Teeth Whitening Specialist

What causes teeth to change color?

Teeth change color for numerous reasons, but the number one cause is getting older. As you age, your tooth enamel breaks down and wears away, making the yellow dentin beneath more visible. 

Other factors that contribute to tooth discoloration include:

• Drinking beverages with tannins like coffee, cola, or black tea
• Eating foods like berries or tomato-based sauces
• Using tobacco
• Taking medication with tetracycline
• Oral trauma

You might also develop stained or yellow teeth due to poor oral hygiene. It’s possible to prevent severe discoloration by brushing and flossing daily and visiting the dentist at least two times a year for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning. 

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that eradicates stains and discoloration from the surface of your teeth. There are dozens of whitening systems on the market, but almost all of them use hydrogen peroxide gel to oxidize (whiten) molecules within the enamel. Once oxidation occurs, your teeth appear brighter, lighter, and more aesthetically pleasing.

What are the types of teeth whitening?

Dr. Davidson offers several types of teeth whitening, including:

In-office chairside teeth whitening

In-office chairside whitening can make your teeth up to eight* shades brighter in under an hour. During this type of treatment, Dr. Davidson covers your tongue and gums with a protective dam. Then, he applies a peroxide gel to your teeth and lets it rest for 20-30 minutes. Dr. Davidson repeats these steps multiple times until your teeth are the desired shade of white.

Take-home teeth whitening trays

Take-home whitening trays make it easy to brighten your smile at home. Each kit contains a bottle of peroxide gel and two plastic mouthpieces. You line the mouthpieces with the peroxide gel and wear them for three to four hours at a time, whenever is most convenient. Gradually, they cut through stains, brightening your smile.

Does teeth whitening last forever?

Teeth whitening treatment doesn’t last forever, but it’s possible to maintain your results for six months (and sometimes longer) by practicing good oral hygiene. Dr. Davidson recommends brushing and flossing daily and visiting the office two times a year for an oral exam and professional cleaning.

To see if you’re a candidate for teeth whitening, make an appointment at the practice of Dr. Robert Davidson, DDS, P.C. by calling the office to speak with a caring member of the administrative staff or by clicking the online booking tool. 

*Individual results may vary.