Even though tooth discoloration doesn’t require immediate attention, it doesn’t mean it’s not important. According to reports, around 37 million Americans spend money on teeth whitening in Raleigh, NC. Yellow teeth may not affect your oral health, but they can impact your confidence and self-esteem.
People who are conscious about their smiles would do anything to make their teeth sparkly white to the point where they start experimenting with different teeth whitening methods and products regardless of if they found them from a credible source or a random TikTok video.
Teeth whitening should be performed by a dental health professional for the best and safest results, so if you find yourself picking up a bleaching solution from your local grocery aisle, you might want to consider putting it back.
Why Do Teeth Become Discolored?
Many factors contribute to teeth yellowing. The most common cause of tooth stains is the regular consumption of dark-colored food and drinks like berries, pasta sauces, soda, coffee, tea, and wine. When you consume them, your teeth absorb the dark pigments making your smile look dull and dingy. Smoking and chewing nicotine also contribute to brown and yellow tooth stains.
What Are the Different Methods of Teeth Whitening?
Zoom!® Teeth Whitening
Did you know that you can see a dramatic difference in your smile with just a single appointment? It’s not magic; it’s Zoom!® teeth whitening. This teeth whitening method can make your teeth brighter by at least eight shades.
The procedure starts with a thorough examination of your teeth to determine if you’d make a good candidate for the procedure. If you have an oral infection, gum disease, or cavities, you’ll be advised to address these issues before you’re cleared for Zoom!® whitening.
You’ll be advised to clean your teeth before the procedure so that your cosmetic dentist will work on plaque-free teeth. A lip cream is applied over your lips to prevent irritation. The dentist then uses a retractor to pull your lips back so your cosmetic dentist can access your teeth.
Your dentist will show you a shade guide, so we’ll know what brightness level you wish to achieve. Next, they will brush a whitening gel over your teeth, followed by laser light to activate the solution. The whitening solution can be reapplied several times until you are satisfied with the color of your teeth. All these will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are a cheaper way to brighten up your smile. These are thin strips coated with hydrogen peroxide gel. To achieve the best results, your dentist will instruct you to wear them 30 minutes at a time, two times a week for two weeks.
Unfortunately, if you have teeth misalignment issues, teeth whitening strips may not be your best option since some of your teeth will overlap, and the strips won’t be able to seal them properly, resulting in uneven whiteness.
Teeth Whitening Trays
Teeth whitening trays are relatively more expensive compared to whitening strips. However, research shows they are more effective than whitening toothpaste and strips. These trays are filled with a whitening solution, which you will wear for 30 minutes a day for up to several weeks.
Most dental offices offer customized teeth whitening trays to ensure that they fit the unique contours of your teeth. We discourage you from purchasing over-the-counter whitening tray kits because these trays are generically manufactured and, therefore, won’t fit your teeth perfectly. They’re also uncomfortable to wear.
Teeth Whitening Rinses and Toothpastes
Teeth whitening rinses and toothpastes are available everywhere. You’ll likely find one in your nearby grocery store or local supermarket. These products contain mild abrasives that help remove surface stains. However, they cannot get rid of deep stains and the results are only slightly effective.
Veneers
If you’re still dissatisfied with the shade of your teeth or if you want to alter both shade and size, you can opt for dental veneers. Veneers are tailor-made tooth-colored shells that your cosmetic dentist will apply over the front part of your teeth to improve their appearance in terms of size, shape, and color. The average lifespan of veneers is between 10 to 15 years with proper care.
Dental veneers are made from resin composite material or porcelain. The latter is more popular because they resist stains better than the former. Porcelain is also more translucent, mimicking the light-reflecting features of natural teeth.
Veneers are ideal for people who have discolored teeth due to excessive fluoride use, tetracycline drugs, root canal treatment, and extensive resin filings. People with worn-down chipped and broken teeth can also benefit from wearing veneers.
Are You Interested in Professional Teeth Whitening in Raleigh, NC?
At Tyron Family Dentistry, we love building long-term relationships with our patients. We pay close attention to your needs so we can create a personalized treatment plan to meet your goals. Our dental office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to give you a comfortable experience. Get in touch with us today for an appointment.
