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No smile, no matter how healthy and clean, is immune to the effects of time, wear, fading, and discoloration. Eventually, even the brightest smile begins to lose some of its luminescence, its vibrant whiteness falling prey to stains and loss of enamel. Fortunately, cosmetic and restorative dentistry offers a potentially ideal solution to those who are looking to restore their smiles to their natural brilliance. In-office teeth whitening is a simple, quick, and relatively pain-free method of reversing the effects that the passage of time has had on teeth, diminishing or eliminating even stubborn stains left by soda, wine, tobacco, food, and certain medications. Even those whose teeth are discolored due to congenital conditions may benefit from teeth whitening. Although there are several brands of teeth whitening systems, most operate according to the same principles. Generally, a proprietary blend of bleaching agents, usually hydrogen-peroxide based, is applied in gel form to the front surfaces of the teeth. Before the whitening gel is applied, the cosmetic dentist will first isolate the teeth from the gums to ensure that there is no periodontal damage. Once the gel has been applied, its cleaning properties are activated upon exposure to a special light, which causes it to break down and penetrate the enamel. Because teeth whitening systems are able to access deep stains, most patients are able to achieve dramatically noticeable improvements in the brightness of their teeth, often emerging from the dentist’s office with teeth that are up to ten times whiter. Most whitening treatments require no more than an hour and produce results that can last for years with proper care. For those patients who prefer not to undergo an office whitening procedure, most dental practices offer the option of take-home whitening kits. These kits are generally far superior to those that can be purchased over the counter, producing results similar to those attainable through the in-office treatment. The patient is provided with a custom-molded tray that will hold the whitening formula, and he or she will wear the tray at his or her convenience in the privacy of his or her own home. To learn more about teeth whitening and other dental treatments such as porcelain dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and sedation dentistry, visit our cosmetic dentistry office near Houston to schedule an appointment and learn how we can help you.

Who doesn’t want a pearly white smile? Yet, some people find their teeth stained and discolored no matter what they do. What could cause perfectly healthy teeth to darken and yellow? Here are a few of the most common culprits.

Certain Foods

We eat a lot of things that can stain and discolor our teeth: coffee, tea, colas, wines, and even certain fruits and vegetables such as apples and potatoes. Want to know if something you are eating is discoloring your teeth? Check to see if it will stain a cup, plate, or other hard surface item.

Smoking

It is a proven fact: cigarettes and chewing tobacco are two of the leading causes of tooth discoloration, making your smile yellow, dark, and unsightly.

Poor Dental Hygiene

If you do not brush your teeth correctly and floss regularly to remove yellowing plaque and other stain-producing substances that could be sticking to the tooth surface, they may discolor.

Disease

Some diseases affect the hard surface of the teeth and the underlying material under the tooth enamel, leading to discoloration. In addition, treatments for certain conditions such as head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can change the color of your teeth. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your medications or vitamins could be discoloring your smile.

Medications

The antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline are known to discolor teeth when given to children whose teeth are still developing (usually before the age of 8). Antihistamines such as Benadryl, antipsychotic drugs, and antihypertensive medications can also discolor teeth.

Some Dental Materials

Amalgam restorations, especially silver sulfide-containing materials, can cast a gray-black color to teeth over time.

Age

As you get older, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth may wear away, revealing the natural yellow color of dentin underneath the outer enamel.

Genetics

Some people have naturally brighter or thicker enamel than others. This can make their teeth look brighter and whiter than others.

Environment

Some amount of fluoride is good for your teeth, but too much can cause tooth discoloration. Giving children fluoride supplements when they are already receiving fluoridated water can cause severe staining of their teeth. To learn more about teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry options such as porcelain veneers and porcelain dental crowns, we encourage you to visit our cosmetic dentistry practice near Houston to learn more.