Most people would prefer if their smiles were a little brighter. Walk down the aisles of any grocery store or pharmacy, and you will see countless products that tout their teeth-whitening abilities. Unfortunately, most of these provide lackluster results that leave you frustrated and disappointed. Professional teeth whitening, on the other hand, is done by a dentist who has the tools and skills to help you achieve the brighter smile you’ve always wanted. In today’s blog, your talks about this procedure and the ways it will help you find confidence in your teeth once again.
What Causes Stains?
Several factors cause discoloration. The three major categories of stains are extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related. As the name suggests, age-related stains are typically caused by enamel wearing away as you get older, causing the teeth to yellow. This is natural and most people experience it. Extrinsic stains are caused by external factors like food and beverages in addition to tobacco products. These are closer to the surface and affect the enamel. Intrinsic stains are located within your teeth, and they are the hardest to get rid of. They are most often can be caused by tooth decay, an over-abundance of fluoride, trauma to the tooth, and certain medications.
At-Home Or In-Office Treatment
When you visit your dentist for , you are typically provided with one or two options for treatment: in-office or at-home. If you go with the in-office option, you will likely be there for just an hour or so. This works by your dentist applying a gel solution to your teeth and then activating it with a special light. By the time you leave, your teeth should be noticeably brighter. If you would prefer to undergo whitening at home, you will receive a set of custom trays that you fill with a safe bleaching solution. You then wear these on your teeth for a couple of hours every day for 10 days. Both of these professional treatments are effective, so you can choose which one works best for your lifestyle and needs.
For deeper stains that whitening cannot reach, can also offer a solution. These go over your teeth and can alter their shape, close gaps, and brighten your teeth. These are made from high-quality, biocompatible porcelain that is designed to closely resemble natural teeth. This means they are virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your smile. Ultimately, your dentist will examine your smile and make a recommendation based on your unique needs.
Contact Us To Learn More About Your Whitening Options
We would love to help you brighten your smile. If you have any questions about these procedures, please contact .