Teeth whitening can be performed by a dentist or at home using professional or store-bought products. For our in-office teeth whitening treatment, our dentist at Paradigm Dental uses professional-grade bleaching agents as well as a specialized device that speeds up the chemical reaction that whitens your enamel. This type of whitening treatment can lighten your teeth by up to ten shades.
At home, you can whiten your teeth using professional whitening trays or over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions. These products include whitening strips, gels, toothpaste, and mouthwashes. When using these products, you must follow all instructions carefully to avoid irritating your gums and soft tissues.
When performed under the supervision of a dentist, teeth whitening is a safe cosmetic procedure that will leave you with a brighter smile. However, discussing any allergies with the dentist before the process is essential. Our dentist can recommend alternative whitening methods if you experience an allergic reaction to the bleaching agents.
The Causes of Teeth Discoloration
Food and Drink
Coffee, red wine, and tobacco can stain teeth. Some fruits and vegetables, like blueberries, can also discolor your smile over time.
Age
As you age, the enamel on your teeth starts to wear away. This exposes the yellow-colored dentin underneath.
Disease
Certain diseases or illnesses can change the color of your teeth. For example, jaundice can make them appear yellowish-brown.
Trauma
Injuries to the mouth can result in tooth discoloration. This can include a broken or chipped tooth or a tooth undergoing root canal treatment.
Genetics
Some people naturally have teeth that are darker or teeth that are more prone to staining.
The Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Whiter Teeth
A whiter smile is more attractive and can make a person appear more youthful and energetic. A whiter smile is also closely associated with good oral health. When the teeth are stained or discolored, they can look more yellow than white, making you look older and making your smile look less than healthy.
Improved Confidence, Self-Esteem, and Self-Image
Confidence can be tied to our appearance in many ways. Teeth often play a large part in that equation. A smile is often the first thing people notice about us, and a discolored or stained set of teeth can leave a lasting impression on strangers and those we interact with daily. Whitening can remove years of stains from your teeth, allowing you to feel confident flashing your smile wherever you go!
Visit Paradigm Dental at 3970 SW Mercantile Dr. Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035, or call (503) 626-7323 if you have questions about our in-office or at-home teeth whitening treatments.
