Choosing a Teeth Whitening Option for You

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teeth whitening

When it comes to teeth whitening, choosing which option works best for you is best done with some professional guidance. Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of the Rockies offers teeth whitening services in our office as well as an at-home system that provides whitening power for a slightly longer period of time. Each option offers a unique set of benefits. You can also use in-office whitening treatments and at-home treatments in conjunction for the maximum whitening effect. Not sure which option to use? No matter if you receive teeth whitening in our office or take it home with you, professional teeth whitening will always give you the best results.

 

Wanting Whiter Teeth

If you have ever examined your smile, you may notice your teeth change color over time. Over the months and years, your teeth may go from white to a dull yellow or gray. This happens for a few reasons. The most common reason has to do with what you’re eating. There are many foods and drinks with dyes in them that stain your teeth. One of the biggest drinks to blame for stained teeth? Coffee. Studies show that 83% of people in the United States drink coffee in the morning. Many more drink tea. Both of these drinks contain substances called tannins. These tannins act as dyes that stain your teeth over time. If plaque erodes your tooth enamel even just a little bit, those dyes will get into small grooves in your teeth and make your stains even more permanent.

 

drinking coffee

Staining Foods and Drinks

Other foods that can stain your teeth or contribute to color change include:

  • Juices – Many juices or sports drinks come in a variety of colors. If you go for drinks that have red, blue or purple dyes in them, odds are that your teeth will stain. These colors stain very easily.
  • Berries – Berries generally come in the colors we stated above (red, blue or purple). These natural colors will also dye your teeth. If you love to consume berries, make sure you are often brushing your teeth.
  • Citrus Fruits – Fruits don’t necessarily stain your teeth, but they can contribute to tooth erosion. Citrus fruits and drinks contain acids that erode away your tooth enamel. This can create grooves in your teeth where dyes and stains get in and stay. If you drink citrus beverages or eat citrus fruits, brush your teeth about 30 minutes afterwards. This will make sure your teeth get cleaned without brushing straight on the acid that just came in contact with your teeth (which can brush away your tooth enamel more).
  • Wines – Red wine will stain your teeth (because of the color). However, white wine stains your teeth as well.
  • Sugar and Soda – Sugary snacks, candy and sodas all contain high amounts of sugar, which causes tooth decay and tooth erosion. Any food or drink that contributes to tooth decay and erosion will increase your chances for stains that get in your enamel and stay.

 

To combat all of these stains from happening, you can brush and floss your teeth several times a day. 2 of more times brushing each day and about 1-2 times of flossing should keep the plaque and staining away for the most part. However, teeth whitening is an easier option for combatting stains.

 

Over-the-Counter Whitening

Over time, your teeth get stained from what you eat and drink. However, as you age, your teeth also become thinner. This thinning of your tooth enamel starts to show the dentin of your tooth (an inside part of your tooth). This is why some people notice their teeth are more yellow or gray as they age. Teeth whitening can help both stains and thinning enamel to look brighter and whiter. Many people opt for whitening toothpastes or over-the counter teeth whitening options. Studies show that toothpastes only work to remove plaque from your teeth. Their “whitening” power comes from brushing away food and particles on your teeth. However, toothpastes don’t contain any substances to actually change the color of your tooth enamel.

 

Over-the-counter treatments come in a wide variety of brands. These can be beneficial for some patients in changing the color of your teeth. However, they are one-size-fits-all and not catered to an individual. The whitening power of these products are minimal, as they only contain a portion of whitening product in them. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products take weeks to work and you may end up with uneven whitening, spots or discoloration. At-home kits can cause the same effects if not received through a dental professional like us.

teeth whitening

In-Office Teeth Whitening

The best way to get proper teeth whitening is through a professional. A dentist has completed 4 years of undergraduate training, 3 years of dental school and often 1 or more years of fellowship training. They are the most trained to provide you teeth whitening services with medical-grade whitening substances in only one office visit. We provide Sapphire Teeth Whitening to our patients. This is a fast and simple procedure (around 30-60 minutes). We give you protective eye wear and protect your gums during your treatment (which you don’t get out of office).

 

Instead of sticky pastes or films, we use light therapy on your teeth after applying a whitening gel. This light therapy triggers a chemical reaction that lightens each tooth almost immediately. Light therapy is a better way to whiten your teeth, as it takes one office visit (instead of weeks) and tooth sensitivity is very minimal or non-existent afterwards.

 

Whiten Your Teeth

It’s no secret that teeth whitening can give you a better smile. A better, whiter smile can boost your confidence and your success professionally and socially. Studies show that stains are best removed by a pro whether they are caused by age or food/drink stains. It is also much safer, faster and more error-proof to get your teeth whitening through a dental professional. To receive your in-office Sapphire Teeth Whitening treatment, call Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of the Rockies today at (970) 267-0993!