At our Dallas dental office, we offer both in-office ZOOM!® Teeth Whitening and take-home teeth whitening kits. Our teeth whitening services are quick, easy, and deliver almost immediate results. When patients visit our cosmetic dentistry with insecurities about their smiles, they walk out feeling more confident than ever after.
Our teeth whitening products are also a perfect option for an upcoming event. You can get a quick smile makeover on your lunch break, and have beautiful teeth in no time. Continue reading to learn more about the teeth whitening treatment and our whitening solutions.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Tooth discoloration happens when your teeth change color or look less white than they used to. Many people notice their teeth turning yellow, brown, or gray over time. While this is common, there are several reasons why it happens. Some causes come from things we eat or drink, while others happen naturally as we age.
Food and Drinks
Some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration are what we eat and drink. Drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda have dark colors and acids that can stain teeth over time. Foods like berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce can also leave stains.
These stains build up on the outer layer of your teeth, called enamel. The stains can become harder to remove if you don’t brush or rinse your mouth after eating or drinking.
Poor Dental Hygiene
Brushing and flossing your teeth daily helps remove food, plaque, and stains. If you don’t clean your teeth properly, plaque builds up and can make your teeth look yellow or brown. Skipping regular dental cleanings can also lead to more staining and discoloration.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco is a major cause of tooth discoloration. Tobacco products contain tar and nicotine, which stick to teeth and cause yellow or brown stains. These stains are often hard to remove with regular brushing and may need professional cleaning or whitening to get rid of them.
Aging
As you get older, your enamel becomes thinner. When this happens, the layer underneath—called dentin—starts to show through. Dentin has a natural yellow color, so your teeth can look more yellow even if they’re healthy. This is a natural part of aging, but good dental care can slow it down.
Medications and Illness
Some medicines can change the color of your teeth. For example, certain antibiotics, like tetracycline, can cause gray or brown stains if taken during childhood. Some treatments, like chemotherapy or radiation, can also affect the color of your teeth.
Tooth Injuries
If a tooth gets hurt, it can change color. This happens when the inside of the tooth becomes damaged or bleeds. The tooth may turn gray or dark as a result. Injuries to baby teeth can also cause discoloration in adult teeth later on.
Learn About ZOOM!® Teeth Whitening
Make sure to finish any dental treatments before whitening your teeth for the best results. For example, get a teeth cleaning before a whitening treatment. If you haven’t had a hygiene appointment in a while, plaque and tartar have most likely built up on your teeth. You should make sure your teeth are in great shape before going through the teeth whitening process.
Whitening, while plaque and tartar are still present, can deliver subpar results. Also, take good care of your teeth leading up to your whitening appointment. The better shape your teeth are in, the more likely your results will not need toughing up.
While it’s easy to find whitening toothpaste and drugstore treatments to whiten your teeth, nothing will have the same effect as ZOOM!® whitening. This is one of the most effective methods that drastically upgrades the whiteness of your teeth. The system lifts stains and discoloration, leaving little to no impact on your gums, which is a concern for many patients.
Our Dallas dentist first applies concentrated hydrogen-peroxide-based teeth whitening gel to your teeth. Then he uses a UV light for between 45 minutes to one hour to activate the bleaching agent. We carefully execute the process to maximize whiteness and minimize sensitivity after treatment is complete.
The ZOOM in-office teeth whitening procedure has four main steps:
- First, we will clean your teeth and prepare them for treatment. This will involve our dentist putting a layer of advanced whitening gel on your teeth.
- We will shine an LED lamp on your teeth to speed up the whitening process of the gel.
- The dentist will repeat the process three times. This step will be over in about 45 minutes to one hour.
- When we reach the desired shade, we will apply a post-treatment solution to your teeth. The solution will protect your enamel and reduce temporary sensitivity.
Our take-home teeth whitening kits are easy to use. We will provide you with whitening strips to use for an hour each day for five days straight. Just like with in-office whitening, make sure your teeth are clean and in good health before to using our whitening strips.
Yes, whitening strips are available at your local corner drugstore. However, the ones our Dallas dental office provides will contain ingredients to maximize your teeth whitening results. After the five days of whitening are complete, it will take a few more days for the final shade to set in.
Will whitening work better for certain patients than for others? Genetically, some people’s teeth have a greater level of yellow tint. In contrast, the yellow of others’ teeth may result from years of built-up stains from coffee, dark sodas, or tobacco use. Regardless of where the yellow tint in your teeth comes from, ZOOM whitening can remove it.
Professional Vs. Over-the-Counter Whitening
When you want a brighter smile, teeth whitening is a popular choice. There are many ways to whiten teeth, including products you can buy at the store and treatments from your dentist. While both options can make your teeth look whiter, professional teeth whitening is usually better and safer.
Stronger and Faster Results
One big difference between store-bought and professional teeth whitening is the strength of the products. Over-the-counter (OTC) products like whitening strips or toothpaste use weaker ingredients. They can take weeks to show small changes. In some cases, they might not work at all, especially on deep stains.
Professional whitening uses stronger ingredients that work quickly and safely. Dentists know how to apply the product so it doesn’t harm your gums or teeth. Most patients notice a big difference in just one visit. The results also last longer compared to store-bought options.
Personalized Treatment
OTC whitening kits are made for everyone, so they might not fit your teeth well. Strips can slide around or miss certain spots, and one-size trays can leak or irritate your gums. This can lead to uneven whitening or sore spots in your mouth.
Professional whitening is tailored just for you. Your dentist can make custom trays that fit your mouth perfectly, making the treatment more comfortable and effective. Your dentist can also adjust the strength of the whitening gel based on your needs.
Safer for Sensitive Teeth
Some people feel tooth pain or gum irritation when they use whitening products. This often happens with OTC products that aren’t used properly or don’t fit well.
When choosing professional whitening, your dentist first checks your teeth and gums. They make sure it’s safe for you to whiten your teeth. Your dentist can use a special formula that reduces discomfort if you already have sensitive teeth. They’ll also keep an eye on your gums to make sure they stay healthy during treatment.
Long-Term Benefits
Professional whitening gives longer-lasting results, especially if you care for your teeth afterward. Dentists can also give tips or tools to help you keep your smile white at home. They often offer take-home trays with a special gel for touch-ups when needed.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. Read more.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening results can last anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on lifestyle habits. Avoiding stain-causing foods, drinks, and tobacco can help maintain results. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings also extend the longevity of whitening treatments. Some patients choose touch-up treatments to keep their smiles bright.
Is teeth whitening safe?
When done correctly, teeth whitening is safe and does not harm enamel. Professional treatments are the safest because we supervise them. Overuse of over-the-counter whitening products can lead to tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. It is important to follow the recommended instructions for any whitening treatment.
Can teeth whitening damage enamel?
When used properly, teeth whitening does not damage enamel. Professional treatments are designed to be safe and effective without causing harm. Without professional guidance, overusing whitening products, especially high-strength gels, can lead to enamel erosion and sensitivity. We can ensure you have a safe and effective whitening experience.
How often can I whiten my teeth?
The frequency of whitening depends on the method used. Professional treatments usually last at least a year before needing touch-ups. At-home whitening kits can be used every few months, depending on the product instructions. Overusing whitening products can lead to sensitivity and enamel damage. We’ll help determine the best course of action.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have fillings, crowns, or veneers?
Whitening treatments only work on natural teeth and do not change the color of fillings, crowns, or veneers. If you have visible restorations, they may appear darker than your whitened teeth. We can discuss options, such as replacing restorations to match your newly whitened smile.
Is teeth whitening suitable for everyone?
Teeth whitening is safe for most adults but may not be recommended for children, pregnant women, or people with gum disease or severe tooth sensitivity. If you have restorations like crowns, veneers, or fillings, they will not whiten like natural teeth.
We will give you a dramatically more radiant smile. Our Dallas dental team wants to aid you in getting your dream smile and increasing your confidence. We are in downtown Dallas and serve all the surrounding neighborhoods, including Oak Lawn, Uptown, and Highland Park. Call us at 469-529-5401 with any teeth whitening questions and to schedule an appointment.