Everything from poor oral hygiene to the foods and drinks we consume can lead to stained teeth. But what can you do to remove these stains and enjoy a brighter smile once more? To help our Tucson, AZ, patients enjoy brighter smiles again, we usually employ professional teeth whitening. In today’s blog, we’re going to talk about our in-office and at-home solutions to discoloration.
In-Office and At-Home
Our in-office option is popular for those in need of fast results, as the entire procedure usually takes about two hours. If you have an upcoming interview or big event, this is a great choice. We will start by placing a protective covering on your lips and gums. Next, we apply the bleaching gel to the teeth, which will be activated with a special curing light. The gel then begins to break up and remove stains from the surface of your teeth.
Our at-home option works great for more severe cases, and also limits the risks of tooth sensitivity following treatment. You will start by visiting our office so we can gather detailed images and impressions of your smile. Using this information, we will create a custom set of plastic trays. At home, you will fill said trays with a powerful bleaching gel we prescribe. The trays will fit comfortably and spread the gel evenly across the surfaces of your teeth. The gel then breaks up the discoloration. You should wear them for about a half hour to 45 minutes a day, with optimal results available in as little as ten days. For some, this means smiles that will be several shades brighter.
Lessening the Severity of Stains
Over time, discoloration will once again occur, but with the right steps you can ensure your results last a long time and that when the stains do resurface, they won’t be severe. To begin, cut back on drinks with dark pigments, such as coffee, red wine, soda, and tea. Also, be sure you consume fewer sugary foods and drinks, which promote plaque buildup, which in turn dims the color of your teeth. At home, you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, and floss every night before going to bed. Every six months, we want to clean your smile to remove plaque and help them stay bright.
Masking Permanent Teeth Stains
If you have permanent ones, also known as intrinsic discoloration, whitening may not be enough. Fortunately, we can simply mask them in one visit with dental bonding, or in two with our lifelike porcelain veneers!
Do You Have Discoloration on Your Smile?
Stained teeth can lead to unattractive smiles. For more information in removing discoloration and offering a brighter, shining smile, schedule a consultation with your dentist by calling Dr. Newman’s office in Tucson, AZ, today at 520-296-5439. We’re conveniently located inside the Grant Road Professional Plaza, and proudly welcome the residents of all surrounding communities.