Teeth whitening is a widely used cosmetic dental procedure that removes stains and discoloration to brighten teeth. Despite good oral hygiene and regular dental care, teeth naturally darken with age. Millions of Americans choose teeth whitening treatments to restore and maintain a vibrant, white smile.
Teeth whitening can reduce or eliminate the discolorations from common sources:
Food and drink – There is no question that what we put into our mouths affects the color of the teeth. In addition to avoiding dark-colored substances, you should also consider the pH of your diet. By avoiding acidic foods and drinks, you will preserve the thickness of your enamel, which helps you maintain a whiter appearance of the teeth.
Tobacco – The dark particles in all types of tobacco collect as external stains on the teeth. In particular, smoking has a drying effect on the inside of the mouth. This dryness worsens the staining ability of tobacco because it makes adherence to the enamel easier. (Imagine the stickiness of a dry mouth attracting stains on the teeth.)
Age – Aging is one culprit we cannot prevent, but we can attempt to fight the natural yellowing inside the tooth by working to protect our enamel on the outside. Avoiding acidic diets, treating any acid reflux issues, and consistently using fluoride oral care products helps you strengthen your enamel.
Medications – Medications can affect the color of teeth during their formation. This means that pregnant mothers and young children should not take certain medications like Tetracycline and other antibiotics shown to affect tooth formation. The dark colors incorporated during the tooth’s development create intrinsic staining. Prescription mouthrinses containing the antibiotic Chlorhexidine can also lead to external stains on the teeth.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasive particles that provide a very fine sandpaper effect, gently scrubbing away the surface stains that collect each day. They do not change the actual color of the underlying tooth, but by removing dark particles on the exterior, whitening toothpastes can give the appearance of whiter teeth. These toothpastes are also wonderful for maintaining a white smile after you perform true teeth whitening.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips
Many over-the-counter whitening products contain the right active ingredient and produce noticeable changes. The type of product that consistently performs the best is whitening strips. The strips contain an embedded whitening gel that easily sticks to the teeth for the prescribed amount of time. Crest Whitestrips are the brand with the highest name recognition because they have been around the longest, however several other brands make whitening strips with great results.
Professional Take-Home Whitening Trays
In order to achieve the best success in teeth whitening, you should always work with your dentist. Dentists consider professional take-home whitening in custom-fitted trays to be the “gold standard”. By making the trays from a replica of your teeth, the custom fit holds whitening gel in the perfect position for optimal results. The custom trays will last for many years, allowing you to simply purchase the whitening gel as needed for maintenance.
Patients love take-home whitening because it puts them in control of their results. It is also the best option for patients with special considerations, like tooth sensitivity.
In-Office Whitening Systems
For those who need the fastest whitening results, a professional in-office treatment is the right choice. In-office teeth whitening systems use a high strength whitening gel to produce visible color change in about an hour. This is a wonderful option for anyone with a special event less than a week away, or may not have time for home treatments to take effect.
These systems vary in the strength of their active ingredients and the additional use of lights or lasers. Because the active ingredient is so strong in in-office systems, a dental professional must apply a protective barrier over the gum tissues and monitor the entire process. Lights and lasers may produce an accelerated whitening effect by heating and/or activating the system’s particular gel.
For more information on teeth whitening, read our blog on What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening.
Many people grind or clench their teeth while during the day or sleeping. If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or notice that your teeth are wearing down or cracking, you may need a night guard. A consultation with your dentist is the best way to determine if a custom night guard could benefit you.
Preventive care is key to maintaining healthy teeth. Preventative dentistry includes things like regular at-home hygiene, exams by your dentist, oral cancer screenings, and dental x-rays. But one commonly overlooked tool for prevention is a custom night guard. Night guards are a simple yet powerful dental appliance designed to protect your teeth from damage caused by clenching or grinding while you sleep.
People who subconsciously grind or clench their teeth during sleep suffer from a condition known as bruxism, often caused by stress or tension.
Many people with bruxism only become aware of their condition once they or their dentist notice the signs. Upon waking up, you may have headaches or jaw pain. At your dental visit, your dentist may see abnormal tooth wear, shortening or flattening of teeth, cracked/ fractured teeth or fillings, or gum recession.
The best protection against bruxism is a custom-made professional night guard. A custom night guard is designed specifically for you using advanced 3D imaging technology. Made from a thin, clear acrylic material, a professional night guard provides a comfortable fit and protects your upper and lower teeth.
While a night guard won’t stop teeth grinding, it can significantly reduce its dangerous effects. By creating a barrier between your teeth, night guards prevent damage caused by grinding and reduce the pressure on your jaw muscles.
If left untreated, night time clenching and grinding can lead to serious problems with your oral health, like:
These conditions will become more severe over time and may require costly treatment to restore your oral health to proper function. A custom night guard offers long-term protection against damage or dental trauma. By preventing wear and tear on your teeth, you can save time, money, and discomfort.
Remember, preventive care is the foundation of great oral health, and a custom night guard could be the perfect step to protect your smile.
We’re here to provide personalized care so your smile stays healthy for years to come. If you may be experiencing headaches, jaw pain, or signs of tooth damage caused by clenching or grinding, please schedule an appointment with our team today.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental care, we are more than happy to discuss how you can achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
As a top dentist in Northglenn, we have helped hundreds of families achieve their oral health goals and are eager to help you and your family do the same.