Tooth discoloration is one cosmetic issue almost everyone will have to deal with at some point in their life. While brushing your teeth multiple times a day can reduce your risk of developing surface stains, these hygiene habits are not always enough. Professional teeth whitening treatments will brighten your teeth by as much as seven shades and leave you with a world-class smile you can be proud of.
Understanding Tooth Discoloration
Tooth discoloration is a more complicated problem than most patients realize. These stains are classified as either surface stains (extrinsic) or internal stains (intrinsic). Stains just below the outer layers of dentin are typically caused by trauma to the face, and they will not respond to most whitening treatments. Extrinsic stains, on the other hand, can be brightened in as little as 30 minutes with professional teeth whitening treatments.
Most external stains are the result of lifestyle choices we make every single day. This includes the foods and beverages we consume, such as darker teas, coffee, berries, wine and certain types of candy. They can also be caused by improper oral hygiene habits. Failing to brush, floss and use mouthwash multiple times a day will drastically increase your risk of developing surface stains.
Are Over-the-Counter Products Enough?
There are a few glaring disadvantages of over-the-counter teeth whitening products you might want to avoid. While they contain many of the same ingredients as professional whitening products, they are often in different proportions. This means it is very easy to damage the outer layers of your teeth if you are not careful. Once the outer layers of your teeth have been severely damaged, you might have to resort to more comprehensive treatments, such as veneers and crowns.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Like most other oral procedures, it is important that a patient has relatively healthy teeth and gums. It is also important that patients closely follow all of the instructions given to them by our dentist.
Your Teeth Whitening Appointment
The average teeth whitening session can be carried out in under an hour. The amount of time you will spend in the chair depends on the severity of your tooth stains. Once the treatment is over, patients can head right back to work or their other daily errands. The exact details of the treatment will be discussed with you in detail during a consultation appointment.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are looking to brighten your smile, a professional teeth whitening treatment might be your solution. Visit Chestnut Family Dentistry in Asheville to see if our in-office treatments can benefit you. Each teeth whitening treatment is quick, and there will be no downtime or intense discomfort. Contact our office today to book your appointment to learn more.
