If you have stained or discolored teeth, Dr. David Rever, a top cosmetic dentist in the Silver Spring area, can develop a plan to give you a brighter, whiter smile. We offer a variety of treatments, including in-office whitening and customized take-home whitening kits.
Do you have yellow or brown discoloration? What causes teeth stains to form in the first place? A variety of factors can lead to the onset of embarrassing discoloration. Fortunately, there are ways of removing stains and preventive options for reducing their severity. You can maintain a brighter and more attractive smile with the right steps.
Extrinsic Stains
These stains form on the surface of the teeth. A variety of factors can cause stains, such as:
- Drinks with dark pigments (soda, tea, red wine, coffee)
- Food with staining agents (such as berries)
- Sugary foods and drinks
- Smoking
- Age
Typically, professional teeth whitening can easily remove surface stains from the teeth. In addition, these are the most common and the easiest to help prevent.
Intrinsic Discoloration
While extrinsic discoloration forms on the surface of the teeth, intrinsic stains form below the tooth enamel in the dentin. Injury to the tooth, fluorosis, or using certain medications such as tetracycline can cause intrinsic stains. They are more difficult for teeth whitening to remove, and in some cases, the doctor may suggest masking them with either bonding or porcelain veneers.
Teeth whitening is an easy and cost-effective way to improve your smile. Our high-quality professional whitening systems can give you long-lasting results in a short amount of time. We can complete an in-office teeth whitening procedure in about an hour. Before you decide which method to use, Dr. Rever will give you an oral exam to determine your overall dental condition.
Teeth Whitening: What to Expect
In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening
Dr. Rever uses advanced technology on your teeth to achieve a brighter, whiter smile. The whitening treatment takes as little as one hour to complete. After your consultation, Dr. Rever will cover your gums with a protective barrier to ensure their safety.
Next, he will apply a high-quality hydrogen peroxide gel. He will leave the gel on for about an hour. After that, patients will notice that their teeth are brighter by many shades.
Take-Home Whitening Kit
This whitening method is ideal for people who want to achieve great results in the comfort of their homes. Once you consult with Dr. Rever, he will take a mold of your teeth. Then, he will create a customized whitening tray that fits your teeth.
At home, you will fill the trays with a whitening gel and leave them on for about an hour each night. At-home whitening kits are a convenient and gradual way to whiten teeth for natural-looking results.
Schedule an Appointment
If you want ways to brighten your smile, visit us at our Silver Spring dentist office. Give us a call at 240-450-2720 or schedule an appointment online.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
How long does teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening is not a permanent fix to yellow teeth. Professional tooth whitening treatments can last 2 to 3 years if properly maintained or as little as six months if you smoke and eat foods that stain teeth. Your results will highly depend on how well you care for your smile.
Can teeth whitening fix gray teeth?
Typically, whitening only works on surface stains. Gray teeth have deep issues that go beyond the staining of surface enamel. For that reason, gray teeth are a better fit for alternative whitening procedures like porcelain veneers or dental crowns. Learn more about dental crowns.
Will teeth whitening cause my teeth to be more sensitive?
There may be an initial increase in tooth sensitivity after professional teeth whitening, but it should subside in a few days. Overusing teeth whitening products can also cause issues like damaged teeth and sensitivity. If you use over-the-counter whitening products, follow all directions and allow some time before using them again.
Is teeth whitening for everyone?
Yes, many patients qualify for teeth whitening. There are only a few cases where teeth whitening might not be right for you. With a thorough dental exam and consultation, Dr. Rever will better understand which whitening treatment will work best for your needs.