Most people would agree that having brighter, whiter teeth makes them feel more confident. If you’ve noticed that your daily coffee or soda habit has made your teeth look a little less bright, you can talk to Columbia, SC dentist Dr. Tom Trinkner for your options. Many patients ask which is better: at-home vs. in office teeth whitening, and our office is here to answer your questions about these professional teeth whitening treatments.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration and Staining?
Tooth discoloration and staining are common dental issues that can cause distress and embarrassment. There are a variety of causes for tooth discoloration, ranging from lifestyle choices to medications, aging and genetics. Here, we will explore the various causes of tooth discoloration and staining so that you can take steps to prevent them from occurring.
Many factors such as certain foods, smoking and drinking coffee and red wine can cause your teeth to turn yellow. Especially when you overindulge but don’t take care of your teeth as much.
Tooth breakage is another common cause of tooth discoloration. When a tooth breaks, it cracks or chips and exposes the color-producing layer of the tooth. A tooth can break from issues that are not related to an accident. For example, this can happen when teeth are worn-down to the enamel due to teeth grinding. It can also happen if children bite their fingernails too hard and hit their teeth with their nails. Tooth breakage is an easy way for people to get an infection that leads to gum disease, which can lead to loss of teeth and other dental issues.
Dr. Trinkner offers patients the option of in-office or take-home teeth whitening. Both treatments can erase years’ worth of stains and restore a more youthful look for your teeth. A fresh, white smile can boost your sense of confidence and help you feel ready to meet whatever challenge that you’re facing.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Our fastest method of teeth whitening is the in-office procedure. This takes a little over an hour and can produce results up to ten shades lighter. Results will depend on the severity and source of stains on the patient’s teeth, with certain stains being more difficult to erase completely. Dr. Trinkner will discuss expected results prior to your treatment during your consultation.
The process of in-office teeth whitening usually goes as follows. First, we set up a protective barrier for your gums. Next, we brush a layer of maximum strength bleaching gel onto your teeth and activate the ingredients with a special light. This process may need to be repeated several times until your desired shade is achieved.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit
Our most convenient method for removing stains from your tooth enamel is at-home teeth whitening. This method utilizes custom-fitted trays that Dr. Trinkner creates in the office and maximum strength bleaching gel. The take home kit will provide results far superior to over the counter options such as whitening strips and toothpastes that you may see for sale at your local drugstore.
At home, you will fill the trays with gel and fit them over your teeth for the prescribed amount of time daily, often overnight while you sleep. The bleaching gel will remove stains and, because it contains fluoride, it will also reduce sensitivity and strengthen your enamel. After about a week of regular use, your teeth will look dramatically whiter.
All our teeth whitening products are specially formulated to minimize tooth sensitivity and Dr. Trinkner carefully supervises teeth whitening treatments.
Professional Teeth Whitening in Columbia, SC
To discuss which teeth whitening treatment would work best for your dental hygiene goals, schedule an appointment with our Columbia, SC dentist office by calling 803-400-8729 or request an appointment online.