And tooth discoloration can get in the way of that confidence. Thankfully, there are many teeth whitening options these days to help with that.
Different things, ranging from decay, staining, and medication, can cause tooth discoloration; different kinds of tooth discoloration respond differently to treatment. Due to these factors, teeth whitening isn’t the same for everyone.
Here are 7 factors to take into account if you’re considering whitening your teeth.
1. The Type of Discoloration
We can group tooth stains into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic discoloration involves stains on the outside of the teeth. We are talking about stains from things such as red wine, cola, food dyes, tea, and smoking. Intrinsic discoloration stems from something internal, such as infection, illness, medication, or trauma.
Generally, extrinsic stains are a lot easier to treat than intrinsic stains. Whitening treatments may be able to reverse years of extrinsic discoloration, whereas intrinsic stains won’t respond nearly as well to the same kinds of treatments.
2. The Original Color of Your Teeth
Teeth whitening treatments tend to work well if your teeth have yellow undertones. If your teeth naturally have more of a grayish or brownish tint to them, you may need more extensive whitening treatment.
3. The Type of Teeth Whitening Treatment
Over-the-counter methods are popular and generally safe. Whitening strips only whiten the front teeth. If you have crowns on your back teeth, this might be a good thing to try out. Toothpastes and rinses are among your least expensive options. However, be leery of any over-the-counter product claiming “immediate results.”
These products are less effective than in office treatments, and they might not produce the desired result, especially when heavy stains or crooked teeth are involved. It’s always a good idea to consult with your dentist before beginning any teeth bleaching process, as they can help you choose the right product for your specific smile goals.
Professional bleaching is considered the safest, most effective whitening method and produces the fastest results. At Staley Dental, we offer custom whitening trays. Trays are designed to fit over your teeth and hold the bleaching gel snugly against the teeth. You will receive your trays within two appointments and will see results within just a few short weeks of wearing your tray as directed by your dentist.
4. The Condition of Your Teeth
Crown and veneer material won’t be affected by bleaching agents. Only natural teeth can be whitened. To avoid a mixture of shades in your smile, the goal is to get your natural teeth the same color as your existing crowns or veneers. Since this complicates the bleaching process, you should contact your dentist about teeth whitening if you have crowns or veneers.
As mentioned earlier, some stains are extrinsic and easier to treat than intrinsic stains. Other times, enamel erosion, a condition in which your enamel begins to wear away and the dentin becomes more visible, is what causes a yellow appearance. You need a dentist to diagnose and treat this condition. Staining, cracks, chips, and severe sensitivity can all be signs of enamel erosion.
5. Your Age
Some teeth whitening treatments are not suitable for kids. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends waiting until kids have all their permanent teeth as well as consulting their dentist before performing teeth bleaching. Although most whitening products are relatively safe, parents need to monitor their adolescents’ use of over-the-counter teeth whitening products. Overuse can have harmful oral effects, including increased sensitivity.
6. The Duration of Your Teeth Whitening Treatment
If you’re using whitening trays, for example, expect better results if you wear your trays overnight versus a couple times per day (always clear this option with your dentist first). If you’re using an over-the-counter product, it may take longer to see results, so the amount of time you stick with the product has a direct relationship to the outcome of the process.
7. Your Oral Routine and Lifestyle
While some staining and discoloration can’t be avoided, some can. If you continue smoking or drinking dark drinks, for example, your teeth will easily return to their previous color. No whitening treatment is permanent, no matter how good, and if you’d like to maintain optimal brightness, you might consider follow-up whitening appointments every few years or periodic re-bleaching using your custom trays.
We’re here to give you the bright, white smile you deserve.
If you’re curious about whitening your teeth and want to learn more about what that process will look like for you, reach out to us. At Staley Dental, we’re here for you each step of the way. You can give us a call or request an evaluation using our online form.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in dental care and teeth whitening, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. With years of first-hand expertise, I have helped numerous individuals achieve a brighter, more confident smile. Allow me to provide you with information related to the concepts used in this article.
Tooth discoloration is a common concern that can impact one's confidence. Fortunately, there are plenty of teeth whitening options available today to address this issue. It's important to understand that tooth discoloration can be caused by various factors, including decay, staining, and medication. Different types of tooth discoloration may respond differently to treatment, making teeth whitening a personalized experience for each individual.
Let's explore the 7 factors to consider when contemplating teeth whitening:
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The Type of Discoloration: Tooth stains can be categorized as extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are located on the outside of the teeth and are often caused by substances like red wine, cola, food dyes, tea, and smoking. Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, originate from internal factors such as infection, illness, medication, or trauma. Generally, extrinsic stains are easier to treat compared to intrinsic stains.
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The Original Color of Your Teeth: Teeth whitening treatments tend to be more effective for individuals with yellow undertones in their teeth. If your teeth have a grayish or brownish tint, you may require more extensive whitening treatment.
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The Type of Teeth Whitening Treatment: Over-the-counter methods, such as whitening strips, toothpastes, and rinses, are popular and affordable options. However, it's essential to be cautious of products claiming "immediate results," as they may not deliver the desired outcome, especially for heavy stains or crooked teeth. Consulting with your dentist before starting any teeth bleaching process is advisable, as they can guide you towards the right product for your specific smile goals. Professional bleaching, performed by a dentist, is considered the safest and most effective method, providing fast results. Custom whitening trays, designed to fit over your teeth and hold the bleaching gel against them, are frequently used in professional treatments.
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The Condition of Your Teeth: It's important to note that bleaching agents only affect natural teeth, not crown or veneer materials. If you have crowns or veneers, it's crucial to achieve a uniform shade between your natural teeth and existing dental work. This may add complexity to the bleaching process, requiring you to consult with your dentist for guidance. Additionally, some stains may indicate enamel erosion, which should be diagnosed and treated by a dentist.
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Your Age: Teeth whitening treatments may not be suitable for children. It is recommended to wait until all permanent teeth have erupted before considering teeth bleaching. Parents should closely supervise their adolescents' use of over-the-counter whitening products, as overuse can cause increased sensitivity and other oral issues.
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The Duration of Your Teeth Whitening Treatment: The duration and frequency of teeth whitening treatments can impact the results. For example, wearing whitening trays overnight may yield better results than using them a couple of times per day. Over-the-counter products may require more time to show visible improvements, so the length of time you use the product directly affects the outcome.
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Your Oral Routine and Lifestyle: While some staining and discoloration are unavoidable, certain habits can contribute to tooth discoloration. For instance, smoking or consuming dark drinks can easily reverse the effects of teeth whitening. It's important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine and consider follow-up whitening appointments every few years or periodic re-bleaching using custom trays to maintain optimal brightness.
At Staley Dental, we are committed to helping you achieve the bright, white smile you deserve. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the teeth whitening process, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to guide you every step of the way. You can contact us by phone or through our online form to request an evaluation.
