Considering Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is one of the most affordable ways to make a big difference in your smile appearance. And if you choose professional, in-office teeth whitening, it is also one of the quickest methods. Teeth whitening addresses a very common concern among teens and adults: yellow teeth. Teeth can become dull or yellow due to a variety of reasons, ranging from the staining agents in certain foods and drinks to your smoking habit or medication side effect. Our teeth can also lose their white hue as we age. When the enamel wears thin over time, the yellow dentin layer becomes more visible.

Regardless of what caused your smile discoloration, your dentist is the best one to help. It may be tempting to buy store-bought products and fix the problem yourself, but this doesn’t always provide the most effective results and safest treatment method for every patient. A dentist can evaluate your specific type of tooth staining, either intrinsic or extrinsic, to determine which form of treatment is best for you. For example, the extrinsic discoloration brought on by coffee or tobacco use is typically removed with professional grade teeth whitening. However, a greyish discoloration in your smile may be an indication that you have an intrinsic stain such as those from tetracycline use or other medications. In such cases, porcelain veneers may be a better option to restore your smile brilliance.

When it comes to teeth whitening, there are two basic questions that patients ask: Is it safe? Is it effective? Choosing teeth whitening from your dentist means that you can have an honest and qualified answer to both. Teeth whitening products work by dissolving and bleaching stains on outer surface of your teeth. Although your teeth feel smooth, your enamel is actually very porous and can harbor stains over time. If used correctly, teeth whitening products should never damage your tooth structure or irritate your gums. In fact, the latest teeth whitening products include desensitizers to reduce any mild temporary sensitivity. However, if an over-the-counter whitening agent is improperly or too aggressively, there can harmful side effects.

To ensure you are not wasting money on the wrong teeth whitening product or putting your dental health at risk by misusing it, let a dentist handle your whitening needs. At Red Oak Family Dentistry, we offer in-office whitening sessions that can lighten your teeth by several shades in just under an hour. We also give patients the chance to whiten their smile at home over a longer period of time using custom trays and professional grade whitening gel. To get more teeth whitening facts, or to learn what results you can personally expect, please give us a call.