Does the sound of revitalizing your smile excite you? The yellower your teeth become, the older you might appear. Everything from our regular habits to s daily cup of joe contributes to less than white chompers. Luckily, our team at Dee for Dentist can brighten your smile either in-office or in-home.
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The Three Reasons for Discoloration
Not all yellowing, browning, or other discoloring’s are the same. As professional whitening treatments in Las Vegas continue to become more popular, dentists have found three forms of discoloration:
- Extrinsic
- Intrinsic
- Combination
Extrinsic Discoloring
These are the most common reasons most people seek a whitening or bleaching treatment. Extrinsic causes are from external forces that stain the outer surface of the enamel. These stains are often from:
- Coffee, tea, and other darker fluids
- Wine, both white and red
- Curry, berries, and various other foods
- Sweets and sugars
Since these are only surface deep, often your tooth color can improve by eight times brighter.
Intrinsic Discoloring
Intrinsic stains are much more complicated and prove a much more serious problem. These cases have infected dentin that proves much more challenging to whiten. Usually, the culprits for these stains are overexposure to medicines and antibiotics. These are much more difficult to correct, and improvement may not be as drastic.
Combination Discoloration
As the name suggests, this condition has instances of both damaged enamel and dentin. Over the years, coffee, smoking, and alcohol add up. It all comes to a head later in life as your enamel thins with age. The stains, which are now deeper, can begin to affect the soft dentin on the tooth.
How Long Will a Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment Take?
This comes down to the method you choose: in-office or in-home. For those of you who prefer in-office experiences, it’ll last roughly an hour. In-home solutions often take up to a month but sometimes only a couple of weeks.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Whitening is generally safe but it is also dependent on the current condition of your teeth. The best thing to do is schedule a visit. If you want to enhance your smile without worrying about tooth sensitivity, learn more within our blog about whitening methods for sensitive teeth.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Generally speaking, teeth whitening works by applying a gel with whitening agents onto the teeth. These gels often contain ingredients that convert to or include hydrogen peroxide. Then, the gel is activated with a curing light such as a heating lamp or laser. The gel then reacts with compounds that cause staining in the mouth, called chromogens.
When the chromogens react with the hydrogen peroxide, the compounds are broken down and become smaller. The compounds also oxidize. When the chromogens are large, they look darker and appear as stains on your teeth. But when the compounds are broken down, they are smaller and look lighter. This brightens the appearance of your teeth.
Your dentist will likely apply a prescription strength gel containing 25% to 40% hydrogen peroxide, leaving the gel in place for specific intervals. By keeping these intervals relatively short, at approximately 20 minutes, your dentist can closely monitor progress while mitigating risks. If you want a brighter smile, your dentist at Dee for Dentist can safely apply the gel for multiple intervals, allowing you to get the desired results.
How Long Do Professional Teeth Whitening Results Last?
While teeth whitening results are not permanent, they can last an impressively long time. While some over-the-counter solutions last as little as two weeks or less, an in-office treatment can last upward of three years.
Professional solutions for at-home use are also available through your dentist, though these results will not last as long as those administered in your dentist’s office. In-office teeth whitening with your dentist will be the most effective, longest-lasting, and cost-effective solution for teeth whitening.
How to Maintain Your Newly Brightened and Whitened Smile
If you want to ensure that your newly brightened smile stays white for as long as possible, there are a few habits you can take home and incorporate into your daily habits. The following are some of our tips and tricks for making your teeth whitening last:
- Avoid staining foods and drinks, including coffee, red wine, fruit juices, beer, beets, berries, and dark chocolate. Foods with artificial colors may also lead to staining.
- Use a straw whenever you drink something that may stain your teeth. A straw will help ensure any staining agents can more easily bypass your teeth.
- Stop smoking or smoke tobacco less, as tobacco and nicotine lead to yellow-stained teeth. Smokers are also more likely to find that over-the-counter solutions do not work very well for them.
- Brush and floss immediately after eating or drinking anything other than water. This will help remove staining agents more quickly from your teeth. If you cannot brush your teeth, we strongly encourage you to at least rinse out your mouth.
- Get touch-ups whenever necessary. Many dentists recommend getting a touch-up approximately six to 12 months after your first whitening.
- Consider using a whitening toothpaste, especially if your dentist has a good recommendation that fits your needs and lifestyle.
- Stay hydrated, as plenty of water will help rinse away any staining foods and particles.
- Visit your dentist regularly, as you can get surface stains removed during a thorough clean, speak with your dentist about concerns, and get additional helpful tips.
If you need additional recommendations for maintaining your white and bright smile, you’re welcome to contact us at Dee for Dentist. We can provide additional tips and tricks, schedule your next appointment with one of our dedicated providers, and answer your questions. Our team looks forward to hearing from you and meeting you during your initial consultation.
What to Expect During Your Teeth Whitening Appointment
During the whitening appointment, your dentist will use information from your consultation to provide you with the best possible treatment. Generally, your dentist will record the current state of your teeth before whitening. They’ll also apply gauze to isolate particular areas of the mouth and apply a compound that protects the gums and oral tissue, preventing pain or sensitivity.
Your provider will then apply the gel, checking and reapplying every 20 minutes or so as needed. The gel will be activated with a curing light, laser, or heat lamp. Checking and reapplying the gel helps to control your teeth’ whiteness and prevent discomfort.
The gel will be rinsed off when the desired shade has been accomplished. Your dentist may apply fluoride to your teeth to help reduce sensitivity and provide protection. If you feel nervous about the process for any reason, you can also ask your provider about nitrous oxide or other sedation options. Please reach out to us at Dee for Dentist if you have any questions or need additional support.
