Are you looking to improve your smile? An attractive smile is vital for an excellent first impression. But if you have stained or discolored teeth, this could be a problem. While we all start with white teeth, bad dental hygiene and lifestyle habits like smoking could turn our teeth yellow. Cosmetic teeth whitening procedures can reduce this yellowing while also removing stains caused by smoking and foods like coffee and soda. It is a quick, painless, and non-invasive procedure, which is why it is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures in America.
The teeth-whitening procedure involves having a whitening gel applied to the patient’s teeth by a dentist. This gel breaks down the staining compounds that cause teeth to yellow, resulting in a whiter smile. The dentist can rinse the gel off and put it back on as needed, and the whole process takes less than an hour. Patients with cavities need to get fillings before the procedure, as the gel can irritate cavities that haven't been treated.
Some dentists also offer teeth-whitening solutions that can be used at home. These kits include custom-made whitening trays and gel. This has to be applied as instructed over a few months. At-home whitening takes longer and doesn't work as well as whitening at the dentist's office.
There also exist over-the-counter teeth-whitening kits like gels and strips. While these are less expensive, they take a long time to show results and could contain abrasives that will erode the enamel. Compared to over-the-counter solutions, professional teeth whitening can keep your teeth white for up to two years.
Let us look at some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration and see if you are at risk.
As you grow older, your enamel starts thinning over time and becomes more susceptible to discoloration. This is a natural process that can happen even if you practice good dental hygiene. The dentin is a layer under your enamel that is yellow in color, giving you yellow-looking teeth. As your enamel thins, your dentin starts getting exposed. Dentin exposure can also result in sensitive
teeth.
Just as irregular brushing and bad oral hygiene can cause cavities, they can also cause tooth discoloration. Food and plaque buildup occur between your teeth when you don’t brush or floss regularly. This can cause cavities and food stains, making your teeth look darker and stained. Bad oral hygiene can also cause your enamel to thin out much faster.
Excessive use of coffee and citrus beverages can stain your teeth, especially if your enamel is weak. Other lifestyle habits, like tobacco use, can also stain the teeth of regular users.
To maintain good dental hygiene, you must moderate your tobacco use and cut down on beverages like coffee.
Did you know that certain mouthwashes can stain your teeth? Yes, even after following perfect dental hygiene, you can still face problems with your teeth due to certain medications and diseases. Even common over-the-counter medicines like Benadryl can sometimes cause teeth discoloration. Diseases like fluorosis can also cause brown spots on your teeth.
Having white teeth is an important part of how you look and can also boost your confidence. So whether you want to boost your confidence, look younger, prepare for a special day, or just have a brighter smile, look no further than Fountains Family Dental. We offer our Chandler patients a variety of cosmetic dental services, including teeth whitening. Our dental specialists will thoroughly examine each pair of your teeth, taking care to remove any stains or yellowing of the tooth surface. Our teeth-whitening service, which is done by a team of experienced dentists, will give you a bright, white smile in no time.
