Are you a lifelong coffee drinker? Do you suffer from yellow, discolored teeth? If so, professional teeth whitening could be the cosmetic dentistry service you need for a brighter smile. At TotallySmiles, we provide compassionate and comprehensive dental services, including teeth whitening in our Gaithersburg, MD, dentist office.
Our doctors understand that you want to feel confident when showing off your smile. This is why they are happy to provide teeth whitening services at your request. Learn more about teeth whitening below.
Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration
Tooth stains can happen for a variety of reasons. The most common reasons why your teeth might lose their natural shine include:
Food and Drinks
Certain foods and drinks can leave stains on your teeth. Dark beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine are common culprits. Foods with strong pigments like berries, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar can also cause stains. They can stick to your tooth enamel, which can make your teeth appear yellow or brown.
Tobacco Use
Using tobacco products, like cigarettes or chewing tobacco, is a big cause of tooth stains. Tobacco contains tar and nicotine, both of which can stick to your teeth and cause long-term stains. Over time, smoking or chewing tobacco can make your teeth appear yellow or dark brown.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Not brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can lead to plaque buildup on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can turn into tartar if not cleaned properly. Tartar is rough and can make your teeth look yellow or dull. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
Aging
As we age, the enamel on our teeth naturally wears down. Enamel is the outer layer of your teeth that is white and shiny. Underneath the enamel is a yellowish substance called dentin. As the enamel thins, more of the dentin shows, making your teeth look more yellow. This process can happen slowly over time to give teeth a more aged, worn appearance.
Medications
Certain medications can cause your teeth to change color. For example, antibiotics like tetracycline can stain teeth if taken at a young age when the teeth are still developing. Some blood pressure medications can also make your teeth look stained. If you’re concerned about your medications, talk to your doctor or dentist about potential alternatives.
Genetics
Your genetic makeup can affect the natural color of your teeth. Some people naturally have brighter, whiter teeth, while others may have a more yellowish tint due to thinner enamel. If your parents have teeth that are prone to staining, you might have the same issue. Unfortunately, you can’t change your genes, but understanding this can help you manage how your teeth discolor over time.
Fluoride
This mineral helps prevent tooth decay. However, too much fluoride can cause a condition called dental fluorosis. Fluorosis usually occurs in children whose teeth are still forming, but it can happen if they swallow too much fluoride. This condition causes white spots or streaks to appear on the teeth. While fluorosis isn’t harmful, it can affect the appearance of your smile.
Trauma or Injury
If you injure your teeth, they may change color. For example, if you get a hard blow to the mouth, the trauma can damage the blood vessels inside the tooth. This may cause the tooth to turn a darker color, like gray or purple. Sometimes, the discoloration is a sign of internal damage and may need dental treatment.
Teeth Whitening in Gaithersburg, MD
Dr. Steven Anolik and Dr. Corey Anolik are your experienced cosmetic dentists in Gaithersburg, MD. They can help you achieve your dream smile within one appointment with our teeth whitening services. Tooth discoloration is a common dental concern that many patients will develop over time. With our teeth whitening services, we can remove years of stains for a whiter and brighter smile.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Many patients often ask us if they should use over-the-counter whitening products. While we do not discourage patients from pursuing these products, they are not a one-size-fits-all approach to cosmetic dentistry.
This may leave you with blotchy, inconsistent results. Professional teeth whitening services can guarantee the results you are looking for within one appointment. The benefits of professional teeth whitening include:
Sensitivity Management
Over-the-counter whitening products can be too strong for people with sensitive teeth. They can cause discomfort during and after use. Professional teeth whitening is different because our dentist can adjust the treatment for your safety and comfort.
Customized whitening trays
Our custom whitening trays are made to fit your teeth perfectly. They cover every part of your smile. This helps the whitening gel spread evenly across your teeth, giving you consistent results.
Long-term results
Store-bought strips that need to be replaced often. Our whitening trays are reusable and last for years. When it’s time to whiten again, you can simply get a refill gel from our office to keep your smile bright.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Patients often have questions about teeth whitening in Gaithersburg, MD. We want to answer some of the most common frequently asked questions.
How old do I have to be for teeth whitening?
There isn’t a universal age requirement for teeth whitening. However, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) does not recommend whitening for children under 15. Moreover, most dental professionals recommend waiting until at least age 16. This is to ensure all permanent teeth have fully erupted.
How long does teeth whitening take?
The time required for teeth whitening varies depending on the method our dentist uses. In-office whitening performed by a dentist is the quickest option. It usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour per session. Conversely, at-home kits or custom trays from your dentist might require two to four weeks of consistent use for full results.
How can I maintain my teeth whitening results?
To maintain teeth whitening results, brush twice daily, floss, and use an antibacterial mouthwash. Avoid or limit your consumption of staining foods and beverages. Additionally, using whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains.
Should I have a professional dental cleaning before whitening?
We will recommend a dental cleaning before teeth whitening in Gaithersburg, MD. A dental cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and food debris that can hinder the whitening process. Our dentist can identify and address cavities, decay, or gum issues before whitening. This will minimize potential side effects.
Will teeth whitening work on crowns or veneers?
Teeth whitening does not work on crowns, veneers, or other dental restorations. Whitening products don’t change the color of materials used for dental work. If you want your smile to look even after whitening, we can replace old restorations to match your brighter teeth. Always talk to your dentist before whitening to make sure you get the best results for your smile.
Will teeth whitening remove stains?
Yes, teeth whitening can effectively remove extrinsic stains on the outer layer of the tooth. However, it may be less effective on intrinsic stains that occur within the tooth. With intrinsic stains, the whitening agent may not penetrate deep enough to remove the discoloration. Regular dental cleanings can also remove some surface stains and improve tooth brightness.
How long after teeth whitening can I eat normally?
After teeth whitening, it is best to wait at least 48 hours before consuming foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. During this period, we recommend only consuming a white diet. After this initial period, you can gradually reintroduce other foods into your diet. However, we still advise you to limit your intake of staining foods and drinks to maintain your whitening.
What do I do if I feel tooth sensitivity after whitening?
If you feel tooth sensitivity after whitening, don’t worry—it’s common and usually temporary. First, switch to a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. It can help protect your teeth and reduce discomfort.
If you’re using at-home whitening products, pause treatment for a day or two to let your teeth recover. Also, avoid hot or cold foods. Stick to room-temperature drinks and soft foods to avoid triggering sensitivity.
Talk to our dentist if the sensitivity doesn’t go away or feels severe. They can recommend a treatment or adjust your whitening plan.
Schedule An Appointment
Interested in learning more about our teeth whitening services? Schedule an appointment with our experienced Gaithersburg, MD cosmetic dentists online. Let us know if you have questions about treatment. We’re here to help and we look forward to seeing you soon.