We often have patients asking us how to improve the appearance of their smile. They are curious how teeth whitening works and whether this is the best option for their smile. We offer professional whitening and other cosmetic dental treatments to brighten teeth and help you enjoy a more esthetically pleasing smile. We can help you choose the right procedure for your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Question: What are my teeth stained?
Answer: Our teeth can develop discoloration for a variety of reasons, including the foods and drinks we consume, age, smoking, and other factors. We will assess the cause and severity of your discoloration to see which cosmetic option will best brighten your teeth.
Question: How does teeth whitening work?
Answer: We first perform an initial office treatment. We then send you home with a set of trays and a bleaching gel. Each day you will fill the trays with a bleaching gel and wear them for a set amount of time. Optimal results take between a week and ten days. A final office visit is recommended. Patients can enjoy a smile brightened by several shades.
Question: What if I have permanent discoloration?
Answer: Some forms of discoloration are known as “permanent”, possibly the result of injury, fluorosis, or the use of certain medications, such as tetracycline. If whitening won’t address these stains, we may mask them with either dental bonding or porcelain veneers, or possibly a combination of the two. The results will be a lifelike smile free of unsightly discoloration.
Question: How do I avoid future teeth stains?
Answer: With proper care and attention, you can reduce the severity of future teeth stains. First, cut back on drinks and foods with dark pigments, such as soda, coffee, tea, red wine, fruit juice, and berries. Next, always brush and floss everyday. Finally, have your teeth professionally cleaned once every six months.
