Keeping our teeth their whitest is harder than it sounds. Coffee, wine, smoking, and foods that can stain our teeth daily. Even proper maintenance sometimes leaves them a little lackluster. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment to restore the natural color of your teeth in our Galveston, TX office. We can make your teeth whiter than their natural color with professional whitening treatment.
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
There are multiple reasons why you can develop tooth stains and discoloration:
- Foods and drinks: Deeply pigmented foods and beverages, like red wine, soy sauce, and tomato sauces, can stain your teeth.
- Tobacco use: Smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco products can turn teeth yellow. The nicotine in tobacco products dyes the tooth enamel.
- Dental trauma: A dental injury can change the color of a tooth. Hits to the tooth can damage the blood vessels in the tooth chamber, which can change tooth color. Tooth chips or cracks can also uncover the dentin in the tooth.
- Aging: Over time, the outer layer of the tooth, called the tooth enamel, wears away. This uncovers the darker underlayer called dentin.
Am I a Candidate for Tooth Whitening Treatment?
We will examine your smile before the teeth whitening treatment. Our office will take dental X-rays to find signs of tooth decay and gum disease. These problems can affect your dental health.
We will recommend teeth whitening if you are in good oral health but want to change the appearance of your teeth.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening in Galveston, TX
We use tray whitening system Opalescence to whiten teeth. You can receive your take-home whitening trays in two office visits. During your first visit, we will make a dental impression. With this impression, we’ll craft custom whitening trays that you can use repeatedly.
You will return to our office, where we will provide whitening trays and whitening gel. At home, you will first brush and floss your teeth. Then, you will take the whitening gel and put it in the trays.
We will provide instructions on how long to wear your whitening trays daily. These instructions are customized to your sensitivity and your desired results. Take-home whitening can change the shade of your teeth by four to eight shades.
Professional Teeth Whitening Offers More Benefits Than Store-Brought Products
There are many reasons why professional teeth is better for you than store-bought whitening products. The main one being is that a trained dentist oversees your treatment. Your dentist will ensure that this is the proper treatment for you and that it’s safe and effective. You can expect better and longer-lasting results compared to store-bought options.
Professional whitening is a quick and convenient process. Once you begin using the whitening kit, you’ll see noticeable results in as little as one treatment. On the other hand, store-bought products will require many more applications over a longer period to reach similar results or any results at all.
Also, your dentist will tailor the treatment to your specific needs. After they assess your teeth, your dentist will see if this is your best treatment option. Your dentist will provide guidance on how and when to use your whitening kit. Then, they will teach you how to maintain your new, whiter smile. You will not get the same level of customization and support with store-bought products.
Store-bought products are easy to get and cheap. However, they will not be as strong as professional treatments, and it might take longer to see results. Professional teeth whitening is safe, effective, and brief. This cosmetic treatment will help you get that brighter and more confident smile that you want.
Steps To Maintaining your Professional Teeth Whitening Results
After investing in your smile, you must take the steps to maintain the results. The following are simple steps that suggest to each patient to help them keep their smile bright and beautiful:
- Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to brush gently for at least two minutes each time.
- Floss every day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. This helps prevent tooth stains and will keep your gums healthy.
- We suggest you avoid foods and drinks that will easily stain your teeth. Coffee, tea, and red wine are the most common types of liquids that will stain teeth. However, dark-colored fruits, vegetables, and sauces will also easily stain them. If you consume them, consider using a straw or brushing your teeth afterward.
- Refrain from smoking or using other types of tobacco. Tobacco products can easily stain your teeth yellow and undo teeth whitening results.
- Schedule a dentist appointment 2 times a year for check-ups and professional teeth cleanings. This step is vital because we will remove stubborn stains and tartar buildup, ensuring your teeth stay bright and healthy.
- You can also consider using whitening toothpaste or mouthwash to help maintain the results. Check with your dentist to ensure the products are safe and suitable for your needs.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Do you have questions about teeth whitening treatment? Well, we have answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
Can teeth whitening cause damage to tooth nerves?
When implemented properly, teeth whitening is generally safe and doesn’t harm the nerves. However, overusing whitening products or using too strong ones can increase tooth sensitivity. We suggest following your dentist’s guidelines and not exceeding the recommended usage to avoid issues.
Does teeth whitening work on tetracycline stains?
Tetracycline stains are deep discolorations caused by certain antibiotics taken during tooth development. Standard whitening treatments often have limited success on these stains. In such cases, alternatives like veneers or bonding might be more effective in achieving a brighter smile.
How often can I whiten my teeth?
It’s usually safe to whiten your teeth once a year. Over-whitening can cause sensitivity and enamel damage. We can recommend a schedule that’s appropriate for your teeth.
How long does teeth whitening last for smokers?
For smokers, teeth whitening results often fade more quickly, sometimes lasting only a few months. Smoking introduces new stains that can discolor your teeth faster. To prolong the brightness, consider cutting back on smoking and keep up with good oral hygiene.
What if I experience severe sensitivity or discomfort after whitening?
If you experience severe sensitivity or discomfort after whitening, stop the treatment and contact a dentist. They can assess your teeth and recommend solutions to ease the pain. Using toothpaste for sensitive teeth or applying fluoride gels might help reduce the discomfort. We may also suggest alternative whitening methods that are gentler on your teeth.
Will teeth whitening work on dental crowns or fillings?
No, whitening agents don’t affect crowns, fillings, or veneers. They only work on natural tooth enamel. If you have restorations, you may need to replace them to match your whitened teeth.
Is it better to whiten my teeth before or after orthodontic treatment?
Most dentists suggest that you wait to whiten your teeth until after you complete your orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners. Once your teeth are straight, the whitening will be more even. Plus, it is much harder to reach all spots when you have brackets and wires. Once you complete treatment, we will whiten your teeth to help you achieve your best smile.
Can professional whitening trigger issues with my gums if I have early gum disease?
Yes, if you have any form of gum issues, the bleaching gel can cause more discomfort. The bleach can creep into spots where your gums have come loose from your teeth, which can lead to pain, discomfort, and sensitivity. If you suffer from signs of gingivitis, we will suggest gum disease treatment before you continue with professional tooth whitening.
Can genetics influence how well whitening works for me?
Yes, genetics can affect how healthy teeth whitening works for you. Your genes decide the thickness and color of your tooth enamel. If your enamel is thinner, whitening might work better because the bleach can reach the inner layer more easily.
Also, some people naturally have yellower teeth due to genetics, so whitening might not make as big a change. Your genes also affect how your teeth respond to the whitening process. So, results can vary based on your unique traits.
Brighten Your Smile With Professional Teeth Whitening in Galveston, TX
Receive teeth whitening treatment in Galveston, TX, today. Call 409-765-7500 or schedule a dental appointment with us online. Please let us know if you have questions about teeth whitening at Broadway Dental. We’re here to answer your questions.