Teeth Whitening

What causes teeth to change color?

The leading cause of tooth discoloration is getting older. As you age, your tooth enamel breaks down, allowing the yellow dentin underneath to show through. The more visible your dentin becomes, the more discolored your teeth appear.

Other factors that contribute to brown, yellow, or discolored teeth include:

• Oral trauma
• Tobacco use
• Taking medication with tetracycline
• Eating tomato-based foods, like pasta sauce or curry
• Drinking beverages with tannins, like red wine, cola, and coffee

You’re also more likely to experience stained or discolored teeth due to poor oral hygiene. It’s important to brush and floss regularly and visit the dentist at least twice a year.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a type of cosmetic dentistry. It uses medical-grade bleaching solutions to safely cut through years of stains, returning your enamel to its near-original, pearly white condition.

There are many types of teeth whitening available, but almost all of them use carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. These chemicals are FDA-approved, present no risk of side effects, and have a proven track record of success.

What does teeth whitening involve?

At Trinity Dental Care, the team offers in-office chair-side teeth whitening. The outpatient procedure can make your teeth between four and eight shades* brighter in a single appointment.

At the beginning of treatment, the team covers your tongue and gums with a protective dam. Then, they carefully apply a whitening solution to each of your teeth. They let the solution soak for 10-15 minutes, then point a special blue light at your teeth. The light creates a bleaching reaction, allowing the whitening solution to cut through stains and discoloration.

The team repeats these same steps several times until your teeth are the desired shade of white.

Do the results of teeth whitening treatment last forever?

The results of teeth whitening won’t last forever, but they can last for four to six months on average and sometimes longer. To extend your results, the team at Trinity Dental Care recommends brushing and flossing daily and undergoing professional teeth cleaning once every six months.

To minimize stains, quit using tobacco products and drink dark-colored beverages like black tea or coffee through a straw.

If you dream of a bright, Hollywood-worthy smile, make a teeth whitening appointment at Trinity Dental Care. Call the office to schedule a consultation or request one online today.