All there is to know about Teeth Whitening

So it’s time for some teeth whitening? Baby teeth are typically whiter than the adult teeth that appear later. As you age, your adult teeth often become darker, yellower, or stained. This is the reason that whiter teeth give the impression of youth. There are many ways that teeth become discolored. Some of the typical reasons are genetics, antibiotics, and certain foods, and ageing. Teeth can also discolor from the inside, and this is caused by exposure to high levels of fluoride, tetracycline, use of antibiotics as a child, developmental disorders, tooth decay, restorations, root canal issues, and trauma.

Why teeth whitening

Just about everybody would love a sparkling, white smile. Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you and creates the first visual and physical impression. A brighter smile gives the impression of youth, vitality, radiant health, happiness, spunk, liveliness and power. A luminous smile equals success. At Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental San Antonio Dentist, we can help you improve the look of your smile. Some people are fine with the way whitening toothpastes work or their at-home bleaching products, but if you’d like to take your brightness to the next level you should find out if you’re a good candidate and what your options are.

Is teeth whitening for you

Start by speaking with your San Antonio dentist. We can tell you whether whitening procedures would be a good idea for you. Certain types of discoloration can’t be fixed with whiteners. For instance, yellow-ish hued teeth will probably bleach well, brownish-colored teeth may bleach less well, and grayish-hued teeth may not bleach well at all. If you’ve had bonding or tooth-colored fillings in your front teeth the whitener will not change the color of these materials so they will stand out in your newly whitened smile. You may want to check out other options, like porcelain veneers or dental bonding.

Now that you know if you’re a candidate

In-office bleaching, also known as chairside bleaching, usually requires only one office visit. Our dentist in San Antonio will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the sensitive tissue around the teeth. A bleaching substance will then be applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used. Even lasers might be used during tooth whitening to boost the action of the whitening gel.

After the procedure

Now that your teeth are glistening, you want to keep them that way. Avoid things that will stain your teeth such as coffee, tea, and red wine. Or you can drink these liquids with a straw, just be prepared to explain why you’re asking for a straw with your wine. Also, brush or swish with water after eating or drinking stain-causing beverages or foods. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once daily to remove plaque. You can use a whitening toothpaste (once or twice a week only) to remove surface stains and prevent yellowing. Use a regular toothpaste the rest of the time. If you smoke or drink lots of stain-causing beverages, you may need a touch up. You will also notice people staring at your beautiful smile, don’t be paranoid; it’s natural for people to notice such shiny bright teeth.