You’ve looked in the mirror and noticed how yellow your teeth are. You’re wondering if teeth whitening would help your smile, but don’t know what’s involved. If this is you, your family dentist in Cypress can help. Here are four things you should know about whitening your teeth at Village Park Dental to get a bright, fresh smile.
1. Why are my teeth discolored?
Teeth lose their whiteness due to staining. Dark colored foods such as coffee, tea, and red wines contain substances called chromogenic which are dark and attach themselves to the white material in your teeth. Over time your teeth begin to darken and become dull and yellow. Discoloration can also be caused by tobacco use, aging, and certain medications. Any or all of these things can add a darker coloration to your teeth.
2. How does teeth whitening work?
Whitening gels, rinses, and toothpaste contain one or more of several chemical bleaches specifically designed to break down the dark-colored molecules attached to your teeth material. These chemicals are safe to use but vary in strength and effectiveness. Whitening at the dentist office is the quickest and most effective. Using toothpaste and whitening kits purchased across-the-counter, may not be as effective and work more slowly.
There are situations in which bleaching may not work at all. Bleaching may not work if teeth discolor for reasons other than staining. So, discuss with your family dentist in Cypress at Village Park Dental to determine if whitening is right for you. Our dentist can evaluate your teeth and design a treatment plan specifically suited for you.
3. What are the whitening options?
There are two primary ways to bleach teeth. You can choose to whiten your teeth at either the dentist office or home. Your family dentist in Cypress can treat you, usually, in one visit, using a dental grade whitening agent. As an alternative, you can choose to bleach your teeth at home using a teeth whitening kit or whitening toothpaste purchased over-the-counter. Products for use at home are not as effective as bleaching in the dental office, but, over time, may lighten the coloration of your teeth.
4. Are there any side effects of teeth whitening?
Sometimes the chemicals in whitening products can cause sensitivity in some people’s teeth. Sensitivity occurs when the dental bleaching agent penetrates deep enough into the teeth to affect the nerves. If this happens, discontinue the use of the whitening agents. Usually, the sensitivity will disappear, and you will be able to attempt the whitening process again. Nevertheless, you should talk with your family dentist in Cypress before you begin any program of whitening.
Whitening your teeth can give a big boost to your self-confidence. A brighter, whiter smile is a pleasure to show, and generally, if you smile at people they will smile back. It may be time for you to whiten your teeth, so contact your family dentist in Cypress at Village Park Dental Center today. Talk to one of our professional staff and schedule an appointment to discuss teeth whitening or any other dental health issues. Call today, 281-376-0444. Both you and your smile will be glad you did.