Tooth Whitening
We get it. You want a sparkling, white smile. Who doesn't? But, there's more to teeth whitening than what's on the surface.
Considering tooth whitening?
Various factors play a role in the color of your teeth, and here's the honest truth: perfectly healthy teeth can still have a yellow hue. Our smiles can become dull over time from staining drinks (such as coffee, tea or soda), poor oral hygiene habits, smoking or tobacco use, illness, certain medications, fluorosis and the natural aging process.
If a tooth has suddenly changed color to shades of brown, gray or black, or you've recently suffered trauma to a tooth, this can indicate a more serious issue and you should contact your dentist.
What teeth whitening options are available?
While all whitening methods are effective, some work faster than others. Because teeth whitening isn't permanent, your teeth will become stained again over time. Your diet and oral hygiene habits will determine how often the process needs to be repeated. For most, it's six months to a year.
In-Office Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is the fastest method. It's perfect when you're short on time (for example, a wedding or speaking engagement later that week) and want a brighter smile quickly. While this is the quickest option, it also tends to cause the most short-term sensitivity.
Take-Home Professional Whitening
Take-home professional whitening is ideal for most patients. The kit consists of a tray custom-made for your teeth and professional-grade whitening gel.
The process usually takes a week or two of daily treatments (lasting 30 minutes to one hour).
Over-the-Counter Whitening
Over-the-counter products (like Crest Whitening Strips) use the same ingredients as take-home professional whitening kits but are far less concentrated.
Because of this, it usually takes longer (almost a month of daily use) to reach your desired result. The generic shape of the strips and lack of fit to your teeth can also cause gum irritation.
Common FAQs
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Most people experience the occasional discoloration of their teeth due to the intake of various foods and drinks. This can be addressed in several ways, including regular brushing and flossing, as well as professional whitening treatments. Knowing the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic stains, and which one you may be dealing with, can help you and your dentist determine the best course of action.
Extrinsic Stains
The most common type of tooth stain is extrinsic. These are located on the surface of your teeth and can be easily removed with whitening treatments. Stains like these are often caused by coffee, soda, wine and tobacco.
Intrinsic Stains
Intrinsic stains occur when the dentin (the inner substance of your tooth) changes to a darker or more yellow shade. Dental trauma, thinning enamel and certain medications can affect the color of this area.
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Whitening treatments use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to remove external stains from the tooth by bleaching the enamel and dentin. While whitening won't harm your teeth, they may become sensitive during or a few days after treatment.
Before whitening your teeth, consider any existing or future crowns, bridges, veneers or fillings you may have. Whitening treatments can't change the color of artificial surfaces, so it's helpful to determine if they show when you smile or if you want to whiten before deciding on the shade of an upcoming restoration.
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Regular brushing, flossing and professional cleanings with a dental hygienist can help prevent and remove stains. But if you're serious about stopping stains, be mindful of what you're eating and drinking. While you don't have to avoid teeth-staining substances entirely, you can rinse with water after a coffee or meal to help wash away any residue.
If you still aren't getting the results you want with the tips above, Blanchard Family Dentistry offers a variety of whitening treatments to help you achieve a sparkling smile.