Teeth Whitening
Teeth can become stained and darker in color through regular use. Having your teeth whitened not only freshens your look but dramatically enhances your smile. Teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to make a huge impact in your look making it our most popular cosmetic procedure. At The Elmwood Dental Group LLC, we can prescribe both in-office whitening treatment or create a prescribed kit to use at home.
How do teeth get so dingy?
Teeth that are beautifully white help you look younger, cleaner, and fresher. Many patients are shocked at the difference in their smile and even in how they are perceived. There are so many phrases commonly used around the color of teeth, including the phrase to lighten a room with your smile or to show your pearly whites. These phrases are associated with a beautiful smile which is often included in describing the overall beauty of a person.
We frequently have patients express frustration about the coloring of their teeth; some will even share how diligent they are with their oral care routine. Discolored teeth come naturally from the foods and drinks we consume.
There are several products that alter the color of our teeth including:
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Drinks and Foods Containing Tannic Acid: Tannic acid is found in a number of plants and can darken teeth depending on the level of tannins. It is known to be in coffee, tea, and dark colored sodas. Additionally, tannic acid is found in berries, including wine, along with barley, mint, basil, rosemary and more.
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Sauces: The acid found in sauces can stain teeth. Soy sauces contain a brown pigment called melanoidin, that can stain. Tomato sauces have an acid that can break down the enamel, weakening and darkening the color. |
Whitening My Teeth
Today, there are many options for whitening your teeth. There are some store-bought products and having your teeth whitened professionally. Patient’s often inquire what the best route is taking time, money, and results into consideration. The answer can be complicated.
Store-bought whitening products are generally effective, though the results will be slow and limited depending on the product purchased. Store bought treatments can’t contain the same level of peroxide that we can prescribe. Treatments done in our office will be more expensive, but the results will be fast, controlled, and highly effective. Additionally, we can create kits for home whitening, we can still prescribe peroxide, which will be more powerful then store purchased items but less powerful then treatment is done in office directed under our team.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Whitening treatments done in our office are completed in less than an hour. Meaning you will leave with instant results and a beautiful smile. The doctor will first apply a high dosage peroxide gel, taking caution to avoid contact with your soft tissue. We will then use blue laser light to hasten the impact of the gel.
At Home Prescribed Whitening
Kits designed for home use begins with the creation of a tray that is customized to fit your mouth. Patients like this option because it allows them to whiten in their timeline and touchup as needed. |
