Tooth Whitening FAQs
Cosmetic Dentist serving Raleigh, Cary, and surrounding areas
J. Steven Baker, DDS
How did my teeth become so discolored?
Teeth can become discolored from a variety of factors. Teeth can also become discolored on both the outer, enamel, layers and the inner, dentin, layers of the tooth.
The inner layers of your teeth are composed of a tissue called dentin. Dentin can become discolored by chemicals that have entered the body and have caused the inside of the tooth to turn to a darker shade. A common chemical that causes tooth discoloration is tetracycline.
The outer layers of tooth tissue are referred to as the enamel portion of the tooth. Tooth enamel can become discolored from dark or staining substances that come in contact with the teeth, such as dark foods, dark drinks, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and other substances.
Lastly, teeth can become discolored simply as a result of growing older. Dentin is naturally darker than the outer enamel layers of the tooth, and as you grow older, the enamel can wear thin, allowing the color of the dentin to show more.
If you are unsatisfied with the color of your teeth, come to Dr. Baker to learn about your tooth whitening options. Dr. Baker will examine your teeth, determine what the cause of your tooth discoloration is, and what tooth whitening option is best for you.
When is the best time to whiten teeth?
Tooth whitening can be performed anytime you are unsatisfied with the color of your smile. If you are also considering other cosmetic dentistry treatments, you will want to have your tooth whitening treatments before those procedures.
Any restorations placed after tooth whitening can be matched to your new brighter tooth shade. Keep in mind that dental work like crowns and veneers cannot be lightened once they are permanently placed. If you become unsatisfied with your tooth whitening results, you can return to Dr. Baker’s office for a touch-up session to renew your results.
Does tooth whitening pose any harm to teeth or gums?
All of the tooth whitening options at Dr. Baker’s office are completely safe and use only FDA approved elements. Dr. Baker is highly trained in the protocol of whitening safety. Gums and lips are isolated during the tooth whitening process to ensure their safety.
How long do whitening results last?
It is different with each person. You can keep them looking bright by brushing and flossing regularly, getting them professionally cleaned twice a year, not smoking, and avoiding staining foods and drinks. Well cared for teeth can retain their tooth whitening results for up to 3 years. You can also visit Dr. Baker for short touch-up sessions to keep your smile looking its best.
Why not choose over-the-counter whiteners instead?
First of all, over-the-counter whiteners require a lot of patience. It is not legal to sell high-potency bleaching agent products, so most systems will require several applications. Secondly, the results from these products do not come close to the results that can be achieved with professional tooth whitening. “Whitening” toothpastes are targeted toward removing superficial stains and do not address intrinsic (internal) discoloration.
Am I a good candidate for whitening?
Visit Dr. Baker’s Raleigh office to find out if professional tooth whitening is a good option for you. He will take X-rays, examine your teeth and gums to make sure you are in good health, and make sure you do not have any areas that may be especially sensitive to whitening gels. Ideal candidates have no cavities, have dental work that is solid, are not pregnant or nursing, and are age 18 or older.
Visit the Chapel Hill tooth whitening specialist who is committed to safe and affordable whitening treatments. Call or email the office of Dr. J. Steven Baker in Raleigh for your personalized dentistry consultation.
