Teeth stains can develop due to our oral hygiene habits and even the foods and drinks we consume. To stop stain development and achieve a brighter smile, then our team can offer professional cosmetic treatment. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about our teeth whitening treatments.
The Causes of Your Discoloration
What factors lead to unsightly teeth stains? Surface stains, known as extrinsic discoloration, can be due to drinks with dark pigments, such as soda, tea, coffee, and red wine. Tobacco use could discolor your teeth too. If you have a lot of sugar and starch in your diet, and don’t brush and floss properly this could also cause plaque buildup and make discoloration more visible. For extrinsic stains, we can offer professional teeth whitening. Note: Intrinsic discoloration, which form beneath the enamel due to injury or other factors, can be masked with options like dental bonding and porcelain veneers.
In-Office and At-Home Teeth Whitening
We have two distinct teeth whitening treatments that can remove surface stains from your smile. If you need to see results quickly, then our team could offer in-office teeth whitening. With this option, we simply apply a powerful bleaching gel to your teeth, and then activate it with a light, lifting discoloration from your smile in as little as one to two hours. If you need a brighter smile before a job interview, first date, or special event, this can help!
If you have more severe discoloration, we could recommend our take-home kit. You visit our office briefly so we can create a set of custom plastic trays. You then return home with these trays and multiple plastic syringes of bleaching gel. Treatment involves adding the gel to your trays and wearing them for a set amount of time each day, over a period of one to two weeks. For some, teeth could be up to eight shades brighter! Any remaining gel and the trays are then yours to keep should you need touch-ups in the months to come.
Ensuring Your Smile Stays Bright
Following your treatment, you can make changes to your daily routine to help your teeth stay brighter for longer periods. For example, you brush and floss daily, cut back on the sugar and starch in your diet, and avoid tobacco products. Drink more water instead of sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks. Finally, be sure you see our team every six months for a checkup and cleaning, so we can monitor your oral health and remove harmful buildup too!
Dental Impressions Talks About Achieving a Brighter Smile
Cosmetic dentistry can help your smile look amazing and free of discoloration. To schedule your appointment for teeth whitening, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
