There are people who have been brushing their teeth responsibly for years, but cannot achieve a radiant, white-toothed smile. What is the reason? Total injustice, damn it: yellowish or grayish enamel can be inherited from parents or formed during life due to dietary habits. It’s too late to look for reasons and get upset: “Why?!”
Our teeth are covered with enamel, which is the densest tissue in the body - provided that the body is healthy. If you have good genetics, a healthy diet with plenty of nutrients and no problems with internal organs, the enamel should be strong and shiny white. If at least some internal factor has failed, the enamel has every chance of being yellowish, weak, and covered with cracks. Weakness of enamel is a direct path to caries, and in addition to this, such teeth look unaesthetic.
Interesting! Veneers were invented at the request of Hollywood. Initially, veneers were made of plastic and glued to the actors’ teeth right before filming. After work, the actor took off his artificial “teeth,” which would have looked unnatural in real life. Now in Hollywood it is difficult to meet an actor who does not have permanent veneers.
In this article we will not talk about defeating caries (we rely on your awareness and timely treatment of all “wormholes”), but we will talk about how to transform unsightly enamel into a Hollywood smile.
Why do teeth darken?
The most common cause of darkening of teeth is thinning of the enamel. This occurs due to loss of minerals. Often, tooth enamel darkens and turns yellow with age; this is observed even with the most careful oral care. In these cases, dentists recommend using teeth whitening paints.
There are other reasons for darkening of the enamel:
- caries;
- pulpitis;
- poor-quality installation of fillings;
- taking tetracycline-based medications;
- deficiency or excess of fluoride.
If measures to strengthen teeth are not taken in a timely manner, then over time cracks may appear in the enamel, and then caries.
Indications for use
Dental varnishes and paints are recommended for use in the following cases:
- If the patient has a dark spot on the tooth. This is the initial sign of developing caries.
- If there is increased sensitivity of the teeth to cold or heat, as well as cracking of the enamel.
- With darkening of the enamel of various etiologies.
- If the patient has chipped or wedge-shaped defects in the teeth.
Paints are also used for cosmetic purposes. Such coatings can be used to paint over crowns and fillings.
In what cases is all this necessary?
The use of dental varnishes and enamels is necessary in the following cases:
- the patient has caries in the spot stage;
- there is hypersensitivity of the teeth and microcracks in the enamel;
- change in tooth color;
- increased enamel permeability;
- processing of fillings and crowns;
- chips and wedge-shaped defect.
What does the paint contain?
Let's take a closer look at the composition of dental paints. These preparations can be divided into varnishes and enamels.
Teeth coloring varnishes contain the following components:
- shellac;
- fluoride compounds;
- fir extract;
- chloroform;
- alcohol.
Some varnishes contain calcium compounds. Such products are usually applied over fluoride paints.
The varnish hardens on the surface of the teeth in the form of a film. It prevents plaque formation and bacterial growth. As a result, cracks in the enamel gradually heal.
Tooth enamels consist of the following components:
- substances for the formation of a protective film;
- whitening paste based on titanium dioxide;
- mineral substance (hydroxyapatite).
Enamel lightens teeth by about 10-12 shades. Such products are used for aesthetic purposes and to prevent caries. Enamel helps smooth out tooth irregularities and chips. However, the effect does not last long.
The following is a brief overview of the most popular dental stains.
How is the color of veneers determined?
To select the color of ceramic microprostheses, dentists use a special scale called Vita. It includes:
- 16 natural shades;
- 4 ultra-whites that practically do not exist in nature - Bleach.
Thus, you can choose the appropriate color from as many as 20 options. If the patient only needs a few restorations, the shade of the veneers should match the color of the adjacent teeth. However, if microprostheses are placed over the entire smile area, then the patient is free to choose any color he likes, based on his ideas about beauty and the doctor’s recommendations.
Naturally colored veneers according to the Vita scale are presented in the form of four blocks in accordance with the enamel undertone:
- A - red-brown;
- B - yellow-red;
- C - gray;
- D - gray-red.
There is no need to be alarmed: such a classification does not mean that the selected sample will be red or gray. Only a specialist will see the difference between the tone of ceramic veneers; for patients, they look approximately the same - like ordinary natural teeth.
Each of the four blocks contains four shades, grouped by brightness: from the lightest to the darkest. They are designated by the numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4. Accordingly, all tooth colors on the Vita scale have their own alphabetic and digital number - for example, a2 or b1.
Dental Paint
This product gives your teeth a bright white color. It lightens the enamel by 12-15 tones. Dental Paint is used for severe darkening. It is quite resistant to food and drinks.
This dental paint is made up of beneficial minerals. It is easy to use. 2 minutes after application, a film forms on the surface of the tooth. The paint is applied daily and can be easily removed with a toothbrush or toothpick.
The price of this dental paint in a pharmacy is about 2,000 rubles. The disadvantages of the drug include the short duration of the effect. This remedy improves the appearance of teeth, but has little therapeutic effect. In addition, after applying varnish, teeth look unnaturally white.
Advantages and disadvantages
Instant whitening of affected teeth is not an ideal procedure for everyone. It has its pros and cons, and each person decides for himself whether he is ready to make some concessions in order to have a Hollywood smile. Before starting the procedure, the dentist must explain to the patient all the intricacies of the procedure.
Benefits of Fast Whitening | Disadvantages of the lightening procedure |
Very fast effect: occurs within a few minutes after application | Short-term effect of whitening: after a few weeks not a trace of the procedure will remain |
The color of tooth enamel can change by eight or ten tones at once | Prohibition on the use of coloring products |
The enamel becomes stronger and stronger, sensitivity decreases | Complete smoking cessation |
Preparations used to give teeth a different shade do not have a negative effect on the gums and oral cavity | Sometimes, due to the characteristics of the dentition, it is not possible to apply the lightening composition evenly |
Relative cheapness of the procedure | The layer obtained after application is very fragile and requires careful handling. |
As you can easily see, staining darkened teeth has significant disadvantages. If you do decide to undergo this procedure, you should remember the restrictions, otherwise the money will be wasted and you will quickly be disappointed with the result.
"Colordent"
White varnish-paint for teeth "Colordent" contains antiseptic substances. This product whitens enamel by 10 tones and preserves minerals in tooth tissue. The drug is packaged in a pen bottle. It is easy to use. Even a child can apply this varnish on his own, since the composition of this product is safe.
Colordent is applied every day and removed with a toothbrush. This product takes quite a long time to dry, and its effect is short-lived. The cost of paint in pharmacy chains ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 rubles.
Color Professional
This tooth paint consists only of natural ingredients. It whitens teeth by 10 shades and dries in 2 minutes. The drug has a good healing effect, strengthens and protects dental tissue from damage. This remedy is indicated for patients with excess fluoride in the body. The paint does not wear off when eating or drinking.
The cost of the product is about 2000 rubles. A 6 ml bottle is enough for 40 applications. However, many patients find that this drug is difficult to apply on their own due to the uncomfortable brush.
Eight products worthy of your attention
We have selected the best varnishes and enamels for teeth, which, judging by consumer reviews, are popular and in demand:
- Dental Paint . The price of the varnish starts from 2000 rubles for a 10 ml bottle. The manufacturer promises that the paint will be enough for 40-50 coatings. Production: Russia. Teeth dye that gives a brilliant white color. Consists of mineral components, whitens by 10-15 tones, drying in 2 minutes. The effect is cosmetic, not therapeutic. The paint is suitable for home use and easy to use. Apply daily, remove from the surface of the teeth with a toothpick or toothbrush. Forms a film on the teeth that is resistant to food and drinks. Disadvantages : short-lived effect, can be worn off in places by hard food, gives teeth an unnaturally white tint, difficult to apply without assistance.
- Teeth enamel White Enamel . Price from 2300 rubles per 6 ml bottle. The enamel is designed for 1.5-2 months of use. Production: Russia. Remineralizing enamel that gives teeth a snow-white shade, suitable for daily use. With constant use, it brightens teeth by 4-6 tones. The enamel is safe and does not contain hydrogen peroxide, and is resistant to food and drink particles. It has a cosmetic and antibacterial effect, reduces tooth sensitivity. Removable daily with a toothbrush. Disadvantages : one-day effect, wears off from hard food, difficult to apply evenly the first time.
- Varnish-paint Colordent . Price from 1570 rubles for a 3 ml pen bottle. Approximately the varnish is designed for 20 colors. Production: Russia. Varnish-paint in a convenient and easy-to-apply pen bottle with bactericidal and antiseptic components. The varnish is available in many different shades, including colored ones, for pranks or stage performances. Whitens teeth by 10 shades and remineralises enamel with daily use. Due to its safe composition, it can be used even by children. Paint from teeth must be removed daily using a toothbrush. Disadvantages : takes a relatively long time to dry, small volume, not long-lasting effect
- Teeth enamel Color Professional . Price from 2000 rubles per 6 ml package. The enamel is designed for 40 applications. Production: Russia. Tinted enamel for teeth, strengthening and remineralizing enamel with long-term use. Lightening by 10 tones in 2 minutes. Thanks to the natural components in the composition, it is not dangerous for the oral mucosa and is suitable for patients with fluorosis. The paint is resistant to food and drinks. Disadvantages : many fakes, small packaging volume with high consumption, inconvenient brush for application.
- Liquid porcelain . Price from 650 rubles for 8 ml. The packaging volume is designed for 1.5 months of use. Production: Russia. Tinted varnish that reduces tooth sensitivity and instantly brightens teeth by 10 shades. In addition, it prevents the development of caries and, with constant use, brightens teeth by 6-8 tones. The coloring effect lasts for a day, then the varnish is cleaned off with a toothbrush. The varnish does not contain acid or peroxide. Disadvantages : difficult to purchase, gives teeth an unnaturally white color.
- Celebrity white flash . Price 500 rubles for a 3 ml pen bottle. The varnish is designed for 15-20 applications. Production: USA. Tooth varnish strengthens teeth and at the same time whitens tooth enamel, prolonging the effect of clinical whitening. It is odorless and easy to apply. The varnish is non-toxic and safe to use. Every day, varnish should be removed from your teeth with a toothbrush. Disadvantages : takes a long time to dry; after applying the varnish, you should not eat or drink for an hour.
- Teeth corrector Pearl Drops Transform Now…Smile! Price 700 rubles for 5 ml. The corrector is designed for 2-3 months of daily use. Manufacture: UK. A corrector for teeth that gives the enamel a natural white tint and a fresh aroma. The corrector has an enamel-safe formula, convenient packaging and high durability. It is necessary to remove the corrector from the teeth daily. Disadvantages : only a cosmetic effect, takes a long time to dry.
- Kryolan tooth enamel . Price 670 rubles for 12 ml. Manufacture: Germany. Tooth enamel for cosmetic purposes has a wide palette of shades. Despite its large volume, it is not suitable for daily use. Remove from teeth with a napkin or toothbrush. Disadvantages : you cannot eat or drink fizzy drinks with it, it does not have an antibacterial and remineralizing effect.
White Enamel
This white tooth paint lightens the enamel by 4-5 shades. It is used for minor darkening. The product effectively protects teeth and reduces their sensitivity to cold and hot food. The paint does not contain acids and has antiseptic properties.
The price of the drug is about 2,400 rubles, the bottle lasts for 1.5-2 months. However, such paint often wears off when eating solid food. In addition, this product is quite difficult to apply on your own, since it does not always lie evenly on the teeth.
Bleach teeth color - Hollywood smile
No matter how much natural beauty is valued, many patients dream of a dazzling white smile, like that of movie stars. For such cases, the Vita palette includes four snow-white shades “Bleach”, which do not exist in nature.
Bleach 1 and Bleach 2 are bright white enamel with virtually no yellow pigment. Such shades are associated with shockingness and can only look good on stage, in the spotlight and against the backdrop of bright makeup. In shades Bleach 3 and Bleach 4 a small percentage of yellow pigment appears, but they still remain outside the natural palette.
The bleach color of ceramic veneers looks more appropriate on dark skin. Those with Northern European appearance are better off giving preference to natural shades a1 and b1 - they are just as light, but look more organic.
Kryolan
Paints of various shades are produced under the Kryolan brand. They are used to a greater extent to achieve a cosmetic effect. The drug does not have a significant therapeutic effect, since it does not contain antiseptics and is not able to preserve minerals.
The cost of enamel is about 680 rubles. The volume of the bottle is quite large - 12 ml. However, this paint cannot be used every day. It interacts with carbonated drinks and food. Therefore, enamel can only be applied for a few hours. Then it must be removed with a toothbrush.
Celebrity White Flash
This white tooth paint works great to brighten enamel. At the same time, it has a pronounced therapeutic effect - it strengthens dental tissue and preserves minerals. It can be used to prolong the effect of professional whitening.
The cost of paint is about 500 rubles. It is packaged in a pen-shaped bottle. It is important to remember that this product takes a long time to dry. After applying it, you must refrain from eating and drinking for 1 hour.
Corrector for teeth
In pharmacy chains you can find the instant teeth corrector Pearl drops transform now smile. This drug is used exclusively for cosmetic purposes. It very quickly gives the enamel a white color, while the teeth look natural. The product contains aromatic substances that freshen breath.
The price of the drug is about 500 rubles. A 12 ml bottle lasts for about 2-3 months. The product takes a long time to dry, so after application you need to refrain from eating for 1 hour.
Instructions for use
Before applying paint, you must brush your teeth thoroughly. This can be done at home using paste and a brush. However, dentists recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned before using paint for the first time.
Varnishes and enamels are applied only to dry surfaces. Therefore, the teeth must be dried with a hairdryer or wiped dry with a clean cloth.
Then you need to apply varnish or enamel to the teeth of the lower jaw (from the gums to the cutting edge) and let it dry. The mouth must be kept open. Typically the paint dries within 5 minutes. The teeth of the upper jaw are treated in the same way.
It is necessary to ensure that the paint does not get on the gums. For 12 hours after applying the drug, you should avoid eating solid food and brushing your teeth, since not all products are resistant to rough mechanical stress. You should also not consume foods that can stain the enamel.
Colors of Emax ceramic veneers
Emax glass-ceramic microprostheses differ from conventional ceramic veneers in their manufacturing technology. Accordingly, for overlays of this type there is a separate color scale - Vita 3D-Master. Here, not two, but three color selection options are used.
- Brightness - from 1 to 5.
- The tonality is L (more yellow) and R (more red).
- Saturation - from M1 to M3.
To determine the shade of the future veneer, the doctor first determines its brightness, moving from the darkest to the lightest, then selects the intensity level M and, lastly, the tonality L or R. The color codes of the Vita 3D-Master palette consist of three symbols - for example, 3M2 .
Dentist reviews
In reviews of dental paints, dentists report that these products are not a panacea. Paints can be used only at the initial signs of caries, when a person has a small spot on the tooth or there are microcracks in the enamel. Doctors also recommend using these products when there is an excess or lack of fluoride and when teeth darken after taking antibiotics.
Doctors compare these drugs to nail polishes. Dyes give teeth a white color, but this is only a temporary improvement. They are used in cases where professional whitening is contraindicated for the patient. Almost all paints have a one-day effect. They are applied in the morning and removed in the evening with a toothbrush. Such products can be used, for example, before important events to make teeth whiter.
If a person has serious thinning of the enamel, then paints will not help. In such cases, it is necessary to undergo professional dental fluoridation. This will saturate the dental tissue with essential minerals. The effect of this procedure lasts about 1-2 years.
Before the remineralization procedure, you must contact your dentist and have your teeth whitened professionally. Fluoridation is also recommended for patients after prosthetics and children wearing braces.
It is important to remember that fluoridation is not indicated in all cases. After all, excess fluoride can also cause darkening of the enamel. If in the region where the patient lives, the water contains an excess amount of this element, then this procedure should not be done.
Veneers and their varieties
Veneers were invented for the restoration of front teeth that have changed color (become yellow, dark, stained), or become chipped and cracked. Dentists divide these correction means into direct and indirect.
The last type - indirect veneers - is especially popular in our country. What it is? Based on an impression of your teeth, the technician makes ceramic plates, which are then glued to the front teeth. These plates are thin and glossy, like real teeth. You don’t have to order blue-white veneers and then be scared of your own reflection in the mirror every night. The plates can be of any color close to biological (for example, slightly cream). This way you can achieve a natural and impressive looking smile. One “but”: before gluing the veneers, you will need to slightly grind the enamel. This means that you won’t be able to “rip off” the veneers you don’t like, and you won’t be able to return to a natural smile.
Direct veneers are, roughly speaking, the painting of teeth with special composite materials. The dentist applies a solution to the front teeth, which gradually hardens and becomes artificial enamel. In this case, before the procedure you will also have to lightly polish the natural enamel.
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Lumineers
Article on the topic
How to lighten tooth enamel Lumineers are a means of correcting a smile from the “breed” of veneers. These are plates that are also made according to an individual impression. The main difference from veneers is the material. The substance from which lumineers are made adheres perfectly and adheres even to unpolished enamel. Therefore, from a health point of view, Lumineers are safer. But, as always, everything useful has a downside: the material of lumineers is matte, so your smile will look slightly unnatural.
Componeers
Componeers look as natural as possible due to the fact that they are made according to the principle of our native enamel. By nature, our enamel is transparent, and so are compositers. How are they attached? The tooth enamel is polished, glue is applied to it, and transparent glossy plates are placed on top. The glue under the plate turns white, and the perfectly white substrate shines through the transparent plate. However, in this case it is impossible to choose the shade of the tooth - it will be as white as the glue manufacturer wanted it.
Proper preparation
It would seem that installing veneers (or any analogues) is as simple as possible: platinum, glue... Hello, new me! However, the main contraindication to installing veneers is malocclusion. And few of us are perfect. If your teeth are crooked, then the strongest and most beautiful veneers will not be able to stay on the teeth and will fall off quickly enough. Therefore, before deciding on an expensive aesthetic correction, you need to consult with an orthodontist. You may need to install braces or wear a mouthguard - these are the simplest and most progressive ways to straighten your bite. Braces are a permanent structure that will have to be worn for 9-12 months. Plastic mouth guards can only be worn at night or during free time.
The perfect smile: the subtleties of proper dental care
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