Most people would not mind whiter teeth.  As you can guess, the staff at The Dental Center at Easton think whiter teeth are great!.  Whiter teeth can have a possitive impact on your appearance, making you look healthier and encourage more self-confidence during social engagements. Sound good to you?

Though there are a number of toothpastes on the market that claim to whiten and brighten your smile better than others, the truth is that virtually every brand of toothpaste contains an abrasive formula that helps to scrub away stains.  Some brands are more abrasive than others, making them slightly more effective at removing light stains on the surface of your teeth but none of them can do the job fully.

Unfortunately, even the toughest toothpaste will be unable to remove the deep stains that tend to accumulate as we age.  Beverages such as coffee and tea, habits such as smoking, and darkly pigmented foods like berries can darken the teeth over the course of years.  Some of our patients even have tooth discoloration as the result of a childhood illness or a tetracycline medication that was administered while the enamel was still forming.  You will need to find some other solution for complete satisfaction.

One solution considered to brighten smiles and eliminate these tough stains, many people have considered a professional bleaching product.  For most patients, bleaching works particularly well for teeth that are yellowish in tone.  Teeth that are brownish in tone also tend to respond well to whitening solutions as well.  Grayish teeth are typically more difficult to brighten, but specially formulated whitening products can dramatically improve their appearance.  Essentially, no matter the degree of tooth discoloration, there are ways to at least make your teeth a little whiter and brighter.

Dental restorations on the front teeth such as bonding or tooth-colored fillings cannot be whitened with bleaching material.  The shade of these artificial materials won’t respond to bleaching.  However, they can be replaced to match the shade of your new, whiter smile.

While it is difficult to predict the final result of your teeth whitening treatment, there is a whitening option that is just right for you.  Fortunately, The Dental Center at Easton has the trained professionals that can determine which treatment will yield the best results.  Give us a call today to learn how you can get your teeth whiter.

There is a common misconception that teeth are supposed to be as white as a sheet of paper. The reality is that tooth enamel can be a number of different shades that actually produce an off-white, almost yellowish color. Over time, the natural color of our teeth can start to become darker. Whether that change is from genetics, aging, or from the use of certain medicines, there are multiple factors that can create an unwanted appearance of dark yellow looking teeth or pesky stains. Teeth whitening is a procedure that uses safe chemical treatment to brighten the tooth and change its natural exterior to appear white. There are a handful of ways that you can achieve this look, including the use of abrasive toothpastes and over the counter whitening agents. In most cases, professional bleaching tends to be more beneficial and longer lasting.

What Whitening Can Manage: Discoloration happens to even the healthiest of teeth, but there are ways to reverse it. Having your teeth professionally bleached may help conserve your overall oral condition by removing unhealthy stains almost immediately. Discoloration from coffee, tea, and pigmented foods can sometimes lead to other oral issues, such as tooth decay and enamel breakdown. Having your teeth whitened every now and then might be a positive step toward managing such stains. The process is fast and easy, making it more appealing for those who are looking for quick fix.

The mental effect that teeth whitening has on patients can also help promote healthier habits. Having a brighter looking smile may boost confidence levels, resulting in higher determination to want to take care of your teeth. Being proud of the color of your teeth might just be the ticket to necessary cleaning and maintenance. Keep in mind that before committing to a bleaching treatment or any other kind of whitening procedure, you should consult with your dentist to be sure that it is the right practice for you. What it Cannot Manage: Another common misjudgment that some patients make is assuming that teeth whitening can replace the daily practice of personal oral hygiene. Whitening is certainly not a substitute for healthy habits such as routine cleanings, brushing, flossing or the avoidance of certain food and drink. That’s not to mention that even whitening doesn’t last forever. It takes appropriate maintenance and upkeep in order to hold those sparkling results for longer than a few months. The only way that you can ensure long-term whitening is by following the basic oral health guidelines. Avoiding smoking, coffee, tea, wine, and other acidic food and drink to help prevent staining and darkening. By taking good care of your teeth at all times, you may not need another treatment for another 12 months.

Again, it is important to consult with your dentist to confirm that your oral history won’t affect the results of teeth whitening. For example, those who suffer from tooth decay and receding gums might be extremely sensitive to the treatment, causing unnecessary nerve and gum pain. Also, whitening will not cure cavities or tooth decay. In fact, it’s highly recommended that all cavities and areas of decay are treated beforehand. Bleaching veneers or teeth that have porcelain or ceramic crowns can also result in an unsuccessful process.

It’s crucial to understand that while teeth whitening can be very useful toward improving the brightness of your smile, it can also cause some unwanted symptoms if used incorrectly. That’s why the guidance of a professional can help you reap the full benefits of teeth whitening in the safest way possible. It’s no secret that creating a whiter smile can be a favorable change to your overall health. If you are struggling with tough stains on your teeth or discoloration, it might be worth your time to learn more about how teeth whitening can help manage your teeth!