Teeth whitening is a quick, easy, and effective way to boost your smile confidence. Reliance Dental offers professional teeth whitening in Edmonton, AB, under the experienced care of our team. As part of our cosmetic dentistry services, in-office whitening treatment helps enhance your smile’s brightness and overall appearance. Professional teeth whitening can offer the best possible outcome with minimized side effects.
Why Do I Have Discolored Teeth?
Tooth discoloration can happen for many reasons. Knowing what causes it is essential so you can take care of your teeth properly. Here are some common causes of tooth discoloration:
Aging
As people grow older, their teeth often become more yellow. This is because the outer layer of enamel, which is the protective covering of the teeth, starts to wear down over time. When the enamel thins, the yellow layer underneath, called dentin, becomes more visible. This natural process happens to everyone, but some people may notice it more than others.
Genetics
Just like eye color or hair color, the color of your teeth can be influenced by your genes. Some people are born with teeth that are more likely to discolor easily. For example, some families might have thicker enamel that helps keep teeth bright, while others might inherit thinner enamel. If your parents had issues with tooth discoloration, you might experience it too.
Foods and Drinks
The foods and drinks we consume can significantly affect the color of our teeth. Some common culprits that can stain teeth include:
- Coffee: Many people love their morning coffee, but it can lead to yellowing over time.
- Tea: Dark teas, especially black tea, can also stain teeth.
- Red Wine: This flavorful drink contains pigments that can cling to enamel.
- Berries: While healthy, fruits like blueberries and blackberries can leave stains.
- Sauces: Foods like soy sauce and tomato sauce are delicious but can make teeth darker if consumed often.
Tobacco Use
Using tobacco products, whether through smoking or chewing, can lead to noticeable brown or yellow stains on the teeth. The chemicals found in tobacco are staining. Over time, they can make teeth look dull and discolored. Many people find it challenging to remove these stains, which is why quitting tobacco can not only improve overall health but also enhance the appearance of your smile.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential for healthy teeth. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque can build up. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth and can harden into tartar if not removed. Both plaque and tartar can make teeth look discolored. This is why you should brush twice a day and floss daily to keep your teeth looking their best.
Medications
Some medications can also cause tooth discoloration as a side effect. For example, certain antibiotics used during childhood can lead to staining if taken while teeth are still developing. Other medications may cause dry mouth, which reduces saliva and can lead to increased staining. If you are concerned about how medications may affect your teeth, consult with your doctor or dentist for guidance.
Health Conditions
Certain health issues can impact the color of your teeth. Conditions like celiac disease or liver problems can cause discoloration. Additionally, diseases that affect the enamel, such as enamel hypoplasia, can lead to weak spots that become more susceptible to stains. If you notice sudden changes in your teeth or have health concerns, it’s best to talk to a healthcare professional.
The Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Whitening your teeth can offer several benefits, both cosmetic and psychological. Here are some key reasons to consider teeth whitening in Edmonton, AB:
A Brighter, More Confident Smile
One of the biggest benefits of teeth whitening is a brighter, whiter smile. Over time, teeth can become stained from coffee, tea, soda, wine, and certain foods. Professional teeth whitening removes these stains, helping you achieve a smile that looks fresh and healthy. A whiter smile can also boost your confidence, making you feel more comfortable in social and professional settings.
Quick and Noticeable Results
Unlike over-the-counter whitening products that take weeks to show results, professional teeth whitening provides noticeable improvements in just one visit. In-office whitening treatments use powerful whitening agents to brighten teeth by several shades in about an hour. If you prefer to whiten your teeth at home, custom take-home whitening kits from your dentist can provide similar results over a few weeks.
Safe and Professional Treatment
When you choose professional teeth whitening, your dentist ensures that the treatment is safe and effective. Over-the-counter products can sometimes cause uneven whitening or tooth sensitivity if not used properly. A dentist will monitor the process, use protective measures to keep your gums safe, and adjust the treatment to fit your needs.
Long-Lasting Results
With good oral hygiene and healthy habits, professional teeth whitening can provide long-lasting results. Avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks, brushing and flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings can help maintain your bright smile. Some patients choose to get occasional touch-ups to keep their teeth looking their best.
A More Youthful Appearance
Whiter teeth can make you look younger by reducing the appearance of stains and discoloration that come with aging. A bright smile can refresh your overall appearance. It can help you feel more vibrant and youthful.
Teeth Whitening in Edmonton, AB
Discussing teeth whitening with one of our cosmetic dentists in Edmonton can enable us to evaluate the condition of your teeth and the source of tooth staining.
In-Office Treatment
In-office whitening is done by a dental professional at their clinic. It’s a quick and effective way to get noticeable results in just one visit. First, our dentist will clean your teeth to remove any plaque or debris. He or she will also protect your gums with a special gel or shield to keep them safe from the whitening solution.
A strong whitening gel is applied to your teeth. The dentist may use a special light or laser to activate the gel and speed up the process. After about 60-90 minutes, your teeth will be several shades whiter. You’ll see the difference right away!
Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
Take-home kits let you whiten your teeth at your own pace. Our dentist provides these kits and include custom-made trays and a whitening gel. First, we will take impressions of your teeth to create trays that fit perfectly. This helps the gel work evenly and prevents it from irritating your gums.
You’ll receive a whitening gel with clear instructions on how to apply it to the trays. Then you will wear the trays for a few hours each day or overnight, depending on the gel’s strength. It usually takes 1-2 weeks to see full results.
Schedule An Appointment
Reliance Dental welcomes new patients. We can help you achieve a smile that is healthy, beautiful, and vibrant. If you would like to explore your teeth whitening treatment options, schedule a visit in our Edmonton dentist office.