When you look in the mirror how do you feel about your smile? Do you feel embarrassed because of unsightly discoloration on your teeth? Do you want a brighter smile? If so, then you may be interested in professional teeth whitening. With a cosmetic treatment the dentist can help you erase discoloration and enjoy a more attractive smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Question: What causes teeth stains to form?
Answer: Surface teeth stains, known as extrinsic stains, occur due to smoking or the foods/drinks we consume, such as drinks with dark pigments (tea, red wine, soda, coffee). Intrinsic stains actually form below the outer surface of the teeth. They may be the result of tetracycline use, injury, or overexposure to fluoride at a young age.
Question: How can I avoid them?
Answer: You can often reduce the risk of extrinsic discoloration by taking certain steps to maintain a healthy smile. When you brush and floss you can actually help reduce the severity of future stains. Likewise, a routine dental cleaning can also help your teeth stray bright for longer periods. We also suggest cutting back on drinks with dark pigments and to cease tobacco use.
Question: How does teeth whitening work?
Answer: We offer a form of at-home whitening. The patient receives a custom-made set of trays and a powerful bleaching gel. The patient wears the gel-filled trays everyday for a certain amount of time, total treatment taking about 10-14 days.
Question: What if I have permanent discoloration?
Answer: If you have serious intrinsic stains then they may not respond to our teeth whitening procedure. In these circumstances we may recommend porcelain veneers. These restorations fit over the front of the teeth and mask discoloration. They can also change the shape of the teeth, address damaged or misshapen teeth.
