Tooth Stains & Discoloration
Everyone has tooth stains and discolorations that are the result of the foods, drinks and other products we ingest every day. These stains, also known as extrinsic staining, occur within the outer layer of enamel that covers our teeth. Some types of staining are difficult to remove, such as deep stains caused by age or illness and others, like those from smoking or medication, can be lightened with professional teeth whitening treatments.
Whitening is a safe and effective way to eliminate stains that cause your teeth to appear yellow or grayish in color. There are many options to brighten your smile, including over-the-counter whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes and professional whitening treatment in the office or take-home kits.
Whether you choose an in-office or take-home teeth whitening kit, we can customize a treatment plan to give you the best results. We’ll start with a thorough examination of your teeth to assess the amount of staining you may need help with, then we can discuss your preferences and goals for whitening.
We will recommend a whitening system that is right for you and we will make trays to fit your individual mouth for the whitening process. We’ll also provide you with a set of instructions and a shade guide to ensure you get the best results.
The whitening gel will be applied to your teeth, and then a light will be used to activate the gel. This causes the bleaching agent to produce oxygen ions which help break down stains and remove them from your teeth.
Once the whitening treatment is complete, you’ll be given a few take-home trays and a personalized whitening solution to use at home for two to three weeks. This will slowly brighten your teeth to a whiter and more beautiful appearance.
Keep your smile bright and white with good oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits. This will help keep your whitening results long-lasting.
It is important to avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, as well as tobacco products. These are the primary culprits behind tooth stains and discoloration.
Maintaining a daily regimen of brushing and flossing along with your regular dental appointments will keep your teeth healthy and strong. Having a prophylaxis cleaning each six months will remove hard-to-reach stains that accumulate on the surfaces of your teeth and reduce your risk for gum disease and other problems.
Our team at Sarasota Complete Dental has a number of different whitening options to help you achieve the radiant smile you have always wanted. Schedule an appointment today to talk about your options!
Teeth Cleaning & Whitening Procedures
Your dentist will first examine your teeth and take a few molds to create custom trays for the whitening process. We’ll then apply the whitening material to the trays, and you’ll wear them for about an hour a day. Most patients will notice a noticeable change in their teeth in about 10 to 14 days, and they’ll see the full results at the end of the whitening treatment.