How to Whiten Yellow Teeth at Home
Sometimes we look in the bathroom mirror and our teeth just aren’t the shade we’d like them to be. It’s normal to feel this way, many adults do. However, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with yellow teeth forever. Our Washington, MI, cosmetic dentists can provide you with Opalescence™ at-home teeth whitening supplies to use.
Here’s what you need to know about , how works, and who benefits from professional teeth whitening.
Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Most of the time, the hidden cause behindyellowed or is not so hidden after all. For example, if you’re like many adults around the world, you drink coffee in the mornings. Unfortunately, coffee can easily stain your teeth when consumed on a regular basis.
Avid tea drinkers also fall into this camp thanks to its intense color pigments that cling to your enamel. The pigments are known as chromogens and are contained in other beverages like red wine as well.
Your teeth changing color can also be attributed to:
- Smoking or other tobacco use
- Natural aging
- Oral trauma or injury
- Certain medications
- Poor dental hygiene
If you identify with one of the reasons listed above, our cosmetic dentists can help by giving you custom teeth whitening trays and Opalescence whitening gel. Please remember that if you want your results to last after treatment, the cessation of tobacco use, regular dental cleanings, and daily oral hygiene are all encouraged.
What to Expect With At-Home Teeth Whitening
Don’t worry, Opalescence teeth whitening done at home can easily be integrated into your everyday routine. Before getting started, our dentists will provide you with top and bottom whitening trays plus whitening gel to place inside each tray.
When home and ready, you’ll want to squeeze a continuous bead of gel about halfway up the inside of the tray, from molar to molar. Next, put the tray in place and lightly tap it so the sides fit well against your teeth. Based on your desired end shade, wear time can vary so our dentists will discuss with you how long you should keep the tray(s) inserted.
Once enough time has passed, remove the tray(s) and brush your teeth thoroughly. Lastly, clean the tray off as well and store it in the protective case provided by our dentists. We’ll be sure to go over all of this with you when you decide to move forward with this type of whitening so don’t worry if it’s not clear now!
Is Teeth Whitening for Everyone?
Not necessarily. While professional take-home teeth whitening, like what our Washington, MI, dental office provides, can remove stubborn stains, it may not be right for all patients.
For instance, yellow teeth respond well to the safe, yet powerful whitening gel applied to your personal whitening trays. Brown stains or gray tones on teeth, however, may prove more difficult. If this is your situation, our dentists can recommend porcelain veneers to cover the severe discoloration.
Learn More → What Smile Issues Can Veneers Fix?
Keep in mind that teeth whitening may not be best if you have highly sensitive teeth, gum disease, worn enamel, or cavities. Before recommending teeth whitening treatment, our dentists will start with an oral exam and thoroughly evaluate your smile. It’s worth mentioning that if you have restorations like dental crowns or bridges, they do not whiten like natural teeth.
Achieve a Brighter Smile How You Want
If you’ve been dreaming about a camera-ready smile, our cosmetic dentists in Washington, MI, can help make it a reality! Opalescence at-home teeth whitening is designed to give you results once thought to only be attainable in the dental chair. Ready to get started? Call Romeo Family Dentistry today at (586) 752-3589 to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.