Teeth Whitening Teeth whitening can remedy discoloration that causes the teeth to have a yellow or grey appearance. There are several different reasons why your teeth may become discolored, which Wy'East Dental will discuss with you in more detail. We will guide you through home whitening treatments and explain our professional whitening treatment at our office.Home WhiteningThere are numerous home whitening options available. Some of these include gels, strips, toothpaste, mouthwashes, and whitening kits. Whitening strips and gels have a chemical that bleaches the teeth to remove stains. These typically show results after a few days, and these results can last for several months. Whitening toothpaste is great for surface levels of stains. These have a mildly abrasive texture and a mild chemical agent. These components work together to polish your teeth. Mouthwashes and mouth rinses use a chemical to bleach your teeth. These are generally used twice daily, and you will swish for a minute each time. It may take several months to see results from this type of treatment. With whitening kits, you receive gel and a tray, which you place over your teeth for a given time. Detailed instructions will come with the kit. These contain the same chemical bleaching agent that other home treatments do. Some of these also have an LED light that helps to trigger the chemical reaction using heat. Professional WhiteningIn certain cases, home whitening treatments are not enough to remove discoloration or provide long-lasting results. This may be due to the cause of your discoloration or the strength of the product needed. We have products with stronger chemical agents than you can get over-the-counter. Our whitening treatment involves a whitening gel that is applied directly to your teeth. We will also provide a protective gel for your lips and soft tissues in the mouth. A laser or light is then used to trigger the chemical whitening agent. For most patients, results are noticeable after a single appointment. However, in cases of severe discoloration, you may require multiple treatments before you can see noticeable results. These treatments take about 30 minutes to an hour to complete. Preventing DiscolorationWhitening can correct the discoloration that you currently have, but it cannot protect you from future discoloration. To finalize your treatment, we will explain ways that you can avoid tooth discoloration in the future. Diet is an important factor in the condition of your teeth. For instance, foods and drinks with dark pigments cause the teeth to have a darker appearance. On the other hand, acidic or sugary foods dissolve the enamel, which both increases your risk of a cavity and discolors your teeth. We recommend sugarless gum for patients that enjoy snacking on sweets. Additionally, foods that have a fibrous or slightly abrasive texture can help to polish your teeth. You may need to talk to your family doctor about health conditions or medication that cause your teeth to become grey or yellow in color. Ongoing whitening treatment may be needed in these cases, even if you maintain a proper diet. For additional information on whitening, call Wy'East Dental at (503) 919-2802 today. |
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