Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments. As a cosmetic treatment, teeth whitening can brighten the teeth by multiple shades. Whitening treatment can help patients meet their cosmetic goals to enhance the look and health of their smiles. Our office provides options for patients with minor tooth discoloration and deep tooth stains. Dr. Todd Collins and Dr. William Jennings offer teeth whitening in Groesbeck, TX.
Professional whitening treatment is best if you have healthy teeth with minimal sensitivity. We can also recommend veneers or bonding treatment for tooth wear and discoloration. These options are also beneficial if you have deep tooth stains.
What Causes Tooth Stains?
There are two types of tooth stains: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic stains are within the tooth, affecting the dentin or inner tooth layer. These stains are more difficult to remove with professional whitening treatment. Extrinsic stains occur on the tooth’s surface. These are mild stains that are more likely to fade with teeth bleaching.
Some of the most common reasons why you have discolored teeth include:
- Foods and Drinks: Wine, coffee, tea, berries, and tomatoes are some foods and drinks that can easily stain teeth. Foods and drinks can stain teeth over time. Essentially, they dye the teeth. Because teeth are porous, staining compounds can easily enter the teeth.
- Tobacco: Cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products turn teeth yellow. The tar and nicotine in tobacco are trapped in the teeth. As with foods and drinks, nicotine can stain teeth because the teeth are porous.
- Medications: Antihistamines, tetracycline, antipsychotics, and other medications can discolor teeth. Tooth discoloration can be a side effect of many medications. When you visit, we consider your medications and medical history, which may impact the treatment you need.
- Aging: As we age, we can encounter increased dental problems like tooth wear. As the outer layer of the tooth wears away, it uncovers the dentin. Dentin is a dark underlayer beneath the enamel. Your teeth can appear discolored once the enamel wears away.
Teeth Whitening in Groesbeck, TX
At Groesbeck Family Dental, we work with patients to find the right whitening treatment for their needs. Some patients may have sensitive or damaged teeth that require care. However, we can treat these problems in addition to tooth discoloration. Our dental office provides many teeth whitening options in our office:
Professional Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening or teeth bleaching is a non-invasive way to whiten teeth. During teeth whitening treatment, we use whitening gel to brighten teeth. This gel contains active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide that lift stains from teeth. We will use a shade guide to help brighten your teeth to your desired shade.
After we whiten your teeth, you can keep them white with regular brushing and flossing. Brushing your teeth twice daily will prevent stains from building up on your enamel. We may recommend veneers or bonding treatment if you have tooth wear, tough stains, or sensitive teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers can cover one or more teeth in the smile line. Dental veneers are shell-like treatments we bond to the front of teeth. They can change the color, size, and shape of teeth. We use veneers made of porcelain for their strength and appearance. Using one or more veneers can create a brighter-looking smile.
Veneers are known as permanent because they require tooth preparation that will alter your natural teeth. Removing a portion of the tooth will ensure the veneers adhere properly.
Tooth Bonding
Dental bonding uses tooth-colored materials to cover stained teeth. Bonding can also add structure to damaged teeth. Teeth bonding is useful if you have a damaged tooth that is also discolored. Bonding is also a more economical option than treatments like veneers or whitening.
This treatment also does not require tooth preparation. We recommend bonding for patients with single discolored teeth.
Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening can transform your appearance and boost your confidence. A whiter smile can significantly enhance your overall appearance. Stained or discolored teeth can detract from your smile, but whitening treatments can restore a natural, vibrant look, making you feel more confident in social and professional settings. A brighter smile can improve your self-esteem and self-confidence. Feeling good about your smile can positively impact how you interact with others and how you view yourself. Teeth whitening offers a simple yet effective way to enhance your self-image.
Over time, teeth can become discolored due to various factors, including aging, smoking, and consuming staining foods and beverages. Whitening your teeth can help reverse the effects of aging and give you a more youthful appearance. Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective cosmetic procedure by a qualified dental professional. Compared to over-the-counter products, it provides predictable results and minimizes the risk of side effects.
Maintaining A White Smile
Maintaining a bright, white smile after professional teeth whitening is key to ensuring that your investment in your appearance lasts as long as possible. While professional whitening treatments can provide immediate and dramatic results, how you care for your teeth afterward is crucial in preserving that newly achieved brilliance. Here are essential tips for keeping your smile white and radiant long after your whitening session.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is the foundation of a white smile. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and prevent staining. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your enamel and gums. Additionally, floss daily to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth and the gumline. Consider using a whitening toothpaste periodically to help maintain your smile’s brightness, but avoid abrasive formulas that can harm your enamel.
Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages
Certain foods and beverages can contribute to staining and discoloration. To maintain your bright smile, limit your intake of items known to cause staining, such as:
- Coffee and Tea: Both can cause significant staining due to their dark pigments.
- Red Wine: Its deep color can easily lead to discoloration of your teeth.
- Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries can stain your teeth with their rich colors.
- Soy Sauce and Balsamic Vinegar: These dark condiments can contribute to staining.
If you consume these items, rinse your mouth with water immediately to reduce their staining effects. Additionally, using a straw for beverages can help minimize contact with your teeth.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the most significant contributors to tooth discoloration. Nicotine and tar can cause yellowing and staining, counteracting the results of your whitening treatment. If you smoke, quitting can improve your overall health, help keep your teeth white, and prevent further discoloration.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water throughout the day helps rinse away food particles and reduce the risk of staining. Water also helps maintain good oral hydration and supports overall dental health. After consuming staining foods or drinks, drinking water can help minimize their impact on teeth.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental visits are crucial for maintaining a white smile. Your dentist can provide professional cleanings to remove surface stains and plaque buildup that can dull your teeth over time. Additionally, your dentist can advise on maintaining your whitening results and address any concerns.
Use Touch-Up Whitening Products
Consider using touch-up whitening products to maintain your smile’s brightness. Your dentist can recommend or provide take-home whitening kits for occasional use. These kits are designed to help you maintain the results of your professional whitening treatment and can be particularly useful for addressing minor staining or discoloration.
Avoid Acidic and Sugary Foods
Acidic and sugary foods can erode enamel and contribute to discoloration. Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and vinegar, can weaken enamel, making it more susceptible to stains. Sugary foods and beverages can contribute to plaque buildup, leading to discoloration. Opt for a balanced diet with foods that support dental health and avoid excessive consumption of harmful substances.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Learn more about teeth whitening with answers to these frequently asked questions:
What is the best way to whiten teeth?
Professional teeth whitening treatment is the top way to brighten your natural teeth. This is because professional whitening uses active ingredients that penetrate and whiten the tooth enamel. Professional whitening also provides immediate results in one office visit.
Can you whiten veneers?
No, you cannot whiten veneers or similar treatments like dental bonding. Dental veneers use ceramic and porcelain materials that do not react to whitening ingredients. If you have old, discolored veneers, we can provide replacements.
Why doesn’t store-bought whitening work?
Store-bought whitening gels, strips, and toothpaste have lower active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide. This means it takes a long time to see results, or you may not notice a change in your teeth. Whitening may also not work if you have deep tooth stains or stains caused by tooth damage.
Can I whiten my teeth at home?
The best way to whiten teeth at home is by brushing and flossing. Brushing will remove surface stains from foods and drinks. It will also remove bacterial buildup that can change the color of teeth. Dentists can also provide take-home whitening treatments to change tooth color by multiple shades.
Can you whiten sensitive teeth?
Yes, it’s possible to whiten sensitive teeth. However, discussing your tooth sensitivity with our dentists before treatment is best. Depending on the extent of your sensitivity, we may recommend bonding or veneers over professional whitening.
Additionally, you can reduce sensitivity from whitening in several ways. You can brush with toothpaste for sensitive teeth and avoid hot or cold beverages during treatment.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Yes, teeth whitening is safe. Professional whitening is tested for safety and effectiveness. If you fear pain, our dentists will consider problems like tooth sensitivity before recommending whitening. They will also cover the gums during treatment to reduce irritation or sensitivity.
Whiten Your Smile Today
Brighten your natural teeth with teeth whitening in our Groesbeck, TX, office. Call Groesbeck Family Dental for whitening, veneers, and dental bonding at (254) 556-3973. You can also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Collins or Dr. Jennings online.