Teeth Whitening

Over the years, your teeth have been hard at work. They are incredibly helpful for so many day-to-day tasks. They help you to eat and speak, and your smile tells others that you are happy. It's important to take care of them.

Many things can stain teeth over time. Perhaps you're a regular wine, juice, coffee, or tea drinker. Maybe you are or have been a smoker. These activities can dull the enamel covering your teeth, leaving them not as white as they may have once been. Fortunately, there's a solution that can take your teeth from discolored to bright white. All it takes is some professional teeth whitening in Spokane, WA, at Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics. Learn more about professional teeth whitening and how it's the best choice for bringing your teeth back to life.

Are Your Teeth Dull and Discolored?

Your teeth have been through a lot, so when you look at them in the mirror, they may not be quite as white as you wish they were. You are probably aware that the enamel covering your teeth comes into contact with every food or drink you put in your mouth. Even though it's the strongest part of your tooth, that enamel can absorb any pigmented residue from that food and drink, creating a stain. Coffee and wine are common drinks that can stain teeth over time. Any food or drink that contains dark tannins, however, can stain teeth. These include dark soda, dark berries, fruit juices, and any sauces that are tomato-based.

There are other reasons your teeth may become stained. These include the following:

Fluoride

Fluoride is healthy for your teeth in the right amounts; it strengthens your teeth and prevents cavities from forming. Excess fluoride consumption while enamel is being formed, on the other hand, can cause brown stains or a mottling effect.

Decay

Decay often forms where the gums meet the bottom of a tooth. It can be a gray color. Brown or black stains can also be signs of decay. If the pulp inside your tooth dies, your entire tooth could become discolored.

Medications

There are some medications that may cause your teeth to become discolored. Some of these are ACE inhibitors, diuretics, beta blockers, calcium channel beta blockers, and heart rhythm medication. Any medication that causes dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay, as there may not be enough saliva produced to clear away bacteria in your mouth. Check with both your prescribing doctor and your dentist about how any medication you may need may affect your teeth.

Aging

As we get older, the enamel on our teeth can start to wear off. When it does, it exposes the yellowish dentin underneath it. Over time, tooth brushing that is too hard and tooth grinding (bruxism) can also cause the yellow dentin to be exposed. It's important to note that age-related staining can be both intrinsic and extrinsic. On the intrinsic side, the outside enamel thins naturally, and the dentin, or core tissue, yellows naturally. Extrinsic factors can include smoking, the food and drinks you consume, or an issue with clenching or grinding. These types of stains may need intensive whitening.

Trauma

If the nerves of your teeth are damaged in an accident, the affected tooth can darken or become discolored.

Professional Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Whitening

You've probably seen advertisements on television or in magazines for over-the-counter whitening products. They're available for purchase at your local grocery store or pharmacy, and they aren't expensive. Nor are they difficult to use. However, the results can be mixed. There are several different types of whitening to choose from.

Whitening Strips

These are quite popular and easy to use. Whitening strips are thin, flexible strips of plastic with hydrogen peroxide on one side. Kits usually include strips for your bottom teeth and strips for the top. Typically, the strips go on your teeth for 30 minutes two times a day. Everyone responds differently to whitening strips, so the length of treatment will vary—as will the effects on your teeth.

Paint-On Whiteners

Paint-on whiteners are generally less expensive than either professional whitening or whitening strips. Using a brush, whitening gel is applied to each tooth. The gel hardens and becomes a film over the teeth, eventually dissolving. They can leave teeth looking white, but the effects may not last long, and if the gel is not used correctly, you could have poor results.

Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Many toothpaste and mouthwash products claim to whiten your teeth. They usually contain abrasives that work to remove surface stains. However, these products do not actually whiten your teeth, though they may lighten them.

Professional Whitening

At Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics, we offer professional teeth whitening. There are two options for professional whitening—one is done at home, the other in our office.

At-Home Whitening

After making an impression of your teeth, we custom-make whitening trays for you. We provide you with professional-grade whitening gel. At home, you place the gel in the trays and fit the trays over your teeth, leaving them in for the time designated by your prosthodontist. It takes about 10–14 days for the whitening to reach full effect, though you may start to notice the gel working after just three to five days. One major benefit of this type of whitening is that the custom-made trays and gel will ensure that all your teeth become whiter. And since you're using professional-grade gel, it's designed to be both comfortable and effective.

In-Office Whitening

You may choose to have your whitening done right in our office. This is a process that takes about 90 minutes. First, we'll polish your teeth to remove any plaque that may have built up. Once your teeth are properly prepped, we'll isolate your teeth and protect the rest of your mouth and gums. After a whitening solution is applied to the front of each tooth, it will be left under a curing light to activate the peroxide. The solution is left on for 30–60 minutes, and it may be reapplied during that time, depending on your particular case.

Once time is up (and the whiteness level for this session has been achieved), your teeth will be rinsed. Your prosthodontist may suggest a fluoride treatment to reduce any sensitivity your teeth may have after the whitening treatment. You will see the whitening effects of this treatment immediately, though it may take more than one visit to get your teeth to the whiteness level you desire. That whiteness should last for one to three years.

Ready to Brighten Your Smile

If your teeth are not as white as you wish they were, don't hesitate to give us a call. At Pacific Northwest Prosthodontics, we want you to look your best. We'll discuss all your whitening options with you and help you choose one that's right for you.

You can get your smile back. Book an appointment today!