Why do teeth become discolored?
The most common cause of tooth discoloration is getting older. Over the years, the outer layer of your teeth (enamel) wears down and flakes away. The material underneath (dentin) is naturally yellow. As more dentin becomes visible, your teeth appear increasingly yellow.
Other factors that can change the color and appearance of your teeth include:
- Using tobacco
- Drinking beverages that contain tannins like black tea or coffee
- Eating foods that stain like curry or tomato-based sauces
- Taking medication with tetracycline
Poor oral hygiene can also cause your teeth to develop stains or discoloration. If you want to keep your teeth white, the team at Desert Dentist recommends brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting the nearest office every six months for a professional cleaning.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a type of cosmetic dentistry that uses FDA-approved bleaching solutions to remove stains and discoloration from your tooth enamel.
The majority of teeth whitening systems use harmless products like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These solutions cut through years of build-up, revealing beautiful white teeth underneath.
What are the types of teeth whitening?
The team at Desert Dentist offers several types of teeth whitening, including:
Philips Zoom! In-office teeth whitening
In-office teeth whitening with Philips Zoom! can make your teeth between 6-12* shades brighter during a one-hour appointment. At the beginning of treatment, the team covers your gums and tongue with a protective dam. They then apply the Zoom whitening solution to your teeth and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
Once the solution has rested, the team points a special blue light at your teeth. The light triggers a bleaching reaction, cutting through stains and discoloration. The team repeats this process multiple times until your teeth are the desired shade of white.
Take-home teeth whitening kits
Take-home teeth whitening kits allow you to whiten your teeth at your own pace. Each kit contains two plastic mouthpieces, a syringe, and a tube of bleaching solution. You use the syringe to transfer the bleaching solution to the mouthpieces. Then, you wear each mouthpiece for 3-4 hours, whenever is most convenient.
Are the results of teeth whitening permanent?
The results of teeth whitening aren’t permanent, but they usually last 4-6 months and sometimes even longer.
If you want to extend your results, the team at Desert Dentist recommends practicing good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day, floss regularly, and visit the nearest office every six months for a professional cleaning and oral exam.
Don’t wait to request your teeth whitening consultation at Desert Dentist. Book an appointment with the online scheduling tool or call the nearest office today.
*Individual results may vary.
