Have your teeth begun to look a little dull? Maybe your smile isn’t as bright as it once was? If so, you’re not alone. Due to genetics, it’s not uncommon for teeth to appear less sparkly as we age.There are also outside factors that contribute to tooth discoloration, such as the foods we consume, lifestyle choices we make, and even some of the prescription medications we take.
The good news is that there are options for brightening your teeth, and in some cases, professional teeth whitening is a quick, effective and affordable choice to bring the sparkle back to your smile.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening can be a very effective procedure for removing extrinsic discoloration, meaning staining of the outer tooth enamel.
Most dentists have options for both take-home and in-office treatments that will help you brighten your smile quickly. In-office teeth whitening procedures offer immediate results for patients with busy schedules. In contrast, take-home whitening kits make it comfortable for patients to brighten their smiles at home when it’s most convenient for their schedules.
Professional teeth whitening can eliminate stains or discoloration that result from foods, drugs, tobacco use, genetics, and aging.
When Professional Teeth Whitening Isn’t an Option
Patients struggling with intrinsic discoloration of their teeth may want to explore more permanent treatment options rather than teeth whitening. Intrinsic tooth discoloration occurs from:
- Oral trauma
- The use of certain medications during childhood like tetracycline
- Too much exposure to fluoride during tooth development
Intrinsic discoloration typically doesn’t respond to teeth whitening treatments. If you’re living with intrinsic staining, your Sartell dentist may recommend these treatments to eliminate tooth discoloration and improve your smile:
- Porcelain veneers
- Tooth crowns
- Dental bonding
Would You Like to Enhance Your Smile?
If you’re considering professional teeth whitening in Sartell, MN, or any other type of smile enhancement procedure, your team at i-Implant Dentistry would love to talk with you. We’re committed to helping your reach your smile goals!
