Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures today, yet having a bright smile wasn’t always simple as it is now. Roughly 4,000 years ago the ancient Egyptians began the teeth whitening trend as way to showcase their wealth. With a paste made of wine vinegar and ground pumice stone, the Egyptians used small tree branches (or frayed sticks) to place the whitening solution onto their teeth—the wealthiest citizens had the whitest teeth.
The ancient Romans also had their hand at teeth whitening, although their method utilized urine. Thankfully, this method ended when people discovered that the whitening properties in urine came from its naturally-present ammonia.
Lastly, in the 18th Century barbers were also the local dentists. Their solution was to file teeth with a metal tool paired with nitric acid to brighten teeth. However, this method was too harsh for the enamel and weakened the tooth’s structure. Lucky for us, modern dental bleaching benefits smiles without any damage. With the help of Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, whitening treatments can significantly improve the appearance of your smile.
Teeth Whitening Treatments Today
Dr. Stewart offers many teeth whitening solutions in his Livonia-based practice. With at-home and in-office options brightening your smile has never been easier. For at-home whitening, the dentist can prescribe the DayWhite or NightWhite systems to bleach your teeth at any time. However, if you’re more comfortable with having the dentist complete the whitening procedure, Zoom! Whitening can remove stains just as effectively in an hour’s time. By combining a specialized ultraviolet light with a whitening gel, your teeth can shine up to ten shades brighter.
Whiten Your Smile with Your Livonia Dentist
Your smile can have a new look and feel with the help of your Livonia dentist and teeth whitening. During the initial consultation, he can provide a detailed overview of the procedure and answer any of your questions. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.