First Question: Can whitening my teeth damage them ? What are the effects ?
Your teeth will become more sensitive to cold, heat and sweets. Because it's a new technology, it's long term effects are still unknown. Bleaching will probably have to be repeated in order to maintain your whitening.
Second Question: Because I used antibiotics as a child, I now have darkened teeth. What can I do to make them white again?
Discoloration of your teeth is called intrinsic stain and can be treated very good with bleaching. Best option in this case is to ask your personal dentist on what options you might have. You could place porcelain laminate veneers or place crowns for ex.
Third Question: Why do people's teeth discolor upon aging ? Is this just a part of aging?
Yes, it could be just a part of aging. The surface of the teeth becomes thin during lifetime, this it's allowing underlying dentin to shine through or in some cases, become exposed to the surface. Some people are less motivated to do something about it and this will cause their oral hygiene to suffer.
Fourth Question: I am a little scared about laminates. Does it hurt to have my teeth prepared for them ? Can you tell me more about it ?
It does not hurt a bit. Actually, it is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that will be ready in two visits to your personal dentist. You can also benefit from a local anesthesia if you are a highly sensitive patient. Local anesthesia is necessary in less then 40% of the cases.
Fifth Question: I would like to know if there are advantages of laminates versus orthodontic treatments. What is the time required for both of these cosmetic dentistry procedures ?
Yes, these two cosmetic dentistry procedures are totally different by all means. If you choose orthodontic treatments, you will have to wait more than one year and a half to be 100% completed, this is not at all the case with porcelain laminates. Porcelain laminates will take only two visits to your local dentist and will correct crooked teeth usually better than the orthodontic treatment.
I am sure that you found these cosmetic dentistry questions and answer very helpful for your cosmetic dentistry research.
