Why Are My Teeth Losing Their Whiteness?
White teeth are a desirable trait, but time, food stains, and other factors add up to create tooth discoloration. Read on to learn why your teeth are losing their whiteness.
Walk down the aisle in any grocery or drug store these days, and you’ll find a mind-boggling array of toothpastes that claim they can whiten your teeth. The problem is they’re often not effective. They can usually remove minor surface stains, but they’re usually not able to reach the deep-set stains you can get from years of eating, drinking, smoking, and living.
At-home whitening kits are also available at stores, and they may do a marginally better job, but they still can’t come close to a professional whitening treatment.
Lisa Wyatt, DDS, at Metairie Village Dentistry in Metairie, Louisiana, helps patients get the white teeth they’ve always wanted.
Even the most diligent brushers and flossers can end up with stains on their teeth. That’s because some of the foods and beverages you may consume — such as berries, wine, coffee, and tea — can seep into the surfaces of your teeth. Tobacco and certain medications can also cause yellowing. And even if you avoid all of these stain-causing culprits, the simple process of aging may make your teeth lose their bright white luster.
But you can get it back easy with Zoom!®, our quick and effective in-office whitening system. We use a hydrogen peroxide-based gel and activate it with a special light to zap stains and restore a fresh, clean smile in about an hour. We protect your gums with a rubber dam, so you can leave with the peace of mind that your teeth are white and your gums are safe.
If you prefer a more gradual process, you can opt for an at-home version of Zoom! With the at-home versions, you get the same amazing results but on your own schedule and in the privacy of your own home.
Another option in our teeth-whitening lineup is power whitening. Just like Zoom!, we start with a gel made of hydrogen peroxide. But this time the activating energy comes from a laser that releases oxygen ions from the gel. The process lifts the stains right off the surfaces of your teeth.
If you have a tooth that’s been traumatized and has turned dark, Zoom! and power whitening may not be able to reach the depths of the darkness necessary. Likewise, teeth that are discolored from medications, such as tetracycline, or from dental fluorosis may benefit from Boost™, our chemically based system that uses no light or lasers, but rather trays of gel.
Boost is ideal whether you’re treating just one discolored tooth or a mouthful. And many patients feel it’s a more comfortable procedure, because we don’t need to use a rubber dam to protect your gums. Instead, we use an adhesive resin to keep your soft tissues safe during the process.
Our office is open, and we’re here for you whether you need a crown, an implant, or just a whiter smile to boost your spirits. We diligently comply with all the state and federal guidelines to keep our patients and team safe and healthy, including frequent sanitization, wearing masks, and maintaining proper distancing.
To find out more about our many options for getting your teeth whiter and brighter, book an appointment online or over the phone with Metairie Village Dentistry today.
