Teeth Talk: What You Should Know About Teeth Whitening

Did you know 61% of Americans wish they could enhance their smiles, with stained teeth being the top complaint?

Tooth discoloration is a common occurrence. Aging, poor oral hygiene, smoking, fluoride, medications, and certain types of foods lead to blemishes on our pearly whites.

It's hard to prevent tooth discoloration. But the good news is teeth whitening services erase stains and restore your bright and beautiful smile.

Professional teeth whitening is a safe, comfortable, and effective way to remove stains. It's the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure due to its high success rate.

Let's explore the types of teeth stains, white stains on teeth, how much teeth whitening is, and the best teeth whitening treatments.

There are two major types of teeth stains. It's essential to recognize their differences. The type of stain determines the most suitable treatment.

Neither type of discoloration poses a severe oral health issue. But the stains can dim your smile and make you feel self-conscious about flashing your teeth.

Extrinsic Stains

Extrinsic stains occur above the enamel, which is the outermost layer of the tooth. These stains are commonly caused by diet and unhealthy behaviors.

Common causes of extrinsic tooth stains include:

• Red wine
  
• Coffee and tea
  
• Smoking
  
• Sodas (especially cola)
  
• Tomato-based products
  
• Vinegar

Extrinsic stains are treatable. They can be polished or bleached away through topical teeth whitening treatments.

Intrinsic Stains

Intrinsic tooth discoloration occurs when the dentin, located on the inner structure of the tooth, becomes tinted or stained.

Intrinsic discoloration is caused by excessive fluoride exposure, certain types of medications, and aging. The overuse of fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis, which creates white stains on teeth. Discoloration may also form due to oral trauma that disrupts the tooth's root.

These deep stains are tricky to eliminate, but a professional teeth whitening team in NH can utilize different cosmetic dentistry methods to erase the discoloration and restore your smile.

How long does teeth whitening last? The answer depends on you and your commitment to a pearly white smile.

Professional teeth whitening treatments are designed to last. However, the better you care for your pearly whites following your treatment, the better your results will be.

First things first, follow a hygienic oral care routine. If you're not already, get into the habit of:

• Brushing your teeth twice per day, for 30 seconds each time
  
• Swishing water in your mouth after eating or drinking to prevent stains
  
• Flossing daily
  
• Rinsing your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash one to two times per day
  
• Keeping up with regular dental cleanings

In addition to maintaining excellent oral hygiene, be aware of the foods and drinks you're consuming to ensure your teeth stay white.

Limit how much dark-colored foods, like red wine, dark chocolate, berries, and tomatoes, you consume. Instead, eat teeth-friendly foods, such as:

• White-colored vegetables
  
• White meat
  
• Non-acidic fruits
  
• Saliva-producing foods (such as apples, pears, and celery)

Replace sugary juices, coffee, and soda with water. If you drink a sweet beverage, use a straw.

After receiving a professional whitening treatment, take the initiative to quit smoking.

Tobacco and nicotine use is detrimental to your oral health and prevents teeth whitening methods from lasting as long as they should. Cut out smoking and chewing nicotine to ensure your pearly whites stay pearly white.

Those with long-lasting teeth stains are suitable candidates for professional teeth whitening treatments. If you are unhappy with your appearance and are feeling self-conscious about your smile, then teeth whitening is for you.

To determine if whitening services are the right choice, your dentist will evaluate your oral health. Patients must be free of tooth decay, infections, oral cancer, and periodontal disease to proceed with whitening services.

Patients who are not eligible for teeth whitening procedures include:

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
  
• Children under 16
  
• People with current oral complications (such as gum disease or tooth decay)
  
• Individuals with sensitive teeth
  
• Patients who are allergic to topical whitening agents
  
• People who already have restorations (such as crowns, implants, or dental bridges)
  
• Patients currently taking certain medications or antibiotics
  

The ideal teeth whitening candidate must also be committed to putting in the time and energy to sustain optimal results. Professional dental treatments whiten teeth, but it's up to you to maintain proper oral care.

How much does teeth whitening cost? Treatments vary between services.

The cost of professional whitening depends on where you live, the type of treatment, and other services that accompany the process. However, most professional teeth whitening sessions start at about $500 per appointment.

Determining the cost of your treatment will depend on the type of stains on your teeth.

Most topical teeth whitening services treat extrinsic teeth stains. These options, such as the Zoom!® Chairside Whitening System , are the best teeth whitening treatments. They are simple, convenient, and yield a high success rate.

Eliminating intrinsic stains is more complex than fixing extrinsic tooth discoloration.

For those with intrinsic stains, a combination of cosmetic procedures may be used if the discoloration is resistant to topical tooth whitening.

Your dentist will use different methods to determine the most effective way to erase the stains. The plan may involve various cosmetic treatments, such as veneers and dental bonding.

It's important for patients to understand that teeth whitening is a form of cosmetic dentistry. Therefore, it is not typically covered under insurance.

However, our dental office provides financing options to assist patients in funding their treatment. Payment plans allow individuals to pay for their procedure in installments, making the treatment more affordable.

Professional teeth whitening treatments can be pricey, but they are a worthwhile investment. The services leave your teeth looking bright and beautiful. Professional whitening services are long-lasting, as long as patients maintain proper oral care.

Are you ready to start your journey to a whiter smile?

The team at Dental Arts of Bedford provides the best teeth whitening in Bedford, NH. Take the first step in achieving a bright and beautiful smile by scheduling an appointment. We'll work with you to understand your goals and help you get the smile of your dreams.