Sometimes, teeth are stained or discolored from years of drinking coffee, tea, and red wine. Other times, the discoloration is caused by injuries or genetics. Tooth whitening solutions use peroxide to break down stains on the enamel of your teeth. Over-the-counter whiteners provide less strength than professional whitening services from our dentist.
In-Office teeth whitening
One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry services is professional teeth whitening. In-office whitening is administered at the dentist’s office and is much more effective than over-the-counter or at-home treatments. Though results vary from person to person, patients often experience a dramatic improvement in the color of their teeth following treatment.
This innovative whitening solution combines a powerful hydrogen peroxide gel with an activating light to speed up the whitening process. During your initial consultation, your dentist will review all of your options and help you determine which treatment option will work best for you.
At-Home teeth whitening
Many patients choose an at-home whitening option because it’s more affordable than getting professional treatment at the dentist’s office. There are also a variety of products to choose from, so it’s easy to find something to accommodate your smile’s needs.
Some over-the-counter products require you to apply the product every few hours or days, whereas professional treatments have a set period of time that can vary depending on the product and the severity of the stains. However, even at-home applications can be repeated as needed, allowing you to keep your smile bright!
Prevention of teeth staining
Depending on your oral health habits, you may have to change your habits to prevent your teeth from staining again. For example, tobacco users may want to quit smoking altogether or even use a nicotine gum product to help minimize their cravings. Those who drink coffee or other dark liquids may want to consider cutting back on their consumption since the acidity in the beverages can weaken enamel and cause the teeth to stain more easily.
If your teeth are stained, but you’re not ready to commit to tooth-whitening products, consider starting with a professional cleaning at the office. A thorough dental cleaning and exam can help remove surface stains to reveal brighter teeth underneath.
To find out more about the dental services offered at our dental practice, call (801)- 269-0303 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 155 E 13800 S Ste F4, Draper, UT, Draper 84020.
