If your teeth look discolored, yellowed, or stained, Dr. Maria Benefield might suggest teeth whitening as a solution. In Atlanta or Sandy Springs, GA, in-office whitening is a very popular choice for improving the appearance of your smile. Teeth whitening is a part of our cosmetic dentistry services in Atlanta, GA. Whitening treatment can help you get brighter teeth faster.
What Causes Staining?
If you wish your smile was whiter and brighter, teeth whitening might be right for you. Through professional teeth whitening, we can lighten staining and discoloration caused by various factors, such as:
Aging
As we age, our teeth can become discolored. In many cases, the tooth’s outer layer, called enamel, gets thinner over time. When enamel wears down, it can reveal the layer underneath, called dentin. Tooth wear makes your teeth look darker.
Certain Medications
Some medicines, especially antibiotics like tetracycline, can darken teeth if taken during childhood when teeth are still developing. Other medications, like antihistamines or certain high blood pressure drugs, can also cause staining.
Poor Oral Hygiene
When you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar build up on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can turn into tartar if it isn’t cleaned off. Both plaque and tartar can cause your teeth to look yellow or dull over time.
Foods and Drinks
Some foods and drinks, like tea, wine, coffee and soda, tomato sauce stain teeth. Coffee and tea contain dark pigments called tannins that easily discolor teeth. Acidic foods and drinks can also wear down the tooth enamel.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Tobacco products stain teeth mainly because of the substances in them. When you smoke or use chewing tobacco, the tobacco leaves behind sticky chemicals that can get trapped on your teeth. These chemicals, along with the dark tar and nicotine, can cling to the enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. Over time, these substances build up and cause your teeth to look yellow or brown.
Fluorosis
This condition happens when you get too much fluoride while your teeth are still developing, usually when you’re a child. Fluoride helps protect your teeth from cavities, but if you have too much of it, it can cause problems. When you have fluorosis, it can affect the color of your teeth. Instead of staying white, your teeth might have white spots, streaks, or sometimes even brown stains.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products include whitening strips, gels, and toothpaste that you can buy at a store. These products are less expensive but also less powerful compared to professional treatments. They contain weaker whitening agents, so it takes longer to see results, and they may not be as effective for tough stains. You use these products at home, which can be convenient, but they might not give you the dramatic results you want.
Professional teeth whitening uses stronger whitening agents that can get your teeth whiter faster and more effectively. During the visit, the dentist will apply a special gel to your teeth and may use a light to help the gel work better. The whole process usually takes about an hour, and you can see results right away.
Professional whitening is more powerful and can tackle tougher stains. It’s also supervised by a dentist, so you know it’s done safely and effectively. Professional whitening is often a better choice if you have sensitive teeth or significant stains.
Teeth Whitening Treatment in Atlanta, GA
Before whitening treatment, our dentist will work with you to determine if professional whitening is right for you.
Teeth whitening is a simple, effective cosmetic dental treatment that can enhance your smile in as little as one treatment. Our professional teeth whitening treatment uses a powerful yet safe whitening gel applied to your tooth’s surface.
Whitening gel lightens the appearance of stains, discoloration, and yellowing on the tooth enamel. It can give you a noticeably whiter smile that will boost your self-esteem and help you smile with pride.
If you have deep tooth stains, we may recommend other cosmetic treatments. Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain we bond to the front of the teeth. You can receive veneers that cover one or all the teeth that show when you smile.
You may benefit from dental bonding treatment if you only have a single stained tooth. Dental bonding uses tooth-colored materials that we shape onto each tooth. Unlike veneers, bonding material does not last as long and is easily reversible.
How to Maintain Teeth Whitening Results
Adopting good oral hygiene practices and making lifestyle choices that support dental health is crucial to maintain your results. To keep your teeth bright, we recommend that you:
Brush and Floss
First, you should continue to brush your teeth at least twice a day with a whitening toothpaste that contains fluoride. This helps to remove surface stains and prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can dull the appearance of your teeth.
Flossing daily is also essential. It removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and along the gum line, where toothbrushes cannot reach. You may also consider incorporating a whitening mouthwash into your routine.
Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
You should also avoid foods and drinks that stain teeth, like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored berries. If you do consume these items, drink water afterward or brush your teeth if possible. Also, avoid smoking or using tobacco products. This is because they can cause yellowed and stained teeth.
Continue Routine Dental Visits
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings keep your smile white and healthy. When you visit our office, we can check how your teeth and gums are doing and catch any problems early. Our hygienists will also clean your teeth, removing any plaque and surface stains that can make your teeth look dull or yellow.
These cleanings help maintain your bright smile by removing stains that everyday brushing might miss. If your teeth get a little discolored, we can also offer touch-up treatments to brighten your smile again.
Get a Brighter Smile
We invite you to contact Sandy Springs Dentistry to learn more about teeth whitening in our Atlanta, GA, dental office. You can schedule an appointment with us online or call 404-252-1216 today.