Teeth Whitening

Why are my teeth stained and yellow?

Yellow and stained teeth are part of getting older. As you age, the outer layer of your teeth (enamel) wears away due to repetitive biting and chewing. This makes the inner portion of your teeth (dentin) more visible. Dentin is naturally yellow, so it makes your teeth appear that way too.

Other factors that can impact the color of your teeth include:

• Using tobacco
• Taking medication with tetracycline
• Eating foods that stain, like tomatoes or cherries
• Drinking dark-colored beverages like wine, cola, or coffee

You might also experience stained or discolored teeth if you have poor oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing daily can significantly reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a type of cosmetic dentistry that uses medical-grade solutions to whiten and brighten your teeth. The majority of modern whitening treatments use carbamide peroxide, a harmless chemical that presents virtually no side-effects. 

Is teeth whitening safe?

Teeth whitening is safe and usually well-tolerated. In the first few days following treatment, you might experience increased tooth sensitivity, but this should subside within a week. 

What happens during a teeth whitening appointment?

At Aesthetic Family Dentistry, Dr. Pillai provides chairside whitening with the Philips Zoom! teeth whitening system. Zoom! can make your teeth between 6-12* shades brighter in one treatment.

At the beginning of treatment, Dr. Pillai covers your gums and tongue with a protective barrier. She carefully applies the whitening solution to each tooth and lets it rest for 15-20 minutes. 

Then she points a special light at your teeth that triggers a whitening reaction. She repeats this process several times until you achieve the desired results. 

Is teeth whitening treatment permanent?

Teeth whitening treatment isn’t permanent, but it can improve the aesthetic appearance of your tooth enamel for 4-6 months. Follow-up appointments can help you maintain your results. 

If you want to extend the results of chairside teeth whitening, Dr. Pillai recommends brushing and flossing daily and visiting Aesthetic Family Dentistry every six months for a professional cleaning and exam. 

You might also want to quit smoking and drink beverages through a straw. This prevents the liquid from coming into contact with the surfaces of your teeth.

At Aesthetic Family Dentistry, Dr. Pillai loves working with adults and children to achieve healthy, happy smiles. She facilitates these efforts with advanced technology and a wonderful chairside manner.

Don’t let stained or discolored teeth negatively affect your self-esteem. Schedule a teeth whitening appointment at Aesthetic Family Dentistry. Book online or call the office today.

*Individual results may vary