Teeth Whitening

Why are my teeth stained and yellow?

Just as your joints age, so do your teeth. As you get older, the outer layer of your teeth (enamel) chips and flakes as a result of wear and tear. Ultimately, this lets the center of your teeth (dentin) show through. Dentin is naturally yellow in color. The more dentin that’s visible, the more discolored your teeth appear.

Other factors also cause your teeth to become yellow and stained, including:

• Poor oral hygiene
  
• Tobacco use
  
• Drinking dark-colored beverages
  
• Eating staining foods, such as pasta sauce and/or blueberries
  

You’re also more likely to develop yellow or stained teeth if you take prescription medications that contain tetracycline.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry technique used to eradicate stains and discoloration from the surface of your teeth. The majority of modern teeth-whitening products use carbamide peroxide, a harmless chemical in the same family as hydrogen peroxide, to brighten your tooth enamel.

Are there different types of teeth whitening?

The team at Riverside Dental Associates offers several types of teeth-whitening treatment, including:

Chairside teeth whitening

During chairside teeth whitening, your dentist places a rubber dam over your gums and tongue to ensure your comfort. Afterward, your dentist carefully applies a bleaching solution to the surface of your teeth. Next, your dentist points a special light at your teeth that triggers a chemical bleaching reaction. Your dentist repeats these steps 3-4 times, making your teeth up to eight* shades whiter.

Take-home teeth-whitening trays

If you want to whiten your teeth at your own pace, you might want to consider take-home teeth-whitening trays. You place a bleaching solution into each tray and wear them for 3-4 hours each day. Slowly but surely, the teeth-whitening solution transforms your smile.

Are teeth-whitening treatments permanent?

Teeth-whitening treatment isn’t permanent, but it does provide results that can last for 4-6 months at a time. If you want to preserve your results, avoid drinking dark-colored beverages like coffee and soda. You should also brush and floss your teeth every day and visit the team at Riverside Dental Associates every six months for a professional cleaning.

To learn more about teeth-whitening treatment, book an appointment today by calling the office or request an appointment online.