What causes tooth discoloration?
The most common cause of tooth discoloration is the natural aging process. As you age, the outer layer of your teeth (enamel) becomes thin and wears away. This reveals the inside of your teeth (dentin). Dentin is yellow, so as it becomes more visible, the yellower your teeth appear.
Several other factors contribute to discolored teeth as well, including:
- Dark-colored beverages like cola and coffee
- Foods that stain, including tomato-based pasta sauce
- Poor oral hygiene
- Tobacco use
You might also experience tooth discoloration if you take certain prescription medications.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a safe and effective procedure used to eradicate stains and discoloration from the surface of your teeth.
There are many teeth whitening systems, but almost all use carbamide peroxide as the featured whitening ingredient. Carbamide peroxide is safe, usually well-tolerated, and presents no serious side-effects.
What are the types of teeth whitening?
At Sargon Dental, Dr. Lazarof offers several types of teeth whitening, including:
Philips Zoom! in-office teeth whitening
Philips Zoom! can make your teeth between *6-12 shades whiter in just one treatment session. Prior to in-office whitening, Dr. Lazarof covers your tongue and gums with a protective rubber sheet. Then, he carefully applies the whitening solution to each tooth.
Dr. Lazarof lets the solution sit for 10-15 minutes and points a special light at your teeth. The light triggers a whitening reaction that cuts through years of stains and discoloration. The process is repeated several times until you achieve your desired results.
Take-home trays
Take-home teeth whitening trays allow you to whiten your teeth at your own pace. Each kit contains two mouthpieces, a syringe, and a bottle of whitening solution.
You apply the whitening solution to the mouthpieces using the syringe. Then you put your mouthpieces in and wear them for three to four hours each day. Over time, the whitening solution transforms your teeth and smile.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening treatment lasts an average of 4-6 months. To maintain your results, Dr. Lazarof recommends brushing and flossing daily and visiting Sargon Dental every six months for a professional exam and cleaning.
Avoid drinking dark beverages like coffee, soda, and red wine. If you do drink them, use a straw or drink them in moderation. By taking preventive steps, you can maintain your results for months.
To learn more about the benefits of teeth whitening, schedule an appointment at Sargon Dental. Book a consultation online, or call the office to speak with a member of the administrative staff today.
*Individual results may vary
