Understanding Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can make your smile brighter and whiter! Here’s the scoop:

• Why do teeth lose their sparkle? Over time, several factors can contribute to discoloration:

  • Foods and drinks: Coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, and even some sauces can be culprits. They have pigments that can stick to your tooth enamel.
  • Smoking: Tobacco stains your teeth, plain and simple.
  • Age: As you get older, your tooth enamel can get thinner, making the yellowish layer underneath (dentin) more visible.
  • Medications and some medical conditions: Certain medications and medical conditions can also impact tooth color.

• Two Main Teeth Whitening Methods

  1. Professional Whitening: I offer in-office treatments using stronger bleaching gels for faster and more dramatic results. We use custom mouth trays and sometimes special lights to activate the gel.
  2. At-Home Whitening: There are tons of options:
     • Whitening strips and gels applied directly to your teeth.
     • Whitening toothpastes (they remove surface stains but don’t change the deeper color of your teeth).
     • Over-the-counter whitening trays with weaker gels.

Things to Consider

• Not for everyone: Whitening won’t work on crowns, veneers, or fillings. Also, if your teeth are severely discolored or have underlying issues, we might need to explore other cosmetic options.
• Sensitivity: Some people experience temporary sensitivity during or after whitening, but it usually goes away.
• Results aren’t permanent: How long results last depends on how often you indulge in those staining foods and drinks. Regular touchups might be needed!

Is Teeth Whitening Right for You?

The best way to find out is to schedule an appointment! Here’s what we’ll do:

1. Exam and Chat: I’ll examine your teeth and gums to make sure they’re healthy enough for whitening. We’ll discuss your goals and expectations.
2. Personalized Plan: We’ll create a plan that suits your needs and your budget, whether it’s in-office whitening, at-home options, or a combination.
3. Safety First: I’ll provide detailed instructions for safe and effective whitening so you get the best possible results.