Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures in America, and it’s easy to see why. Whitening your teeth can erase stains and signs of aging and give you a welcoming smile.
So if you’ve invested time and money into whitening your teeth, you may be wondering how to keep your pearly whites looking their best. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help slow the discoloration process. In this blog, William M. Schneider, DDS, in Walnut Creek, California, gives tips on how you can keep your teeth white for as possible.
What causes tooth discoloration?
As we get older, it’s normal for teeth to look more yellow or gray, because as the outer layer of enamel thins, the darker layer underneath, called dentin, starts showing through. There are also other factors that can lead to darkened teeth, such as:Drinking coffee, tea, soda, or red wine
- Using tobacco
- Eating dark fruits and berries
- Drinking artificially colored sports drinks
- Sucking on colored, hard candies
- Using certain medications, such as tetracycline
How does teeth whitening work?
Professional-grade teeth whitening procedures use peroxide-based bleaching agents to brighten teeth. At our office, we use a gel in special trays that you wear on your teeth for 30-60 minutes. The length of your treatment will depend on the color of your teeth and the results you want to achieve.
How can you maintain your results?
After you get your teeth whitened, there are things you can do to help maintain your results, such as:
- Quit using tobacco products
- Use a whitening toothpaste to remove stains
- Use a straw for coffee, tea, soda, or red wine
- Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after consuming stain-causing foods
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly
- Come in for regular cleanings
Whitening treatments don’t last forever, so you may need to come in for a session every year or two to keep your smile bright.
Teeth whitening may not work if you have dental crowns, bridges, or veneers. Dr. Schneider will give you a thorough evaluation and help you decide if a whitening treatment can help you.
To learn more about keeping your teeth white or to get a whitening treatment, book an appointment online or over the phone with William M. Schneider, DDS today.