Teeth Whitening
Why teeth discolor
Over the course of time, your teeth may lose their white appearance due to various factors. Common contributors to tooth discoloration include the consumption of certain foods and drinks, tobacco use, aging, medications, and dental trauma. Beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine contain pigments known as chromogens, which adhere to the enamel of the teeth, making them appear darker.
Tobacco, containing chemicals like tar and nicotine, is a well-known culprit for causing yellowish discoloration of the teeth. As individuals age, the enamel layer may thin out, revealing the yellowish dentine beneath, further darkening the tooth's appearance.
In cases of dental injury, affected teeth may darken as a protective response. The injury prompts the tooth to produce more dentine to safeguard the dental pulp, resulting in a visually darker tooth. Trauma can also lead to the leakage of blood from within the tooth into its surrounding structure, causing noticeable discoloration.
In-chair teeth whitening
The process of in-chair or in-office teeth whitening is carried out while you are seated in the dental chair. This method involves the application of a potent hydrogen peroxide gel over 3 back-to-back 20-minute sessions. After the dental appointment, you can expect to leave with visibly whiter teeth.
An assessment on your dental health is necessary before proceeding with teeth whitening to ensure it's a safe and effective option for you. The cost of treatment is $499
Take-home teeth whitening
The take-home teeth whitening procedure is conducted by you at home. Custom-made, thin plastic trays are created that specifically fit over the patient's teeth. The whitening gel is applied to these trays at home and worn for an hour, initially daily for 2 weeks. Although this approach requires more time than in-office treatments, it does not necessarily indicate a superior or inferior outcome.
An assessment on your dental health is necessary before proceeding with teeth whitening to ensure it's a safe and effective option for you. The cost of treatment is $150