Teeth Whitening Procedures for You
Brushing and flossing your teeth every day is the basis of keeping your teeth bright, white, and healthy. However, you might feel like your teeth are losing the sparkle and turning yellow. Also, the teeth surfaces can get stained, thus affecting your appearance.
What Are the Causes of Tooth Discoloration and Staining?
Your teeth can change from their natural white color to a dull shade due to the following reasons:
- Colored foods and beverages. Coffee, grape juice, and red wine are some of the staining agents that leave patches or spots on your enamel when you consume them. These foods and beverages contain chromogens that attach to the enamel and sometimes hard to remove through brushing.
- Use of tobacco products. Our dentist Ellicott City, MD, indicates that tar and nicotine found in tobacco are notorious staining agents. Tar turns your teeth dark while naturally, colorless nicotine turns yellow when it mixes with oxygen.
- Trauma. Due to impact, your teeth can change their color since they react by laying down more dentin. Dentin is the dark yellow layer of your enamel that will make your teeth appear darker than usual.
- Age. Below the outer white shell of your, there is another darker layer known as the dentin. As you age, your teeth undergo wear and tear. Therefore, as the wear and tear process progresses, the dentin is exposed thus making your teeth appear yellow.
- Medications. Tooth discoloration can be a result of some antihistamines, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure medications. Children exposed to antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline can also be at risk of tooth discoloration during adulthood. Apart from drugs, chemotherapy and neck radiations can cause tooth discoloration.
Teeth Whitening Options
When you need teeth whitening Ellicott City, MD, your dentist can recommend the following treatment options:
In-Office Deep Bleaching
In-office deep bleaching procedure involves the use of peroxides, to remove stains and whiten the enamel.
During the procedure, your dentist will apply peroxide gel on your teeth and leave it on the surface for a few minutes. After settling on your teeth surfaces for some time, the dentist will then remove it, revealing sparkly and white teeth.
Before dentists apply peroxide gels on patient’s teeth, they ensure the safety of your gums by using a shield or a special gel.
Unlike over-the-counter whitening options that you purchase at the drug store, in-office deep bleaching procedure offers noticeable white smiles after only one dental appointment. However, Dr. Maryam Roosta in Ellicott City, MD, recommends more appointments for you to achieve dramatic results.
In-Office Laser Teeth Whitening
If you have severe stains on your teeth that are not responding to other teeth whitening options, your dentist can recommend the use of laser technology to whiten them.
During a zoom or laser teeth whitening procedure, your dentist will apply high intensive bleaching gel on the surfaces of your teeth and protect you gum using a special gel or rubber shields. The dentist will then use a special light to help the bleaching agent penetrate the enamel, thus giving your teeth a bright sparkle.
After a single procedure, you will achieve bright and white teeth. However, your dentist can schedule another appointment to ensure you achieve the results you desire.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
If you want to enjoy the benefits of teeth whitening gels, you can discuss your expectations with your dentist. The dentist will then prescribe the best treatment option for you, depending on your teeth’s condition.
One of the teeth whitening options is tray-based teeth whitening kits. Before giving you the kits, the dentist near you will first take impressions of your teeth. Your dentist will then use the impressions to create your custom-made bleaching kits. The dentist will then recommend you to wear the trays at least ten hours a day and remove them when eating or brushing.
Other at-home teeth whitening options include teeth whitening rinses, toothpaste, and strips.
Finding a Teeth Whitening Dentist Near Me
Are you a resident of Ellicott City or surrounding areas such as Woodstock, Catonsville, Columbia, Elkridge, Centennial Park, Baltimore National Pike, West Friendship, and Marriottsville? Do you need teeth whitening procedures?
If so, our dentist at Excel Dental Care in Ellicott City, MD, has years of experience performing teeth whitening procedures. With our current technology, you will receive quality and satisfactory results.