What causes tooth discoloration?
There’s a reason you see so many teeth whitening products. Tooth discoloration is very common, and if you want to restore your bright smile, you’re far from alone.
One of the most common causes of tooth discoloration is age. Over time, your teeth may become dull and yellow. That’s because the outer layer of enamel on your teeth wears away, revealing the dentin below, which has a far less appealing shade.
Your habits are also a common contributor to tooth discoloration. Coffee, tea, and wine can stain your teeth, as can foods with high acid content (like berries and citrus) and food coloring. Smoking also stains your teeth, which is just one more reason to quit.
Though brushing your teeth and coming into Dr. Thompson’s office for regular teeth cleanings can help fight discoloration and stains, it’s typically not enough to remove them entirely. Thankfully, with teeth whitening, you’re not stuck with stained, yellow teeth.
What types of teeth whitening are available?
Dr. Thompson offers both in-office and at-home teeth whitening. In-office whitening, using the Philips Zoom!® whitening system, can dramatically brighten your teeth in just one appointment. You may also get a teeth cleaning before a whitening session for the most striking and even results.
If you’d prefer, Dr. Thompson can also provide custom-made at-home whitening trays. The trays are made from impressions of your teeth, and you wear them along with a professional-grade whitening solution. With at-home results, you have control over how much you whiten your teeth and how often you apply the whitening solution, and you can easily touch up your results.
Why should I go to the dentist for teeth whitening?
You may wonder why it’s worth going to Dr. Thompson for teeth whitening when there are so many gels, strips, kits, and toothpastes on the market that claim to whiten teeth. Or, if you’ve tried these products with unsatisfying results, you may be skeptical that going to the dentist’s office for whitening is any better.
One key difference is that Dr. Thompson has access to much stronger bleaching agents than what’s sold over-the-counter. They can get the kind of dramatic results you’re looking for. He can also customize your treatment, including whitening trays that are made from impressions of your teeth to fit your mouth.
Over-the-counter whitening products can be not just ineffective, but dangerous. Some people are unsatisfied with their results and end up overusing bleaching products in an attempt to brighten their smile, which erodes their enamel and dentin.
Whitening from Dr. Thompson is much safer. He closely supervises your treatment. And when you get satisfying results, there’s no reason to overuse whitening products and risk damaging your teeth.
To schedule a teeth whitening appointment, call the office of Derrick L. Thompson, DDS, or use the online booking tool.
