Over time, your smile may have slowly lost some of its luster. Part of this is a result of natural aging, but food choices and the genes you inherited from your parents also play a role. When dentin just below the tooth surface becomes visible, teeth begin to look dull and yellow. Dentin’s coloring is cloaked by the tooth’s natural enamel; as this thin layer is worn away, the brightness of your smile dims.
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Tooth Discoloration
Discoloration that originates from below the tooth enamel is called an intrinsic stain. Extrinsic stains are on the tooth surface, and are the type you hear most about in advertising from over-the-counter products. Toothpastes, whitening strips, rinses and retail home whitening kits focus on removing surface stains. Although this approach can slightly whiten your smile, it does nothing to improve the deeper stains below the surface. That’s why you need a professional dental solution.
Teeth Whitening Treatment Details
Dr. Añonuevo offers Zoom! and GLO Science in-office teeth whitening, as well as home kits that use Zoom!, GLO Science and Opalescence products and a customized mouth tray.
Zoom! Improves the brightness of teeth by several shades in one convenient office visit. The process begins with application of a 25 percent hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth. Unlike at-home products, the Zoom! gel is activated by a blue plasma light called the Zoom! Advanced Power Chairside Lamp. The light allows the hydrogen peroxide solution to penetrate deeply into the enamel and dentin.
How to Ensure Best Whitening Results
For the best results, it is recommended that you undergo a regular teeth cleaning before Zoom! treatment. Once your teeth have been cleaned and examined, Dr. Añonuevo will take an impression of your mouth to create a custom tray that you will use at home to maintain the brilliance of your smile. The entire office procedure takes about an hour.
Because these whitening products are medical-strength, it is important to have a dentist guiding your treatment. Used inappropriately, the active ingredient can irritate the gums and temporarily boost sensitivity. Dr. Añonuevo will ensure the gel is precisely targeted, to reduce the chances of this happening. Some gel products also contain potassium nitrate, a chemical that provides a powerful defense against tooth and gum sensitivity.
Signs You May Not be a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening technology has come a long way, but there are still limits to what it can achieve for certain classes of patients. If you were born with teeth that are naturally thin, the translucent appearance of your most visible teeth will be harder to whiten. If you were prescribed antibiotics at a very young age, or your mother took antibiotics during pregnancy, the resulting tooth stains will be resistant to whitening products. Yellow-looking teeth usually have the best results, while patients typically experience less satisfying outcomes with brown or grayish intrinsic stains.
While surface stains can be partially treated by various retail products, stains can also be avoided by many of the choices you make. Coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, vividly colored fruits or vegetables and even some curries can stain your teeth. Acids and sugars in food can also wear away the enamel. This includes sodas, vinegar and some juices.
If you would like to discuss your specific dental needs with a respected, trustworthy dentist in Charlotte, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Añonuevo. Please call or email Inspire Dentistry of the Carolinas today to make your appointment.