Overcome Tooth Discoloration with Effective Professional Teeth Whitening

Are you concerned about the yellow or dull appearance of your teeth? Tooth discoloration is common, even to the best brushers and flossers. Teeth whitening in Washington, Utah, is a simple, cost-effective solution for brightening your smile. Schedule an appointment with Drs. David Brown and Jacob Jennings to achieve the bright white smile you have always desired.

Why are my teeth discolored?

A bright white smile is highly desirable, but teeth can become discolored due to several factors.

Here are the common reasons for teeth discoloration.

  • Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup and stain accumulation, making your teeth appear yellow or dull.
  • Food and Drink: Certain foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and curry, can stain teeth over time due to their strong pigments.
  • Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause both surface stains and deeper, more permanent discoloration due to the chemicals and nicotine they contain.
  • Aging: As we age, the enamel on our teeth naturally wears down, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath, which can cause teeth to appear more yellow or darker.
  • Genetics: Some people are naturally predisposed to lighter or darker teeth, and enamel thickness can vary from person to person, affecting the appearance of their smile.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics (like tetracycline) or antihistamines, can cause teeth to discolor, particularly in children whose teeth are still developing.
  • Supplements: The frequent use of certain health supplements can result in discoloration after extensive exposure.
  • Fluorosis: Overexposure to fluoride during childhood, when the teeth are still forming, can result in a condition known as dental fluorosis, leading to discoloration or white spots on the teeth.
  • Trauma: Any injury to the teeth can cause the tooth to darken due to internal bleeding or damage to the enamel.
  • Health Conditions: Some health conditions, such as certain infections or liver disease, can cause tooth discoloration.
  • Excessive Use of Mouthwash: Some mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride can cause teeth to stain with prolonged use.

Professional teeth whitening works for extrinsic stains that form on the enamel level, often caused by smoking and the foods we consume. Intrinsic stains caused by medication, trauma, fluorosis, etc., occur in the deeper layers of the tooth and may not respond to teeth whitening. In such cases, the dentist will disguise the discoloration with veneers, crowns, or dental bonding. There’s always a solution to help you achieve a brilliantly white smile.

What are the professional teeth whitening options?

You might have noticed teeth-whitening products available at your local drugstore. However, it’s important not to be swayed by their marketing, as they often do not deliver the results they promise. Always trust your smile to a trained dentist for safe, consistent, and long-lasting results.

Here are the available professional teeth whitening options.

  • In-office teeth whitening: The dentist applies clinical-grade whitening gels carefully to your teeth while you relax in the dental chair. The advanced formulas blast away the surface and deep-set stains, helping you achieve a noticeably brighter smile in a single visit.
  • Take-home whitening trays: These are custom-fabricated whitening trays designed for at-home use. They fit snugly for consistent application and are convenient to use, requiring daily wear of about 60 minutes. Depending on the intended results, usage is completed within 7-14 days. Gradual teeth whitening is gentle on your teeth, and the trays can be reused in the future if needed.

Teeth whitening works wonderfully for natural teeth but doesn’t lighten crowns, fillings, veneers, and other restorations. Before teeth whitening, we will consider your existing restorations to achieve a consistently brightened smile.

How do I maintain my whitened smile?

Congratulations on achieving that glowing smile with teeth whitening. However, maintaining that shine requires dedication to ensure the results last many years. Here are tips you can consider to prolong your teeth whitening results.

  • Brush and floss your teeth diligently
  • Reduce the intake of coffee, red wine, and other staining foods
  • Keep your mouth hydrated and rinse your mouth with water after meals
  • Visit your dentist every six months or sooner for professional dental cleanings
  • Avoid tobacco use of any form

Ready for a brighter smile?

Achieve a brighter, more confident smile with professional teeth whitening services near Washington, UT. Our advanced treatments effectively remove discoloration, restoring your smile’s natural radiance. Don’t wait to transform your smile with teeth whitening. Call (435) 673-4605 and schedule your appointment with Cotton Creek Dental.