Teeth Whitening Specialist

Why do my teeth change color?

Tooth discoloration occurs naturally as you age. Over the years, activities like brushing, eating, and drinking cause your enamel to wear down, revealing the yellow dentin underneath. 

Several other factors contribute to tooth discoloration as well, including:

• Certain drugs, including antihistamines and blood pressure medicine
• Drinking beverages with tannins, like cola or red wine
• Eating foods like curries or other tomato-based products
• Poor oral hygiene
• Tobacco use
  
  

You might also develop stained or dark teeth following a traumatic injury like getting hit in the mouth. This can chip your enamel, causing your dentin to appear more visible.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a type of cosmetic dentistry that uses medical-grade bleaching solutions to whiten and brighten your teeth. It’s a safe, FDA-approved way to eliminate stains and discoloration without harming your gums, tongue, or lips.

What are the types of teeth whitening?

The team at Hillcrest Family Dentistry offers several types of teeth whitening treatment, including:

In-office chairside teeth whitening

In-office chairside teeth whitening can make your teeth up to eight* shades whiter in under an hour. At the beginning of treatment, the team covers your tongue and gums with a protective rubber dam. 

They then apply a bleaching solution to each of your teeth and let it rest for several minutes. Afterward, the team points a blue light at your teeth, encouraging a whitening reaction.

The team repeats these same steps several times until you achieve the desired shade of white. Routine follow-up appointments can keep your teeth shiny and bright for years to come.

Take-home teeth whitening trays

Take-home teeth whitening trays allow you to brighten your teeth on your own time. Each kit contains two plastic mouthpieces, a syringe, and a bottle of whitening solution. 

You transfer the whitening solution to each mouthpiece using the syringe and wear them for several hours at a time, whenever is most convenient.

Take-home teeth whitening trays take longer to produce results than in-office whitening, but they’re just as effective.

How do I keep my teeth white and free of stains?

If you want the results of teeth whitening to last for several months, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. The team at Hillcrest Family Dentistry recommends brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting the office for teeth cleaning every six months.

If possible, try to quit smoking and only drink dark beverages from a straw. Minor lifestyle adjustments like these can significantly extend your results.

To see if you’re a candidate for teeth whitening, request a consultation at Hillcrest Family Dentistry. Book an appointment online, or call the office to speak with a member of the administrative staff today.