Let’s face it: everyone wants a bright, beautiful smile to dazzle a room. Unfortunately, many people don’t have the time or money to dedicate to braces, and sticking to a perfect diet for beautiful white teeth can be difficult for many people. If this sounds familiar, teeth whitening may be for you. Teeth whitening is a quick, economical option that can improve the smile of most people. Whether it’s for an event or just to improve your everyday confidence, teeth whitening is one of the quickest makeovers around.
Causes of Discolored Teeth
Stains are a common cause of discolored teeth, and can be avoided to a certain extent with good hygiene. Many things, particularly dark or colorful consumables, can stain teeth, including:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Wine
- Sugary sodas
- Acidic drinks and fruits
- Smoking and tobacco
Although stains get a lot of the blame for discolored teeth, they are far from the only culprit. Tooth discoloration can also be due to any number of several deeper underlying causes:
- Age – as you age, your enamel naturally thins, showing more of the darker underlying dentin
- Trauma – your teeth may darken in reaction to a mouth injury
- Medication – antihistamines and blood pressure medication in particular can darken teeth
How Does it Work?
First you will meet with Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy for an exam to identify the source of your tooth discoloration and the best course of treatment. Genetic or medical causes of discoloration may need an alternative method such as dental crowns, tooth bonding, or dental veneers. Standard cosmetic whitening uses a peroxide bleach which will break down stains and make the teeth appear whiter. Many patients are able to lighten their teeth by 6-8 shades.
In Office vs. Take-Home Whitening
Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy offer both in-office and take-home whitening. In-office whitening takes only an hour, so you can enjoy a brighter smile instantly. With our friendly and experienced staff on hand, we can ensure the most comfortable whitening experience possible. You should see your results before leaving our office, so you can enjoy your new smile instantly.
For some people, take-home whitening may be the better option. We will take impressions of your mouth during your exam in order to make custom bleaching trays. The close fit of your custom trays will reduce gum irritation to increase your comfort. Most patients are asked to wear the trays daily over a period of time, often a few weeks. Your results will develop gradually over this time. You can keep your custom trays and use them for touch-ups in the future.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are interested in giving your smile a quick and easy overhaul, contact the office of Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy to schedule your teeth whitening appointment. Call us at (301) 508-9755 or make an appointment online.