Even with proper dental hygiene practices, our teeth can become discolored over time. Life choices, including drinking dark beverages, richly colored foods, and smoking, can all lead to the enamel becoming discolored. While a range of over-the-counter treatments is available, they are only appropriate for minor staining. Dentistry Done Right provides professional whitening services to restore that pearly shine to your smile.
Did you know…
that the teeth naturally darken as we age? Furthermore, certain foods, beverages, medications and habits can contribute to a darker, yellowed, or stained smile. However, it is possible to erase years of stains in a single professional whitening session and sustain those results for many years with proper maintenance. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, professional whitening is best maintained by a combination of good oral care and take-home whitening treatments as recommended by your dentist.
Experience The Benefits Of Dental Whitening
The foundation of the majority of dental whitening treatments involves the use of a peroxide solution. This solution helps break up the proteins that cause the enamel to become stained. When used with professional guidance, it can provide significant lightening of the shade of the enamel. At Dentistry Done Right, our dental whitening solution is enhanced by using a special light that amplifies the action of the peroxide solution.
The first step in addressing dental staining involves an assessment of the stain itself. Its location and severity will be central to determining the proper treatment approach.
The three common forms of dental staining include:
- Extrinsic Stains – These stains form on the exterior enamel, typically within that enamel. They’re easier to remove than other forms of stain. They’re usually the result of smoking, foods, or dark wines and beers.
- Intrinsic Stains – Just under the outer layer of enamel can be found dentin, a porous layer of the tooth. When a stain forms within this material, it’s impossible to remove it with a peroxide treatment. While OTC stain removers can work for extrinsic stains, they are ineffective against intrinsic stains.
- Age-Related Staining – Dental staining is a natural part of the aging process. It often results from pulp within our teeth dying, a lack of Vitamin D, or calcium deficiency. Addressing this kind of stain requires the use of veneers or dental bonding.
Dentistry Done Right’s professional dental whitening services use high-concentration peroxide solutions. Using these solutions, we can address more severe staining than possible with over-the-counter approaches. When these approaches are insufficient for addressing dental staining, we provide veneers and dental bonding options.
Over-the-counter dental whitening can be effective when addressing minor whitening. However, there are risks associated with the overuse of these products when trying to eliminate deeper stains. You may damage your teeth and enamel, causing dental sensitivity. While the solutions used at Dentistry Done Right are more potent than OTC options, they’re safe when used under the guidance of our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
You may be a candidate for professional teeth whitening if you are experiencing discoloration, but otherwise have healthy teeth and healthy gums. Schedule a consultation with a dentist to find out if tooth whitening could be right for you. Some patients, such as those who are pregnant or sensitive to whitening agents, may not be candidates for professional whitening.
What Should I Expect When I Get My Teeth Whitened?
Teeth whitening consists of a thorough cleaning and polishing of the teeth, with all debris carefully removed. Your dentist will then protect your gums before applying a whitening agent to the surface of your teeth. The product will be activated and left on the teeth for several minutes before being washed off with water. Your results will vary according to the natural shade of your teeth and degree of discoloration, but it is normal for patients to experience a lightening of several shades in a single visit.
What Type of Post-Treatment Care is Required After Having My Teeth Whitened?
It is normal to experience some tooth sensitivity following a professional whitening treatment. You may be instructed to avoid consuming highly pigmented beverages for at least 24 hours to prevent the teeth from becoming stained again. Examples include tea, coffee and wine. Depending on your results and long-term teeth whitening goals, you may also be sent home from your procedure with an at-home whitening kit for later use.
Receiving Dental Whitening Services At Dentistry Done Right
The first step on your journey to a beautiful smile is making the call to our office. We’ll work with you to schedule a convenient consultation with Dr. Rhee at our location in Corona, CA. During this visit, a full examination and an assessment of your dental staining will be performed. Once the details of your staining have been established, you’ll work with Dr. Rhee to develop a treatment plan to reach your aesthetic goals. Don’t risk your oral health with OTC whitening treatments; call today.