Teeth Whitening Services FAQ's
What makes our teeth get discolored?
Many things contribute to this, age being the most common. Caffeinated beverages (tea, colas, coffee), smoking and red wine are common culprits. Our genetic predisposition plays a part. Also, some medications, e.g. tetracycline, which will stain teeth for life if given to young children or pregnant women. Even fluoride, if ingested in excess, will cause patches of a whiter shade, or brownish areas. Sometimes an individual tooth becomes darker in color if it’s been traumatized somehow, such as in an accident, or if it’s had root canal treatment.
Do you have questions about teeh whitening?Contact a Dentist that can answer your Teeth whitening questions today!
There are two ways that teeth whitening works: abrasion or bleaching
Abrasion is used by all toothpastes, but the whitening toothpastes contain extra polishing agents which will work for those whose teeth have superficial staining.
Bleaching gives a more noticeable result, sometimes quite dramatic. Bleaching gels contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, and the teeth whitening depends on two factors: the strength of the peroxide in the gel and the amount of time it’s in contact with the teeth.
The teeth whitening gel can be applied to your teeth at the dentist’s, or at home. The dentist will make a tray that fits precisely over your teeth. At home, you can put gel in the tray and wear it either for several hours during the day or overnight. Results can sometimes be seen after a few days, but more often after a couple of weeks, and the change is gradual enough that others probably won’t notice that you’re doing the treatment.
When done in the dentist’s office, the results are fast because an activator is used to speed up the breakdown of the peroxides in the gel. After just one visit, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. This method is more expensive however.
Individual outcomes vary depending on your particular dental conditions, the cause(s) of the discoloration of your teeth, your age, and how well you care for our teeth. Consulting a dentist is the first step, even if you plan to do the teeth whitening at home.
Do you have questions about teeth whitening? Contact a Dentist that can answer your teeth whitening questions today!
Do teeth whitening treatments make your teeth hurt?
This is an individual matter. Some people say their teeth are more sensitive afterwards but it’s usually just for a day or so. Fluoride can be used both before and after the treatment, which will re-mineralize the teeth, strengthening the enamel and reducing sensitivity. If a tray treatment is done, the tray can be worn just a couple of hours a day instead of overnight and this reduces sensitivity, although it lengthens the treatment time too.
We serve patients in the following South Florida cities within Broward, Miami Dade and Palm Beach County:
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Boca Raton Coconut Creek Cooper City Coral Springs Dania Beach Davie Delray Beach Deerfield Beach Fort Lauderdale |
Hallandale Beach Hillsboro Beach Hollywood Lauderhill Lauderdale Lakes Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Lazy Lake Lighthouse Point Margate |
Miami Miramar North Lauderdale Oakland Park Parkland Pembroke Park Pembroke Pines Plantation Pompano Beach |
Sea Ranch Lakes Southwest Ranches Sunrise Tamarac Weston West Park West Palm Beach Wilton Manors |