Are you on a quest to achieve white teeth and brighten your smile? If so, you've probably considered various options, including DIY and professional teeth whitening. In a bid to save money, some people opt for over-the-counter whitening kits without understanding the underlying dangers they pose on their health. At-home whitening using these kits can further damage the teeth when used incorrectly.
According to the BDJ research team, DIY whitening can lead to mouth ulcers, teeth sensitivity, stomach problems, gum shrinking, and nerve damage. Thus, if you are looking for safe, professional, and sustainable teeth whitening solutions, turn to the experts. With this in mind, here's all you need to know about professional teeth whitening and why it's right for you.
Causes of Teeth Discoloration
Before getting into the whitening options, it's essential to understand what causes teeth discoloration in the first place. With this knowledge, you can protect your teeth from losing their white color in the future and preserve your beautiful smile. Below are some of the primary causes of teeth discoloration in both children and adults:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Consuming highly pigmented drinks such as coffee, tea, wine, and cola
- Eating fruits and vegetables such as apples and tomatoes
- Using tobacco
- Exposure to certain medication such as antibiotics, high blood pressure meds, some mouthwashes, and antihistamines
- Exposure to excess fluoride in water, toothpaste, and oral fluoride supplements
- Genetics
The good news is teeth discoloration resulting from these and other causes is manageable. You can brighten your teeth by visiting the dentist for teeth whitening solutions.
Professional Teeth Whitening Options
The most common whitening procedure is known as in-office dental teeth bleaching. In this procedure, the dentist uses a whitening agent that's stronger than most of the products sold over-the-counter. During treatment, the dentist ensures your gums and other parts of your mouth are protected from the bleaching agent.
In-office teeth whitening is usually a one-time appointment, and most people see results almost immediately. However, for severe discoloration, you may be required to go in for several appointments.
Before the procedure, the dentist also inspects your teeth for underlying problems that would undermine the results. They include dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. If present, the dentist will recommend other restorative dental procedures and treatment before proceeding with the whitening to enhance its effectiveness.
While an in-office procedure is the most common professional whitening option, there are others such as:
- Professional at-home whitening. The dentist takes impressions of the teeth and gives you a mouthguard to use with a bleaching gel. The treatment lasts around 2 to 4 weeks depending on the severity of discoloration.
- Laser teeth whitening which involves the use of laser technology.
At-home treatment is not the best option if you cannot correctly use the mouthguard. You may expose your gums to the bleaching agent and suffer the same consequences as those of DIY treatment. On the other hand, laser whitening is the most expensive of the three options. Your dentist will outline the pros and cons of the available options so you can choose the best and most affordable for you.
How to Maintain Teeth After Whitening
Once you get your teeth whitened, you have to protect them from future discoloration. Some of the best practices to maintain white teeth and a bright smile after a whitening procedure include the following:
- Adopt proper oral hygiene that includes brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing regularly
- Stop consuming highly-pigmented foods and drinks that stain the teeth
- Quit tobacco use
Also, visit your dentist for regular check-ups and preventative dental care. During the visits, your dentist may identify an underlying problem and treat it before it causes discoloration or other dental health problems.
Get Professional Teeth Whitening Services Today
Are you ready to brighten your smile with professional teeth whitening? Dr. Mark S. Dill, DDS and his team take your dental health truly to heart! Reach out today to schedule an appointment and start the journey towards attaining whiter, healthier teeth!