Although brushing and flossing twice daily is a helpful way to promote a bright, healthy smile, you may still find yourself unhappy with its current shade.
Today, there are dozens of options for achieving the picture-perfect smile you’ve always wanted. Both an exciting and frustrating experience, there are many whitening options to choose from when deciding which is best for you.
If you’re thinking about enhancing your appeal with teeth whitening, it’s helpful to consider the following:
Why Are My Teeth Discolored?
Your smile is in constant use, and because of this, enamel staining is often unavoidable. Discoloration can result from several factors:
- Diet - Tea, coffee, red wine, and dark-colored foods with high levels of pigmentation are the most common culprits to staining. They contain color that easily seeps through porous enamel and likes to stay there.
- Lifestyle - Habits like smoking and using tobacco products lead to stubborn discoloration due to the tar and nicotine found in them. Tar is naturally dark, and although colorless, when mixed with oxygen, nicotine turns into a yellowish, surface-staining substance.
- Age - Over time, dentin, the softer layer beneath your outer enamel gets thinner due to everyday use and the yellowish color of dentin begins to show through.
- Accident or Injury - If you’ve experienced injury or trauma of the mouth, your teeth may change color as a reaction to the accident. Because your affected tooth produces more dentin as a defense, it may also contribute to an increase in discoloration.
- Medications - Treatments such as Chemotherapy, blood thinners, and some antibiotics can lead to teeth darkening as a side effect.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Whitening your smile is a simple process. Professional-grade lightening products contain a specialized level of hydrogen peroxide that breaks up staining. This makes the discoloration less intense, leaving your teeth brighter.
What Are My Options if I want to Brighten My Professionally?
Talk to your dentist before starting treatment. It is important to discuss any sensitivity issues or concerns you may have beforehand.
In-Office
This method is otherwise known as chairside whitening and typically takes a single visit to achieve noticeable results. Your dentist protects your lips and gums before applying the bleaching gel to the surfaces of your teeth while monitoring the process closely.
This process is ideal for patients looking to enhance the shade of their smile quickly for an upcoming event.
At-Home
Take-home options involve you applying the professional solution to a customized tray yourself. Patients undergoing this process have the advantage of lightening their smile at their own pace in the comfort of their own home.
Are you ready to achieve the radiant smile you’ve always wanted? Contact the dental office of Stephen T. Stein for your comprehensive consultation!