the best options now available today, visit our office. We can give you a brighter smile and whiter teeth that last.

Dental Bonding  >  Cosmetic Dentist

The Importance of a Dental Bridge

If you need a tooth replacement, you should learn more about the importance of a dental bridge. A dental bridge is a popular and viable option for anyone who needs a replacement tooth or replacements for more than one tooth. Continue reading to learn how dental bridges can benefit your dental health.

What is the purpose of a dental bridge?

A dental bridge can keep your smile in good working condition and keep it attractive. A dental bridge is used to replace a missing tooth. If you have a missing tooth or more than one, you could face detrimental dental structure damage, in addition to the following:

• You could be more at risk for periodontal disease, a serious form of gum disease that causes gum recession and tooth loss.
• The alignment of your teeth can begin to shift, causing crooked and weakened teeth. This will also affect your smile and facial structure.
• When your other teeth begin to change position, they may become loose and fall out.
• You will have an increased risk of tooth decay and tooth damage due to the extra work the other teeth will be doing to make up for the lack of a tooth or teeth.
• You will most likely also experience discomfort in your teeth and gums from the extra pressure they are receiving without a tooth in place.
• You could suffer speech impediments since you are not used to speaking with missing teeth.
• You may not be able to eat your favorite foods due to lack of chewing power.
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A dental bridge can combat all of these issues and more. Dental bridges will provide support for other teeth, giving you more chewing strength, and you will be able to speak naturally again. Since dental bridges include the use of crowns for an anchor, the teeth that are covered with crowns will have increased protection from decay and damage.

How does a dental bridge stay in place?

Unlike most dentures options, dental bridges are fixed teeth replacements that will stay in place unless removed by a dentist. Dental bridges are secured by healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth. The support teeth are called abutment teeth. The abutment teeth will be covered with strong, tooth-colored crowns that will work as an anchor for your realistic-looking artificial tooth that will be placed in the space of your missing tooth. We can also provide dental bridges for people who are missing more than one tooth, as long as a few strong, healthy teeth are available to be used as anchors. Dental bridges can also be placed on dental implants for an extra durable and permanent tooth replacement.

The process of receiving a dental bridge will take two to three visits in most cases, so we are able to make the perfect bridge fit for your dental structure. A properly fitted dental bridge will last you for years. To learn more about the importance of a dental bridge, give us a visit.