Teeth naturally darken with age, however your teeth may also become stained by a number of other things:
- What you eat or drink (unfortunately, coffee, tea and berries are especially bad)
- You take a drug like tetracycline
- You have smoked
- Your tooth has had some kind of trauma
Whatever the case, we might be able to help you brighten your smile!
We offer a number of teeth whitening options. Tooth whitening (also known as bleaching) is most effective on surface stains caused by smoking, age, foods or drinks. But certain stains respond better to different types of whitening materials, and whitening will not work in every situation, like exposed root surfaces, or on fillings, crowns and veneers.
Just ask us about whether it’s a good fit for you during your next appointment. If you’re pregnant, it’s best to postpone whitening until after you’re done nursing because the effects of whitening chemicals on fetus development aren’t known yet.
What to expect
- You start with a full dental cleaning so any tooth decay is treated before whitening.
- Tooth whitening involves filling a custom-fitted mold or tray with whitening gel. You place the tray over your teeth and keep it in while you sleep.
- The risks of whitening are minimal. Mild gum irritation can occur if the product is not used as prescribed, and some people temporarily experience sensitive teeth over the course of 7 to 10 days after you complete the treatment. We can suggest products and steps to try to minimize any sensitivity.
- During and immediately after treatment, we recommend you avoid highly acidic foods and drinks such as citrus fruits, soda pop, spicy foods and red wine.