Aging, the foods we eat, habits like smoking, and even certain medications contribute to dental stains, hampering the confidence you have in showing off your beautiful smile. Luckily, you can easily recover your natural shine with teeth whitening in Charleston, SC.
Unlike at-home solutions, professional whitening is safer and provides longer-lasting results, protecting your teeth and gums from abrasive products.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Every day, through eating, drinking, and activities like smoking, our teeth come into contact with several particulates, some more damaging than others. When this happens, our porous enamel can absorb and retain the color of these darker substances.
Other factors like age and teeth grinding also contribute to the natural wear and tear of teeth, making them more prone to developing a slight yellow cast. While they may not affect the health of teeth, stains can affect someone’s confidence in their smile, making them consider teeth whitening at North Rivers Dental.
Types of Stains
The stains that appear on a person’s teeth can be classified in two types:
Extrinsic
Extrinsic dental stains are the ones formed on the outer surface of the teeth, often because of lifestyle factors. They are typically caused by the foods and drinks we consume, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries, which can leave pigments on the enamel.
Tobacco use, both smoking and chewing, is another common cause of extrinsic stains. Poor oral hygiene can also contribute, as plaque and tartar buildup can trap stains.
The good news is that extrinsic stains aren’t as lasting as intrinsic ones and can easily be removed with regular brushing, professional cleanings, or our professional teeth whitening treatments.
Intrinsic Dental Stains
Intrinsic dental stains form inside the tooth, affecting its internal structure (the dentin) rather than just the outer enamel. These stains are typically more difficult to remove and can be caused by various factors, such as aging. The enamel in our teeth naturally thins over time, allowing the yellowish dentin to show through.
Other causes for intrinsic stains include trauma or injury to a tooth, certain medications (like tetracycline antibiotics), excessive fluoride exposure during childhood, or genetic factors that affect tooth color.
Unlike extrinsic stains, intrinsic stains can only be concealed with veneers to improve the appearance of the teeth.
What Is the Process for Getting Teeth Whitening?
The process of getting your teeth whitened at North Rivers Dental starts with a thorough dental examination. We must ensure your smile is healthy to withstand the cosmetic procedure, as issues like tooth decay make you a bad candidate for teeth whitening.
Once everything is good to go, we’ll schedule an appointment. We start by placing a mouth guard on your gums to protect them from irritation. Then, hydrogen peroxide gel is applied to your teeth and heated with ultraviolet light. This method allows us to brighten your smile by 3-5 shades.
After the treatment, we recommend not eating or drinking for up to an hour to maximize the results. Moreover, avoid colored and overly sugary drinks for at least a day after treatment.
Why Consider Professional Teeth Whitening Instead of Over-the-Counter Solutions?
Professional teeth whitening offers several advantages over over-the-counter products.
First, it provides faster, more noticeable results, with treatments that can significantly brighten teeth in just one session. Dentists use stronger, more effective whitening agents than what’s available in store-bought products, ensuring consistent and safe outcomes.
Unlike over-the-counter options, which can be harsh or uneven, professional treatments are customized to your specific needs and minimize sensitivity. Additionally, professional whitening is supervised by a dentist, ensuring the process is safe for your gums and enamel and reducing the risk of damage or irritation.
For all these reasons, professional whitening can offer longer-lasting and more reliable results.
Are Teeth Whitening Results Permanent?
Teeth whitening results are not permanent, but with proper care, they can last for a long time! On average, professional teeth whitening results can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, depending on your habits and oral care routine.
Over time, your teeth may become discolored again due to factors like coffee, tea, wine, or smoking.
To maintain your bright smile, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Regular dental cleanings and touch-up whitening treatments can also help prolong your results. Finally, avoid stain-causing foods and drinks or use a straw when you do it.
Are You Looking for Teeth Whitening in Charleston, SC?
If your teeth are lacking their natural luster, there’s no need to let it affect your confidence. With our in-house teeth whitening services, you can easily lighten your teeth and have a smile you can be proud of once again.
If you’re interested in learning more about North Rivers Dental and our cosmetic treatments, reach out today!