Are your stained, discolored teeth causing you embarrassment? You shouldn’t have to hide your smile just because of the color of your teeth.
If your teeth aren’t as white and bright as you want them to be, it’s time you consider teeth whitening. For patients in Modesto, CA, our team at Sierra Dental Care can help walk you through your options so you can get the smile of your dreams.
What Made My Teeth Turn Yellow?
The following factors can contribute to the staining and discoloration of your teeth:
- Food and drink
- Tobacco
- Aging
- Trauma
- Medications
Coffee, tea, and red wine are the worst culprits. They contain color pigments called chromogens that attach to the outer part of your tooth, darkening it. Tobacco contains nicotine and tar, both of which create stains on the surface of your teeth.
As you age, the outer layer of enamel wears thin, and more of the darker underlying layer, called dentin, starts to show through.
If you’ve suffered trauma, your tooth can change color as more dentin is created, a reaction to the injury.
Additionally, if you’re taking certain antihistamines, high blood pressure medications, or antipsychotics, you may experience some tooth darkening. Even young children who take antibiotics like doxycycline and tetracycline can have some discoloration of their adult teeth when they come in. Head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can also darken the color of your teeth.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening works by using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to bleach the teeth. The chemicals break down the stains and brighten your teeth.
Teeth whitening doesn’t work on all discolored teeth. When you come into our office, we will discuss your options with you. However, it’s important to know that teeth whitening doesn’t work on crowns, veneers, or fillings. If we find that teeth whitening won’t work on your teeth, veneers are a great way to still achieve the whiter smile you’
Teeth Whitening Techniques
Talk to your dentist before starting any treatment on your teeth. We can help make sure you’re not causing more damage to your teeth. We can also guide you toward effective treatments to save you time and money.
Whitening Toothpaste
In general, toothpaste will help with surface stains as you brush your teeth. When shopping for whitening toothpaste, look for the ADA Seal that shows it contains chemicals that have been proven to help remove surface stains.
However, note that toothpaste cannot change the color of your teeth. They will just help remove stains on the surface of your teeth.
In-Office Teeth Bleaching
The most effective technique for teeth whitening is in-office teeth bleaching. It sounds harsh, but it works to remove stains caused by food and drinks, tobacco, and aging.
When you come into our office for teeth bleaching, you can expect the process to take about an hour to an hour and a half. You should be able to notice a difference in the shade of your teeth after just one visit.
Typically, our patients are happy with their results after just one visit, but we can schedule a follow-up bleaching session if necessary.
At-Home Teeth Bleaching
While not as effective as in-office bleaching, at-home teeth whitening kits can help patients see an improvement in the discoloration of their teeth. Take-home whiteners use a gel that contains peroxide. The bleaching chemicals aren’t as concentrated as what we use in our office, but it’s still important to talk with your dentist before trying an at-home kit.
Are You Ready For A Brighter Smile?
It’s time to stop hiding your smile. Let us help give you a whiter, brighter smile you would be happy to show off. Call Sierra Dental Care in Modesto, CA at (209) 575-2400 to request an appointment. You can also use our online form to request an appointment with us.