If you have serious discoloration, then you may need treatment to help brighten your teeth. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX, dentist will talk about how we whiten teeth with professional treatment. We have both an in-office and at-home option to break up stains and help you enjoy a smile up to eight shades brighter!
The Causes of Your Stains
What causes your smile to become so stained to begin with? Well, when we eat foods high in sugar and starch, this promotes plaque buildup, a bacteria layer that coats the teeth and makes stains more visible. The same happens with sugary beverages. Drinks with dark pigments, such as coffee, red wine, tea, and soda, also discolor the smile. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, then you could also end up with unsightly discoloration. As part of the treatment process, we will carefully examine your smile to identify the causes of your stains and assess severity, so we can prescribe the most appropriate treatment option!
In-Office Treatment
We have two options available, each with a very different approach. Our office-based option provides results in as little as one to two hours. Basically, we place a protective covering on the lips and gums and then apply the bleaching gel to the teeth. With a light, we activate the bleaching ingredients to begin the process of breaking up discoloration. For some, smiles could be several shades brighter in a short period of time.
A Brighter Smile at Home
For an option you use at home, we could recommend trays and gel. This one also brightens teeth by several shades, but addresses more severe staining and can also reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity. During the initial office visit, we will take impressions of your smile to create a set of plastic trays. When you return home, you bring the trays and a bleaching gel with. From home, you will place gel into each tray and wear them for about 30 minutes to 45 minutes each day. The total treatment time varies, but usually falls between one and two weeks. The trays and any leftover gel are then for you to keep should you need touch-ups in the coming months. Routine care such as brushing and flossing, healthier diets, and regular cleaning visits, help keep your teeth brighter for longer periods. If you have any questions about teeth whitening, then contact our team today to learn more.
MMC DENTAL OFFERS COSMETIC DENTISTRY
MMC Dental is ready to help you enjoy a brighter smile, often in only one visit. To learn more about removing discoloration from your smile or about any of our other cosmetic treatments, start by scheduling your next appointment at MMC Dental in Houston, TX by calling 713-926-8896.