What causes a tooth to change color?
The leading cause of tooth discoloration is aging. Over the years, your enamel wears away, leaving the yellow dentin beneath it more and more visible.
Other factors that cause tooth discoloration include:
- Oral trauma
- Taking medication with tetracycline
- Drinking beverages with tannins like coffee, tea, or red wine
- Eating foods that stain like berries or tomato-based sauces
- Poor oral hygiene
You’re also more likely to develop stained teeth if you use tobacco.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that uses medical-grade bleaching solutions to brighten your teeth. At Healing Smiles, Dr. Onukwugha offers Philips Zoom! to provide chairside whitening. Zoom! uses a hydrogen peroxide gel and a specialized blue light to cut through years of stains, making your smile up to eight shades whiter in a single appointment.
Teeth whitening is incredibly safe, presents few side effects, and provides results that last for months and sometimes longer.
What does teeth whitening involve?
At Healing Smiles, teeth whitening involves a single, in-office appointment.
Before treatment, Dr. Onukwugha asks about your goals for treatment and conducts an oral exam. Next, she covers your tongue and gums with a protective sheet and applies the Zoom! whitening solution to each of your teeth. After the solution sits for 15-20 minutes, Dr. Onukwugha points a specialized light at your teeth, triggering a whitening reaction.
She repeats the same steps a number of times until your teeth are a brilliant shade of white. When treatment is finished, she polishes your teeth and provides you with care instructions.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Teeth whitening is safe and typically well-tolerated. You might experience some increased tooth sensitivity for a day or two, but any discomfort should subside within 48 hours. If the sensitivity persists, contact Dr. Onukwugha right away.
Will the results of teeth whitening last forever?
The results of teeth whitening typically last 4-6 months, but practicing good oral hygiene can extend that time frame. Dr. Onukwugha recommends brushing and flossing daily, using a straw to drink dark beverages, and visiting Healing Smiles at least two times a year for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.
To further explore teeth whitening, make an appointment at Healing Smiles by calling the office to speak with a caring staff member, or by clicking the online booking tool.
