Teeth Whitening Q & A

What causes tooth discoloration?

There are many reasons your teeth might become yellow or discolored. Among the most common culprits of tooth discoloration are what you consume — tea, coffee, wine, and certain foods can all stain your teeth. Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products can also make your teeth yellow.

Aging can also contribute to tooth discoloration. As you get older, your enamel thins and allows the darker dentin within your tooth to become more visible. Medications like tetracycline can cause discoloration. You might also notice that a tooth becomes discolored after a trauma.

What teeth whitening treatments are available?

Dr. Sweeny and her associates offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments. They understand that everyone has different needs and demands on their time. The different options make teeth whitening treatments available for more people.

Before any teeth whitening treatments begin, Dr. Sweeny examines your teeth to ensure they’re healthy enough for the bleaching process, and that your discoloration is treatable with a whitening treatment. If you aren’t a good candidate for teeth whitening, she may suggest alternative treatments like veneers or crowns to improve the appearance and color of your teeth.

In-office teeth whitening

In-office teeth whitening treatment usually takes about an hour. Dr. Sweeny places a lip guard in your mouth that protects your gums, lips, and other soft tissue from the bleaching gel. Then she carefully applies the high concentration hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth. After the stains are lifted from your teeth, Dr. Sweeny removes the gel and you go home with a noticeably whiter and brighter smile.

At-home teeth whitening

If you choose to whiten your teeth at home, Dr. Sweeny provides teeth whitening kits that include a bleaching gel that isn’t as strong as the in-office treatment, but is more effective than a kit you could purchase at a drugstore. You fill dental trays with the whitening gel and wear them for a couple of hours or overnight while you’re at home. Depending on the extent of your discoloration, you may need to use the at-home kit for several days or weeks to achieve your desired level of whitening.

How should I take care of my teeth after a whitening treatment?

You should continue to brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day and floss daily. Routine dental cleanings and checkups with the team at Valery Sweeny, DDS can help keep your teeth in great shape.

Call or make an appointment online today to learn more about your teeth whitening options.