Whitening
Did you know that the first thing a person notices when they meet you is your smile? It’s true. As a result, if you have a strained, dull, or discolored smile, you might be making the wrong impression. Luckily, you can whiten and brighten your smile with teeth whitening.
Causes of Discoloration
Our teeth go through an array of everyday factors that affect the luster of our smile. Common contributing factors include:
- Food
- Dark-colored drinks (i.e. coffee)
- Tobacco use
- Poor dental hygiene
- Trauma
- Age
Age is directly linked to tooth discoloration because over time, the "wear and tear" process creates a yellow cast on your teeth.
Types of Stains
Intrinsic
- Stains found on the inside of teeth (dentin)
- Result of excess fluoride use
Extrinsic
- Stains found on the outer teeth (enamel)
- Due to dark-colored drinks
Treatment
In-office teeth whitening begins with a dental exam of your mouth and teeth. Then, your specialist will utilize a hydrogen peroxide gel that is applied directly to your teeth. A mouth guard is used to prevent gum irritation due to the high concentration of peroxide. An ultraviolet light will heat the gel and give you instantly whiter teeth! We recommend avoiding drinking or eating within an hour of treatment.
