If you have been in search of ways to whiten and brighten your smile, you are not alone. Many adults struggle every day with tooth discoloration, making tooth whitening one of the most sought-after cosmetic trends today. This procedure will improve the appearance of stained teeth, leaving you with a white, bright, and dazzling smile.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
The most common causes of tooth staining and discoloration include the normal aging process, smoking tobacco products, and consumption of foods and drinks with staining agents such as berries, coffee, or wine. Certain medications, including those containing tetracycline, can also contribute to tooth discoloration.
What if I Have Staining from Tetracycline?
While it is a little more challenging to produce lasting results, it is possible. When a patient presents with this type of staining from tetracycline antibiotic use, we use other methods to accomplish whitening beyond bleaching. Composite resin bonding, veneers, or crowns may be a better option to correct yellowing teeth.
Which Option is Best for Me?
Whitening is a great way to boost your confidence, and it can be done at home or professionally at a dentist’s office.
While both options can provide great results, professional whitening performed at a dental office will safely give you more dramatic results than over-the-counter bleaching materials.
Whitening should not be considered a one-size-fits-all service. Trays should be custom-fitted to ensure the bleaching material stays contained and does not extend too far onto the gums or soft tissue, which could cause irritation and inflammation.
This irritation and inflammation is usually temporary but can still cause discomfort along with red, swollen, and unsightly gums.
Here are a couple of steps to help you during your whitening process:
- Have your teeth professionally cleaned to help remove tartar build-up and stains.
- Refrain from consuming dark-colored foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco products, mustard, ketchup, red wine, soy sauce, berry pies, red sauces, and lipstick during the first 48 hours after treatment.
Possible Risks of Whitening Treatment
- Gum, Lip, or Cheek Inflammation: Whitening may temporarily irritate soft tissues if exposed to the whitening gel.
- Dry or Chapped Lips: This can usually be treated with lip balm, petroleum jelly, or Vitamin E cream.
- Cavities or Leaking Fillings: Open cavities or damaged fillings may allow whitening gel to penetrate the tooth, causing pain or damage.
- Cervical Abrasion or Erosion: Receding gums and exposed root surfaces may increase sensitivity during whitening treatments.
- Relapse: Teeth naturally regress slightly in shade over time. Maintenance treatments may be required to preserve results.
Want to know more about the process?
Call us to learn more about whitening, dental implants, and more from your local Nashville dentist at Smilodon!
Ask us about our whitening specials and schedule an appointment today!
