The Dentists of Newtown provide their patients with teeth whitening treatment in Newtown, PA. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry service that can brighten tooth enamel by multiple shades. Patients with yellowed, discolored, and stained tooth enamel benefit from professional teeth whitening treatment.
Our dentists help patients meet their oral health and cosmetic goals during one-on-one dental consultations. If you are interested in a dental whitening treatment, schedule an appointment with our team today. We can help you find the right whitening treatment for your needs.
Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration
There are several causes of discolored teeth, including:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Patients who do not regularly brush and floss their teeth twice a day are more prone to yellowed or discolored teeth. Brushing removes food particles and stains from the teeth and also helps prevent tooth and gum infections.
- Tobacco Use: Patients who smoke or use tobacco products are more likely to have darkened tooth enamel over time. Nicotine, a substance contained within tobacco, easily stains the natural tooth enamel.
- Foods and Drinks: Tea, coffee, wine, sodas, berries, tomatoes, and other foods and drinks can stain teeth. This is because they contain chromogens. Chromogens are pigments that can stick to and stain the teeth.
- Injury: Dental injuries can cause permanent discoloration. This is because a chip, crack, or fracture in the tooth enamel exposes the dark underlayer of the tooth. This underlayer called dentin is darker in appearance than the upper enamel layer.
Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment
In-office teeth whitening treatment is a quick and efficient way to brighten the smile in just one office visit. Patients who are attending special events such as birthdays, weddings, and graduations can receive immediate results. Teeth whitening is overseen by our dental professionals, who help minimize tooth sensitivity and use gum barriers to target the enamel.
Additionally, patients can benefit from take-home teeth whitening. Although patients will need to visit our office for dental impressions, they can easily whiten their smiles in the comfort of their own homes. Using customized whitening trays and powerful whitening gel, patients who choose take-home whitening can receive brilliant results.
Treating Deep Tooth Stains
If you have intrinsic stains, you may benefit from veneers, dental bonding, or tooth crowns. Intrinsic stains are stains that affect the dental layer beneath the outer tooth enamel. These stains are permanent and cannot be removed with professional teeth whitening.
However, cosmetic and restorative care can cover these stains with a natural-looking treatment. Veneers are porcelain ceramic shells that are bonded to the front of teeth. Dental bonding uses a malleable, tooth-colored material that is sculpted onto teeth. Dental crowns can address discolored teeth and tooth damage by fully covering teeth like a cap.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read more to learn the answers to frequently asked questions about professional teeth whitening.
How long do teeth stay white after whitening?
The benefits of tooth whitening might last anywhere from 6 months to 2-3 years. This differs from person to person. Smoking and poor oral care are two things that will quickly discolor your teeth and make the effects of whitening temporary.
When can teeth not be whitened?
Porcelain and the majority of cosmetic bonding materials are resistant to conventional whitening methods. Your teeth won’t respond well to whitening techniques if you have porcelain veneers, dentures, crowns, dental implants, cosmetic bonding, or composite tooth-colored fillings.
What should you not do after teeth whitening?
After tooth whitening, we recommend that patients avoid drinking deeply colored beverages and refrain from smoking or using tobacco products. These will quickly stain your teeth and shorten the lifespan of your whitening treatment.
How long after teeth whitening can I eat and drink?
The 48 hours after teeth whitening is crucial. The pores of your teeth are open because of the whitening treatment. For 48 hours after the procedure, avoid any staining food and beverages, like coffee and tea, as well as using tobacco. This helps to prolong the amount of time that the whitening results last.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
No, the teeth whitening process doesn’t hurt. At most, you may experience some sensitivity. Your teeth are usually a bit sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages. It takes time for this to wear off. Once you’re done with the whitening process, the sensitivity will wear off.
Can teeth whitening worsen cavities?
You should get cavities filled before the teeth whitening process. If you have cavities, they can become extra sensitive after the whitening process. It’s painful, especially if the tooth is already decaying. Depending on the circumstances, the whitening treatment can even permanently damage the tooth.
Brighten Your Smile Today
Do you want to try tooth whitening treatment? Schedule a dental appointment with our professional team online. You can also call our Newtown, Pennsylvania dental office at 267-692-2394. Please let us know if you have any questions about your teeth whitening options and we will be glad to help you.