Teeth Whitening In Marietta, GA

Brushing and flossing are daily ways to keep your teeth bright, white and in good shape. Still, if you might feel like your smile is lacking some radiance or is more yellow than it used to be, you’re not alone. When the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what they ‘d most like to improve about their smile, the most common answer was whiter teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists also found that nearly 90% of patients asked for teeth whitening.

Thinking about teeth whitening?

Get the facts first from our Marietta dentist. Here are five of the most commonly asked questions about the procedure.

Why Did My Teeth Change Color?

In time, your teeth can go from white to not-so-bright for a variety of reasons:

Food and Drink

Coffee, tea and red wine are some major staining offenders. What do they share? Intense color pigments called chromogens that attach to the white, outer area of your tooth (enamel).

Tobacco Use

Two chemicals found in tobacco create persistent stains: Tar and nicotine. Tar is naturally dark. Nicotine is colorless until it’s mixed with oxygen. Then, it turns into a yellow, surface-staining substance.

Age

Below the hard, white outer shell of your teeth (enamel) is a softer area called dentin. Over time, the outer enamel layer gets more delicate with brushing and more of the yellow-colored dentin shows through.

Trauma

If you’ve been hit in the mouth, your tooth may transform color because it reacts to an injury by laying down more dentin, which is a darker layer under the enamel.

Medications

Tooth darkening can be a byproduct of certain antihistamines, antipsychotics and hypertension medications. Children who are exposed to antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline when their teeth are forming (either in the womb or as a baby) may have discoloration of their adult teeth later in life. Chemotherapy and head and neck radiation can also dim teeth.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

According to our Marietta dentist, teeth whitening is a basic process. Whitening products contain one of two tooth bleaches (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). These bleaches break stains into smaller sized pieces, which makes the color less strong and your teeth brighter.

Does Whitening Work on All Teeth?

No, which is why it is very important to talk to our dentist in Marietta before deciding to whiten your teeth, as whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellow teeth will most likely bleach well, brown teeth may not respond as well and teeth with gray colorations may not bleach whatsoever. Whitening will not work on caps, veneers, crowns or fillings. It also won’t be compelling if your tooth discoloration is caused by medications or a tooth injury.

What Are My Whitening Options?

Speak with your dentist before starting. If you are a candidate, there are four ways to put the sparkle back in your smile:

Stain Removal Toothpastes

All toothpastes help clear away surface stain through the action of mild abrasives that scrub the teeth. Search for whitening toothpastes that have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance for stain removal (it will tell you on the package). These toothpastes have additional polishing agents that are healthy for your teeth and provide stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these forms of ADA-Accepted products do not alter the color of teeth because they can only remove stains on the surface.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

This procedure is called chairside bleaching and typically requires only one office visit. The dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber guard to protect your gums. Bleach is then applied to the teeth.

At-Home Bleaching from Your Dentist

Our Marietta dentist office, Kabani Dental, can provide you with a personalized tray for at-home whitening. In this case, the dentist will give you instructions on how to place the bleaching solution in the tray and for what span of time. This may be a preferable option if you feel more comfortable whitening in your own home at a slower pace, but still with the assistance of a dentist. Out-of-office bleaching can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Non-prescription Bleaching Products

You may see different options online or in your local supermarket, such as toothpastes or strips that whiten by bleaching your teeth. The concentration of the bleaching agent in these products is below what your dentist would use in the office. If you are thinking about using an over-the-counter bleaching kit, go over options with your dentist and look for one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. That means it has been tested to be harmless and effective for teeth whitening. Get a list of all ADA-Accepted at-home bleaching products.

Are There Any Adverse Effects from Teeth Whitening?

Some people who use teeth whiteners may experience tooth sensitivity. That happens when the peroxide in the whitener gets through the enamel to the soft layer of dentin and aggravates the nerve of your tooth. In most cases the sensitivity is short-term. You can delay treatment, then try again.

Too much use of whiteners can also damage the tooth enamel or gums, so be sure to follow directions and speak to your dentist.