A dazzling smile is the dream of a great many people, young and not so young: a smile with white, bright teeth helps to boost self-esteem and, in many cases, to improve our relationships with others.
Although the colour of the teeth originally comes from the dentine rather than the enamel, which is translucent and lets the natural colour of the dentine show through, over time the enamel itself tends to change, becoming less and less transparent and even, as it gradually absorbs the pigments released by the aggressive external agents that pass through the mouth every day.
Enamel staining can have many causes: ageing, tobacco, drinking tea or coffee, excessive exposure to fluoride during childhood, and antibiotics taken during the second half of pregnancy or by children under the age of 8.
Today it is possible to have a bright smile at any age thanks to new professional teeth whitening techniques: a safe practice that does not alter or damage tooth enamel, because it always involves a thorough examination by the dentist and the use of certified products.
Many people turn to over-the-counter products or DIY remedies, putting the health of their teeth at risk, because these are often too aggressive and do not take into account the general condition of the mouth.
Before whitening, it is absolutely essential to treat any tooth decay, so that the whitening solution does not seep into cracks in the enamel, reach the inner parts of the tooth and cause sensitivity. The teeth must also be free of plaque and tartar, and the gums must be healthy, with no inflammation or bleeding, as the agent used for the treatment could cause pain and be harmful.
Professional teeth whitening at COBE Dental tackles the ageing and discolouration of the enamel using only certified products and individual application systems. This allows the treatment to work as effectively as possible and guarantees the greatest possible whitening, bearing in mind that whitening has no effect on exposed roots, which have no enamel layer, and does not work on fillings, crowns or bridges either.
Credits: Photo by Luis Machado on Unsplash
