Teeth Whitening – Deer Park
When you see a smile on young children’s happy faces, you just can’t help but notice how white their teeth are. Yours used to be that white, too. But as the years go by, white teeth are hard to maintain. And you might not be the only one who notices. Studies show that a smile is often the first characteristic people see when they meet you. So, having the best looking smile possible is advantageous in both career and social settings. Fortunately, there is a way to brighten your smile.
Why Isn’t My Smile White?
The truth is that no one has a smile that is perfectly white. Everyone’s teeth are genetically programmed to have a slightly yellow, gray or brown cast. This tone becomes more noticeable over the years as the outer coating of enamel on your teeth thins and the layer of dentin underneath begins to show.
However, the primary reason most people’s smiles discolor is because of the foods and beverages they eat. Think about what goes into your mouth every day. A cup or two of coffee in the morning, perhaps a turkey with mustard sandwich for lunch, and spaghetti with tomato sauce and a glass of red wine for dinner. All of these are richly colored and can leave deposits on your teeth that add up to a stained smile over time.
The color of your teeth can also be affected by:
- Smoking and chewing tobacco
- The antibiotic tetracycline if taken at a young age
- Radiation and chemotherapy
- Cracks in your teeth that trap small particles of food
- Teeth grinding, which can darken the chewing surfaces of your teeth
At-Home Teeth Whitening
For a more gradual approach to whitening, you will be pleased with the results of our take-home system. With this, we fabricate custom-fitted mouth trays right here in the office. These keep the bleaching solution on your teeth and saliva out.
Schedule an Appointment Today
To learn more about porcelain veneers or your options in cosmetic dentistry, you are invited to contact the office of Deer Park Family Dentistry. You can also request an appointment online!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Are you ready to brighten your teeth so you have a smile that you’re proud to show off? At Deer Park Family Dentistry, we want to help you feel confident in your decision to invest in your smile by fixing cosmetic imperfections that impact your self-esteem. We’ve collected some common questions we get about professional teeth whitening in Deer Park below for your convenience.
How long will my results last?
A great benefit of getting professional teeth whitening is that the effects can last up to three years when you properly care for your mouth. These results can vary depending on variables like if you smoke or whether you frequently consume stain-causing foods and beverages. To get the most out of your investment, it’s vital to brush and floss every day to regularly clear yellow-tinted plaque from your teeth. Also, try not to consume excessive amounts of coffee, black tea, tomato-based sauces, red wine, berries, and soy sauce. You can ask any of our dentists at Deer Park Family Dentistry for more recommendations on how to keep your teeth whiter for longer after treatment.
Do store-bought teeth whitening products work?
Some over-the-counter teeth whitening products can offer you results that you’re looking for. However, they may not be able to tackle more severe discoloration and can take longer to whiten your teeth. Another thing to consider before you purchase over-the-counter whitening products is that these methods of whitening (like activated charcoal) are abrasive and can cause enamel erosion. It’s best to consult your dentist before taking a gamble on whether or not a store-bought product is safe for your smile.
What if teeth whitening won’t work on my teeth? What else can I do?
If your teeth have severe intrinsic staining that can’t be treated with professional teeth whitening, you can always schedule a consultation with us to discuss alternative options such as porcelain veneers. These are thin, durable porcelain shells that are custom-fitted to fit over the visible portion of your teeth to conceal a variety of imperfections including severe discoloration. To learn whether or not this is a better cosmetic solution for you, contact us today! We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and walk you through the process.
Will professional teeth whitening damage my teeth?
The great thing about professional teeth whitening is that you don’t have to guess whether or not the products that are being used on your smile are going to harm your enamel. Our whitening gel is tested and proven to be safe for our patients’ mouths. Whether you get our at-home kit or come into our office for treatment, you can rest assured that you’re not taking a gamble on your oral health like you would have to with a store-bought kit. Plus, you can get fast results that last longer when you choose your dentist for treatment. We utilize a concentrated gel that penetrates surface stains immediately and delivers a visibly brighter smile after just a single appointment.