Teeth Whitening

What causes tooth discoloration that requires professional teeth whitening?

A number of different things can change the color of your teeth, but the natural aging process is among the most common. That’s because only the outermost layer of your teeth, your enamel, is naturally white in color. 

Just beneath your enamel is a thicker layer of hard tissue called dentin, which is naturally yellow. As your enamel slowly wears down, more of that yellow dentin is visible, giving teeth an overall yellowish or dark cast. 

The food and drinks you choose can also stain teeth. Some of the more common culprits include:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Berries
• Tomato sauce
• Potatoes

Poor dental hygiene, traumatic tooth injury, and exposure to excess fluoride can also cause tooth discoloration. 

What is the teeth whitening process like?

At Sunrise Smile Designs, professional teeth whitening is done using a tray-based system. When you come in for your consultation, your practitioner takes a set of impressions to guide the fabrication of your custom whitening trays. 

Once they’re ready, you return to the office to learn how to place and remove your trays, and how to apply the whitening gel that blasts apart stains and reveals a brighter, whiter smile. Dr. Campbell advises you on how long to wear your trays. 

At-home whitening allows you to choose the level of whitening you prefer. You’ll also have the trays and whitening agent on hand to boost your results whenever you feel the need. 

A degree of heightened sensitivity is normal during teeth whitening, but there’s no significant pain. If you find whitening uncomfortable, simply lengthen the time between wearing your trays, or wear them for shorter periods of time.  

How can I extend the results of my professional teeth whitening?

Once you see how beautiful your newly brightened smile is, you’ll want to do all you can to extend those results. Here’s what you can do to make the results of your professional teeth whitening:

• Rinse your mouth or gently brush your teeth after eating or drinking foods that stain
• Embrace a solid dental hygiene routine
• Come in for routine dental exams to remove plaque and tartar

Book an appointment for a more in-depth discussion of what teeth whitening can do for your smile. It’s easy to schedule a visit online, or you can also call the friendly office staff.