Teeth Whitening

How did my teeth get discolored?

Your lifestyle could be the culprit of your tooth discoloration. Many of the foods and beverages you consume every day cause dental staining. For example, coffee, tea, wine, soda, berries, and some starchy foods can make your teeth yellow.

Additionally, neglecting your at-home dental care and regular dental hygiene appointments can cause plaque and food stains to build up. 

In some cases, tooth discoloration develops from the inside of your tooth. Dental trauma and some medications can cause the dentin inside your teeth to become darker and visible through your enamel. 

What is teeth whitening?

University Dental Care offers state-of-the-art Zoom chairside teeth whitening treatments. Many patients don’t want to wear whitening trays at home for weeks only to see a slightly whiter smile. Zoom teeth whitening can brighten your smile by five or six shades with one treatment. 

This innovative treatment uses a light-activated hydrogen peroxide gel to lift dingy surface stains from your teeth. 

If your tooth discoloration isn’t on the surface, don’t worry. University Dental Care also offers veneers and dental crowns to cover discolored teeth that don’t respond to Zoom teeth whitening. 

What happens during a teeth whitening treatment?

When you have a teeth whitening treatment, your dentist begins with an exam to ensure that the treatment will be safe and effective. If Zoom is suitable for you, they place a soft guard in your mouth to protect your lips and gums. 

Next, your dentist carefully applies the Zoom gel to your teeth. You wear a pair of protective glasses and your dentist directs the special light onto your teeth. 

The whole treatment takes approximately two hours, and you go home with a million-dollar smile. 

How can I prolong the results of my teeth whitening treatment?

University Dental Care gives you personalized aftercare instructions before you go home. In general, the best thing you can do to maintain your bright white smile is to brush and floss your teeth. Eliminating or cutting back on the products that stain your teeth can also prolong your results. 

Some patients experience a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity. You might want to avoid very cold or hot drinks for a day or two after your treatment. Even after any sensitivity fades, you might benefit from using a straw, which helps keep liquids away from your teeth. 

Whether you’re getting ready for a wedding or just want a brighter smile, University Dental Care can help. Call or make an appointment online today to find out if teeth whitening is right for you.