Faqs
What causes teeth discoloration?
A: In addition
to aging, many things especially what we eat and drink affect
tooth color. Culprits include berries, red wine, tea, coffee,
cranberry juice, soy sauce and soda pop.
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Q: Do many
people request to have their teeth whitened?
A: Approximately
ninety to ninety-five percent of all our patients are unhappy
with the color of their teeth. Our challenge is to educate people
on the importance of naturally looking white teeth. We truly
believe in whitening teeth to their fullest, however, the whitening
should be a natural white and not a "plastic" appearance.
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Q: What
effective measures can someone take to prevent teeth discoloration?
A: In addition
to regular cleanings (bi-annual or tri-annual) here are some
ways to minimize teeth discoloration:
Eat crunchy
fruits and vegetables. They are abrasive and in a sense scrub
your teeth.
Brush your teeth immediately after eating potentially staining
foods. If brushing is not possible, try to rinse your mouth
thoroughly.
Use a straw when drinking high stain potential beverages. The
straw will allow the liquid to bypass your front teeth completely.
Do NOT brush too strenuously. Over time you will expose the
yellowish/bluish dentin which is underneath your enamel.
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Q: What
are the most effective at-home teeth whitening techniques?
A: We recommend
using products that contain 10%, 16%, or 22% hydrogen peroxide
or carbamide peroxide. We sell at-home bleaching kits at the
office. Be careful of whitening toothpastes since they usually
contain abrasive material which can wear down your enamel and
expose dentin. Whitening toothpastes can help remove stain however
they won't actually whiten your teeth.
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Q: What
are the most effective teeth whitening techniques?
A: Porcelain
laminates are the most effective way to whiten your teeth. Porcelain
laminate veneers create a stain resistant white but natural
looking smile. They are the least invasive type of dental restoration.
We now have the ability to customize your smile utilizing the
very latest in cutting edge technology. The porcelain we use
can depict the natural anatomy of your teeth. We are now able
to mimic the natural anatomy of your teeth through the use of
many color gradations along with our unique anatomical carvings.
Your smile can be whiter and brighter in as little as five days.
However, if porcelain laminates are not an option for you, then
Laser Teeth Whitening is the next best technique. Laser teeth
whitening products contain the highest concentration of hydrogen
peroxide or carbamide peroxide at 35%. The laser also provides
the highest light intensity available. Since the procedure is
done at chairside, we are able to concentrate in those areas
of your mouth where the type and location of discoloration is
worse. Laser technology allows us to whiten your teeth with
amazing results in just one hour!
