Is your smile dull or discolored? Find out more about how teeth lose their luster and what you can do about it.
What Causes Discoloration?
There are a few things that can damage your teeth and leave them looking worse:
- Age—as you age, your teeth get a little yellower, and years of eating and drinking can cause stains to build up.
- Poor Oral Hygiene—brushing and flossing your teeth can’t completely prevent discoloration, but good oral hygiene will go a long way.
- Diet—Some foods and beverages weaken your enamel and make your teeth susceptible to staining. Other foods and beverages actually stain your teeth. Sugary and acidic foods harm your teeth and weaken your enamel. Dark beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine, can permanently stain your teeth.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
While knowing more what causes stains can help you protect your smile, it is usually impossible to completely prevent staining and discoloration.
This is where teeth whitening comes in.
The fastest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is to schedule a professional whitening appointment at your dentist’s office.
At Galleria Dental Aesthetics, we use the Zoom! Teeth Whitening procedure.
First your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned. Next, a special whitening gel will be applied to your teeth. Then a special light is shined onto your teeth to help the gel eliminate stains.
This process is repeated 3 times. Each session lasts about 15 minutes and all 3 sessions can be done during the same appointment. The results are immediate, so after the appointment is over your teeth will be noticeably whiter—what can take months or years to accomplish with over the counter whiteners can be accomplished in less than an hour.
If you’d like more subtle or gradual results, Galleria Dental Aesthetics also offers custom whitening trays with special gel. These trays are safer and more effective than over-the-counter products, but they can be used at your convenience over a period of weeks.
To learn more about your options for getting a whiter, brighter smile and boosting your confidence, schedule an appointment today.