It’s a fact of life that teeth can become discolored over time. Although poor dental hygiene can contribute to this, discolored teeth do not necessarily indicate that you do not brush well. Certain foods and beverages, such as coffee and red wine, also contribute to tooth discoloration. In addition, smoking is a major culprit when it comes to discolored teeth; it should be noted that if you smoke, tooth discoloration might be the least of your problems. Smoking can cause a variety of health problems and it would be in your best interest to stop immediately so you can add years to your life.
Regardless of how the discoloration occurred, you may be considering whitening your teeth to improve their appearance. Fortunately, you have some options in this regard and Moore Family Dental can help you determine the most appropriate solution. Let’s take a look at three of them.
- Pola Office whitening system – This popular whitening method begins in the office. Dr. Moore will schedule a 90 minute chairside whitening session to give your teeth an instant burst of whiteness. Custom bleaching trays will be provided with take home whitening gel to give you optimal results. You’ll see the benefits of your whiter smile immediately.
- Veneers – veneers are also a wonderful option for discoloration. Since veneers can be used for other issues, such as a chipped or damaged tooth, they may be especially appealing to you if you want to address two issues at the same time. With veneers, impressions are used to create a restoration and the restoration is fitted to the tooth for maximum comfort and excellent results.
- At-home whitening options – if you visit a drugstore, you’ll note that today’s market offers many options for whitening your teeth at home. Although this may seem to be the easier and cheaper option, consider the advice of the American Dental Association (ADA) before you decide whether this is the best choice for you.
The ADA advises patients to “consult with their dentists to determine the most appropriate treatment. This is especially important for patients with many fillings, crowns, and extremely dark stains.” Some whitening toothpastes have received the ADA Seal of Acceptance. These toothpastes “contain polishing or chemical agents, rather than bleaches, to improve tooth appearance by removing surface stains. They do this through gentle polishing, chemical chelation, or some other non-bleaching action.” Some of these products can be abrasive – so be cautious. The staff at Moore Family Dental is happy to answer any of your specific questions regarding these take home whitening solutions.
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) also recommends beginning any whitening process with a “thorough examination, assessment, and recommendation.” The ADHA notes that this step is important to make sure “your teeth and mouth are healthy and that any oral health problems are addressed before you begin a whitening program.” There’s an additional incentive to begin the process this way: “your dental hygienist will advise you of strategies that will help you maintain your new whiter smile once you have it.”