Do you have embarrassing stains on the surfaces of your teeth? Instead of trying to hide your smile from the world, we would love to talk to you about teeth whitening. For our Livonia, MI, patients, we have a unique whitening option that breaks up stains from home, while also preventing the tooth sensitivity common with other over-the-counter treatments.
The Causes of Your Teeth Stains
First, let’s look closely at teeth stains. The ones that form on the surfaces of your smile are known as extrinsic, often caused by drinks with dark pigments, such as coffee, red wine, tea, and soda, as well as tobacco use. They could also develop due to poor oral hygiene, which causes plaque buildup to accumulate. Foods and drinks high in sugar also promote plaque. Not only does this buildup increase the risk of cavities and gum disease, but plaque also makes discoloration more visible. The discoloration that forms beneath the enamel is intrinsic, and often by caused by injury to the teeth, fluorosis, or the use of certain medications, such as tetracycline.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
With our at-home whitening kit, we can easily remove extrinsic discoloration, and often address minor intrinsic stains as well. We start with an initial office visit, in which we take impressions of the smile to create a set of plastic trays that fit comfortably. We then send you home with these trays, as well as a powerful bleaching gel. The gel not only breaks up stains, but also contain desensitizers to prevent sensitivity. The trays will be filled with gel and worn for about a half hour to 45 minutes a day, over a period of a week to ten days. For some, teeth could be brightened by up to eight different shades!
Keeping Your New Results
Following your procedure, you can take steps to keep your results stronger for longer. Be sure you brush and floss thoroughly each day, which removes food particles that could contribute to plaque buildup. You should drink more water, cut back on drinks with pigments and tannins, and also eat healthier foods. Be sure to see us for a cleaning every six months too, which allows us to remove all plaque and tartar. You can also use your trays and any remaining gel for touch-ups in the coming months. If you have any questions about teeth whitening, then contact our team today.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT COSMETIC TREATMENT?
Our team knows how valuable a brighter smile can be, which is why we have solutions to help patients remove unsightly dental discoloration. For more information on our cosmetic treatment options, then call the office of James Stewart, DDS in Livonia, MI, today at (734) 425-4400.