Teeth whitening is the safest and most effective way to lighten tooth discoloration. However, it is not as effective on pitted or badly discolored teeth or on restorations like porcelain veneers or dental bonding.

Most stains on teeth whitening Huntsville AL are caused by age and the foods we consume, including coffee, tea and tobacco. Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent stains, but they cannot remove all of them.

Home Whitening Trays

Home whitening trays use custom-fitted dental trays to apply bleaching gel directly to the teeth. This process is a safe and effective bleaching method for lightening the discoloration of enamel and dentin caused by drinking coffee, tea, and red wine, smoking, and simply the natural aging process.

Whitening trays from the dentist are more convenient than drugstore kits because the customized trays fit around the individual’s teeth whitening Huntsville AL and prevent the solution from irritating the soft tissues of the mouth. Additionally, a dentist can recommend the correct concentration of bleach for each patient’s needs.

The trays can be used at any time during the day or night, making it possible to whiten while at work or while traveling. However, a consistent whitening schedule is important to maintain maximum results and avoid relapse or damage to the tooth structure. It is recommended to wear the trays for no less than an hour each day. A whitening treatment should also be completed at least once per year.

In-Office Whitening

During in-office whitening, your teeth will be professionally whitened at the dentist’s office. Before the whitening begins, your mouth will be prepped. Gauze will be placed in your lips, cheeks and tongue to protect them from contact with the whitening gel. Then, the whitening solution will be applied to your teeth and left on for about an hour. After the whitening has finished, your dentist will rinse your mouth and possibly apply fluoride to help mitigate any potential sensitivity.

Unlike home whitening trays, professional whitening can make your teeth up to eight shades whiter. It typically takes about an hour, and you can see results immediately. It can be done in conjunction with a dental cleaning or as a separate appointment.

Several updated dental technologies are used to speed up the procedure. For instance, a laser or curing light can activate the whitening agent. This can reduce the time of whitening and decrease the amount of peroxide needed.

Veneers

Veneers are an excellent option for patients who wish to mask discoloration of their teeth due to tetracycline use or root canal treatment. They also work well for patients with gaps or chips in their teeth. Veneers are made of a tooth-colored porcelain and have a remarkable resemblance to the natural enamel, giving them a natural appearance.

The first visit is usually a consultation, during which the dentist takes X-rays and makes an impression of your teeth. They will also study your face and smile from various angles, making sure that the veneers don’t interfere with your natural dental structure or speech patterns.

During the next visit, they prepare your teeth whitening Huntsville AL by removing about half of a millimeter from the surface of the tooth. This may require a local anesthetic. The veneers are then placed on the teeth and bonded using special cement. A light beam is used to bind the cement and harden it.

Bonding

While whitening treatments can lift many types of stains, there are some discolorations that simply don't respond to the bleaching process. These are generally deep stains caused by foods, drinks or improper oral hygiene. If left untreated these stains can cause tooth sensitivity and expose dentin that is softer than enamel. This makes eating, drinking and even brushing your teeth uncomfortable. In addition, whitening procedures will have little or no effect on crowns, veneers and fillings.

Bonding is a cosmetic treatment that can improve the appearance of a smile by covering these deeper stains. The dentist selects a composite resin material that matches the color of the tooth and roughens the surface before applying a conditioning liquid to help the material stick. The composite resin is then molded to the desired shape, hardened with a curing light and polished to a natural-looking shine. In most cases, dental bonding can be completed in one office visit.