Teeth Whitening Specialist

Why are my teeth less white than they used to be?

Many factors can change the shade of your smile, but the aging process is one of the most common reasons. The outermost layer of your teeth is a thin shell of hard tissue called enamel, which is naturally white in color. Just beneath lies another layer of hard tissue called dentin that’s yellow in color.

As the years pass, you naturally lose some of your enamel, allowing more of the yellow dentin to show through. Some people don’t notice their teeth yellowing until they reach retirement age or beyond, while others experience yellowed teeth even as teens.

Additional causes of tooth staining and discoloration include:

• Excessive exposure to fluoride
• Food and drinks that stain, including berries, coffee, wine, and tea
• Traumatic injury
• Poor dental hygiene
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Certain medications

Clearly, some of these factors are within your control while others cannot be easily avoided. 

How does professional teeth whitening work?

Professional teeth whitening works by blasting apart stains to reveal a whiter smile. When you arrive for in-office whitening, Dr. Alexander begins by protecting your tongue and other soft tissues.

Then, he carefully applies a powerful whitening solution to the front sides of your teeth. Some systems use a special light to activate the whitening solution, while others simply sit in place for a few moments to remove stains. 

Dr. Alexander then removes the whitening solution and thoroughly rinses your mouth. In-office whitening can boost your smile by several shades in just one visit. 

Another approach is at-home whitening using a tray-based system. Dr. Alexander provides you with a whitening kit that contains a powerful whitening gel. You simply place a thin line of gel in the trays, pop them into place, and wear them for a short time. At-home whitening takes more time than in-office whitening, but it also allows you to control the shade of your smile. 

What can I do to extend my results after professional teeth whitening?

Once you see your gleaming new smile, you’ll want to do everything possible to extend those results. If you’re a smoker, quitting the habit will go a long way toward keeping your smile healthy and bright. 

If you enjoy red wine, coffee, or other food and drinks that stain your teeth, rinsing your mouth after consuming those foods can help prevent stains from setting in. If dental hygiene habits contributed to your discoloration, Dr. Alexander will show you techniques to keep your smile clean and fresh. 

If medications or traumatic injury caused changes in the color of your teeth, dental veneers might offer a better solution. Dr. Alexander will discuss all available options during your visit and help you select the right fit for your needs. 

Call the office or click to book your visit to make today the day you take one step closer to your ideal smile.