Tooth discoloration is something everyone will experience in their lives. Teeth are discolored due to many factors, including the natural aging process. Because of this, teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry services we provide in our dentist office. Professional teeth whitening is the best way to treat stains and discoloration on your teeth.
Teeth Whitening Treatment in Tyler, TX
There are two different types of whitening you can receive. We’ll perform a cosmetic consultation, discuss your cosmetic goals, and observe your oral health to determine your best choice.
In-Office Whitening
We recommend in-office whitening to get quick results, like if you want a brighter smile for an upcoming event. At our office, you get teeth up to eight shades whiter in about an hour. The dentist first performs an oral examination to ensure your teeth are healthy enough for whitening. They’ll also want to ensure this is the best whitening solution for your needs.
We recommend getting a dental cleaning right before whitening treatment. This ensures that you get even coverage and that it isn’t splotchy due to buildup on your teeth. The dentist prepares your mouth for whitening treatment by protecting the gums so they don’t come into contact with the bleaching gel. It can cause sensitivity in your gums.
Then, we paint the bleaching gel onto your teeth, ensuring even coverage. A special light activates the gel’s bleaching agent to ignite the whitening process. We may do this multiple times throughout your appointment, depending on the results you want to get and how you react to the treatment.
At-Home Whitening Treatment
At-home treatment is a more gradual process. We take impressions of your teeth to make custom whitening trays. They’re filled with professional-grade whitening gel and fit your mouth precisely. You usually wear them for a few hours each night for several weeks. Depending on your cosmetic goals, we’ll help you design a custom treatment plan for how often you wear them. This method may also be used for touchups between in-office whitening treatments.
Custom whitening trays seal out saliva and prevent it from interfering with the whitening process. They also ensure that the whitening gel spreads evenly throughout your entire smile. As with in-office whitening, we monitor your progress and alter the timeline to ensure you get the desired results.
Professional Vs. Store-Bought Teeth Whitening
A bright, white smile can boost your confidence and leave a great first impression. When it comes to teeth whitening, you have two main options: professional teeth whitening from a dentist or over-the-counter products like whitening strips, gels, or toothpaste. While store-bought options might seem more convenient or affordable, professional teeth whitening offers several advantages.
1. Better and Faster Results
One of the biggest benefits of professional teeth whitening is its superior results. Dentists use stronger whitening agents than what’s available in over-the-counter products. These professional-grade treatments can remove deeper stains and discoloration much more effectively. While store-bought products may brighten your smile, they often take weeks or months to show noticeable results.
In contrast, professional whitening treatment at the dentist’s office can make your teeth several shades whiter in just one visit. Some treatments, like laser whitening, can give dramatic results in as little as an hour. Professional whitening is the way to go if you want to see quick and noticeable improvements.
2. Customized Treatment
Another advantage of professional teeth whitening is that it is tailored to your needs. When you use store-bought whitening kits, they’re designed to fit everyone, so they aren’t personalized for your unique teeth. Some people may experience uneven whitening or sensitivity because the one-size-fits-all trays or strips don’t fit their teeth properly.
When you visit a dentist, they will evaluate your teeth, staining level, and oral health to create a customized treatment plan. The dentist will also take molds of your teeth to create custom-fit trays, ensuring even and consistent whitening across all your teeth.
3. Reduced Risk of Sensitivity
Many people experience tooth sensitivity after using over-the-counter whitening products. This happens because store-bought kits don’t come with professional supervision, and the whitening agents can irritate the gums or enamel if misused. Some products may even damage your enamel if used too frequently or incorrectly.
In a professional setting, your dentist protects your gums and minimizes sensitivity. They apply a special barrier to protect your gums and monitor the process to prevent overexposure to the whitening agent. Additionally, dentists can adjust the strength of the whitening solution based on your needs, reducing the likelihood of discomfort.
4. Safer for Your Teeth and Gums
Safety is a significant concern when it comes to teeth whitening. Over-the-counter products can sometimes irritate or harm your teeth and gums if not used properly. Without professional guidance, it’s easy to overuse or apply these products incorrectly.
Professional whitening is much safer because it’s done under the care of a trained dentist. They monitor the entire process to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout the treatment. This means less risk of damage to your enamel or irritation to your gums, giving you peace of mind.
5. Long-lasting Results
Professional teeth whitening not only delivers better results but also tends to last longer than store-bought options. The stronger whitening agents used in professional treatments help break down stains more effectively, leading to a brighter smile that lasts longer. Your dentist may also give you custom trays and whitening gel to use at home for touch-ups, helping you maintain your results over time.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Tooth discoloration is a common issue that can affect anyone, leading to a dull or stained smile. There are many different causes of tooth discoloration, and understanding these causes can help you prevent further staining and find the best way to restore your teeth’s whiteness. Tooth discoloration can be classified into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic stains.
1. Extrinsic Stains (Surface Stains)
Extrinsic stains are found on the outer layer of your teeth, known as the enamel. These stains come from everyday habits and external factors that affect the surface of your teeth. Common causes of extrinsic stains include:
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Foods and Drinks: Many of the foods and drinks we consume daily can leave behind stains on the surface of our teeth. Dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda are some of the biggest culprits. Foods like berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce can also contribute to tooth discoloration. The pigments in these foods and drinks can stick to the enamel, leaving your teeth looking yellow or stained over time.
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Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco is a major cause of tooth discoloration. Tobacco contains tar and nicotine, both of which can cause yellow or brown stains on your teeth. The stains from tobacco use tend to be stubborn and difficult to remove, especially after years of use.
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Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly allows plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and if not removed, it can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to clean and can cause yellow or brown stains. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent surface stains and keep your teeth looking bright.
2. Intrinsic Stains (Internal Stains)
Intrinsic stains occur within the tooth, affecting the inner structure called the dentin. These stains are more difficult to remove than extrinsic stains because they are deeper. Several factors can lead to intrinsic tooth discoloration, including:
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Aging: As we age, our teeth’s outer layer of enamel wears down, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath. This natural thinning of enamel causes the teeth to appear more yellow over time. The dentin also darkens with age, contributing to the overall discoloration of the teeth.
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Medications: Certain medications can cause intrinsic stains. For example, antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline can cause discoloration if taken during childhood when teeth are still developing. Additionally, some antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs, and high blood pressure medications have been linked to tooth discoloration. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer can also result in teeth becoming darker.
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Fluorosis: Excessive fluoride exposure during childhood, when teeth are still developing, can lead to fluorosis. This causes white spots or streaks to form on the teeth. While fluoride is important for strengthening enamel, too much can have the opposite effect on tooth color.
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Trauma: An injury to a tooth can cause discoloration. If a tooth is hit or damaged, the blood vessels inside the tooth may burst, leading to a darkening of the tooth over time. This discoloration often happens when a tooth is injured but not knocked out, especially in children whose teeth are still developing.
3. Genetics and Other Factors
Sometimes, tooth color is influenced by genetics. Some people naturally have whiter or thicker enamel than others, which can affect the overall color of their teeth. If your parents have darker or more yellow teeth, you may be more prone to tooth discoloration, no matter how well you care for your teeth.
Certain medical conditions and treatments can also contribute to tooth discoloration. For example, people with certain metabolic disorders or genetic conditions may experience changes in tooth color. Additionally, if you have dry mouth or reduced saliva production, your teeth may become more prone to discoloration because saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids that can stain teeth.
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