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Q: What causes teeth discoloration?
A: In addition to aging, many things especially what we eat and drink affect tooth color. Culprits include berries, red wine, tea, coffee, cranberry juice, soy sauce and soda pop.
Q: Do many people request to have their teeth whitened?
A: Approximately ninety to ninety-five percent of all our patients are unhappy with the color of their teeth. Our challenge is to educate people on the importance of naturally looking white teeth. We truly believe in whitening teeth to their fullest, however, the whitening should be a natural white and not a "plastic" appearance.
Q: What effective measures can someone take to prevent teeth discoloration?
A: In addition to regular cleanings (bi-annual or tri-annual) here are some ways to minimize teeth discoloration:
- Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables. They are abrasive and in a sense scrub your teeth.
- Brush your teeth immediately after eating potentially staining foods. If brushing is not possible, try to rinse your mouth thoroughly.
- Use a straw when drinking high stain potential beverages. The straw will allow the liquid to bypass your front teeth completely.
- Do NOT brush too strenuously. Over time you will expose the yellowish/bluish dentin which is underneath your enamel.
Q: What are the most effective at-home teeth whitening techniques?
A: We recommend using products that contain 10%, 16%, or 22% hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. We sell at-home bleaching kits at the office. Be careful of whitening toothpastes since they usually contain abrasive material which can wear down your enamel and expose dentin. Whitening toothpastes can help remove stain however they won't actually whiten your teeth.
Q: What are the most effective teeth whitening techniques?
A: Porcelain laminates are the most effective way to whiten your teeth. Porcelain laminate veneers create a stain resistant white but natural looking smile. They are the least invasive type of dental restoration. We now have the ability to customize your smile utilizing the very latest in cutting edge technology. The porcelain we use can depict the natural anatomy of your teeth. We are now able to mimic the natural anatomy of your teeth through the use of many color gradations along with our unique anatomical carvings. Your smile can be whiter and brighter in as little as five days. However, if porcelain laminates are not an option for you, then Laser Teeth Whitening is the next best technique. Laser teeth whitening products contain the highest concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide at 35%. The laser also provides the highest light intensity available. Since the procedure is done at chairside, we are able to concentrate in those areas of your mouth where the type and location of discoloration is worse. Laser technology allows us to whiten your teeth with amazing results in just one hour!
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