Do you wish your smile were brighter? Over time, everything from the foods and drinks we consume to our daily habits can lead to the onset of discoloration. How do you brighten your teeth? Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry provides a number of possible solutions to teeth stains.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Question: Can in-office procedures brighten teeth in under an hour?
Answer: Yes. We use in-office whitening with Zoom! The treatment involves placing a protective covering on the lips and gums. Then we coat the teeth in a powerful bleaching gel. The gel is activated with a curing light, removing stains in under an hour. The treatment can address surface stains, such as those caused by the foods and drinks we consume, as well as discoloration from smoking.
Question: Can I remove stains from my teeth at home?
Answer: Yes. We also offer a home-based option for removing discoloration. We create a set of trays and provide a bleaching gel. At home, patients wear the gel-filled trays daily for a set amount of time. Total treatment takes between one and two weeks. This can remove surface stains, as well as minor intrinsic stains (which can be caused by medication, injury, or fluorosis).
Question: What if my discoloration doesn’t respond to traditional teeth whitening?
Answer: In some causes, intrinsic stains may be permanent, meaning they don’t respond to our in-office or at-home whitening options. In these situations, we may suggest masking the stains with porcelain veneers. A very thin shell of porcelain is placed on the font of the tooth, masking stains and reshaping the tooth. Veneers are designed to look natural and blend with your smile.
Question: How do I maintain my newly brightened smile?
Answer: We recommend seeing our team twice a year for a thorough dental cleaning. We also suggest brushing and flossing your teeth daily. You can also cut back on drinks with dark pigments, sugary foods and drinks, and quit smoking.
