If you want a brighter smile, you are not alone. In fact, almost everyone would like to remove stains and have whiter teeth. You have surely seen innumerable products lining the aisles of grocery stores and pharmacies; from toothpaste to strips to rinses, at-home items boast brightening abilities — though they often have disappointing results. This is precisely why professional whitening is likely the best option. In today’s blog, your Greenville, TX, dentist talks about the causes of stains and how we can help you find confidence in your smile once again.
The Causes Of Stains
Tooth discoloration, or stains, are caused by a variety of factors. These can be broken down into three major categories: age-related, extrinsic, and intrinsic. Age-related stains are typically caused by the enamel wearing away as you get older, which causes your teeth to yellow. Intrinsic and extrinsic influences factor in as well. Extrinsic stains are ones that are caused by external factors like food, beverages, and tobacco. These are more surface level and affect the enamel. Intrinsic ones are the hardest to get rid of because they are located within your teeth. They can be caused by trauma to the tooth, tooth decay, an over-abundance of fluoride, and even certain medications.
In-Office Treatment
When you come to our office for a whitening treatment, we can typically provide results in a single visit. Your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth to see if our process is right for your specific needs. If it is, we will use the Opalescence® in-office teeth-whitening system. This consists of the dentist applying a bleaching gel solution to your teeth. It is chemically activated, so there are no special lights or lasers to trigger its effects. In just about an hour, your teeth will be significantly lighter and surface-level stains will be gone.
Other Options
While the aforementioned process shows great results for most patients, professional teeth whitening can’t always remove every stain. Intrinsic stains — the ones that exist beneath the tooth’s enamel — will sometimes stay put. These are deeper and whitening processes can’t typically reach them. If you have this deeper discoloration, there are other cosmetic options like veneers and available that can help as well. Again, your dentist will tell you all your options and provide recommendations when you come in for a consultation.
Contact Us To Learn More About Teeth Whitening
If you suffer from stubborn stains that won’t go away with over-the-counter products, do not hesitate to reach out to us to learn about professional treatment. You can contact your Greenville, TX, dentist, Dr. Smith, by calling 903-455-5750. You can also find us at Medical Arts Plaza 4818 Wellington Street, Suite 3 Greenville, TX 75402. We also serve patients from Hunt County, Greenville, Royce City, Sulphur Springs, and all surrounding communities.